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Statins for Children: A Knee Jerk Reaction
By Larry Seitz | July 24, 2008
On July 7, 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a recommendation that wider screening for cholesterol be considered for children. Apparently, the argument is that by administering cholesterol-lowering drugs classified as statins to children as early as 8 years old, adult heart problems may be prevented.
The SunPower Kidz™ are having a difficult time understanding the motivation for this line of reasoning.
It has been well documented that there are dangers associated with elevated levels of LDL cholesterol. This type, which clings to the walls of arteries, eventually becomes a hardened fixture blocking the free passage of blood. But where in the literature does it claim that the arterial bed of a child has developed the LDL cholesterol? What about the rights of a child?
There are too many factors involved to support a supposedly salient recommendation without considering the entire picture. This approach of action is based upon fear rather than substantial scientific studies specifically for this age group. Fostering this argument as the accepted course of action reeks of questionable decision making and could be potentially dangerous.
Until definite studies can support this approach for such young children, the only ones who ultimately benefit from this proclamation are the manufacturers of the drugs and the referring professionals. What parent would question the pediatrician’s recommendation? The guilt and angst of making a contrary decision can weigh heavily on any parent. After all, what parent would refuse a pill to prevent their child from the potential of later year cardiovascular implosion?
In nature for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Isn’t there a logical approach not to suppress the natural development of chemicals in our body? Aren’t certain compounds, like cholesterol there for a reason? The great architect who devised our bodies certainly knows his stuff!
How about this novel approach. Instead of ingesting chemicals in our youth based on hypothetical musings, maybe we should consider what the mission of the SunPower Kidz™ has always been. Staying active, like each and every one of them do and eating foods that we know won’t introduce or at least reduce the chance for harmful changes to accelerate diseases and conditions of any kind. Imagine actually eating unprocessed, organic and natural foods that existed centuries ago?
I always thought one of the crucial roles of any pediatrician is to educate his patients and the families to understand not only about cholesterol but why it is important to use your body actively while filling it with things to make us grow “big and strong.”
Maybe we should consider Fosamax or some other medication for all eight-year-old girls to avoid early undetected osteoporosis or osteopenia. Why not? After all, it might help the future problem but then again cause other documented health issues. Where is the logic here? Certainly, it is a ridiculous proposal. But then I ask when does this child experimentation end? The tip of the iceberg has been spotted.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet…” This is just the beginning. Soon, other medications will finally be questioned and declared inappropriate as the public seeks greater understanding of childhood conditions and diseases that have become all to quickly diagnosed erroneously. There are numerous decent parents out there whose voices need to be heard. Let us stand up for the rights of our children before these too are questioned.
For all the parents who feel coerced into a decision anecdotally based upon supposed preventative but poorly researched determinations consider this. You have the right to think long and hard and ask many questions about what the educated conclusions were used to arrive at this decision. Let it not be a knee jerk reaction.
Abigail Apple™, one of the many healthy and active SunPower Kidz™. Did you eat your 5+ fruits and vegetables today?
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