Letter: First 5 years set development

There is no time like the present to change the future!

We are saddened and dismayed by the horribly tragic deaths in Newtown, Conn. We ask why such random, senseless acts continue to occur amongst our society. The answer is within us, in our biology.

Yes, sadly and factually, children growing up in environments exposed to regular, repeated psychological traumas become hard wired differently from those growing up in less stressful environments. Children reared in such environments are frequently referred to as resilient, tough and able to overcome. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Through decades of scientific research, we know repeated exposure to toxic stress prematurely ages our genes, our DNA. Our bodies have 23 sets of chromosomes containing our genes. Our chromosomes become damaged when frequently exposed to stress. Gene function is permanently impacted. Genes produce biological chemicals that manage our thoughts, heartbeat, blood pressure, hormones and all other human functions.

Think of yourself as a bundle of genes impacted every day by the environment in which you live. Environmental influences trigger genes into action, thus determining your health and your health outcomes.

We have entirely too many children in America repetitively exposed to psychological traumas, such as domestic violence, emotional abuse, physical abuse, divorce, substance use/abuse. Very importantly, this does not occur only to “those children.” This occurs to children from all walks of life. As a civilized society, we must all be responsible for their present and future.

What do we do with the above information? Invest heavily in a society that supports mothers enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Then bathe that wonderful infant brain in as healthy of an environment as humanly possible. Do so for at least the first 1,826 days of life (five years). The first five years of life are the critical period of human development by which we are biologically wired for school success or not. Where does such a society exist? Here if you want it to. It exists in the greater Baton Rouge area in Baton Rouge, Clinton, Convent, Donaldsonville, Greensburg, Livingston, New Roads, Plaquemine and St. Francisville. These are the parish seats of societies in which we live. It is up to each of us to improve our society. It’s time to close the gap between what we know and what we do.

If you are reading this, thank your first teachers, likely your parents. Then give your time to a child that needs you and give your money to organizations that support the first 1,826 days of life. The very survival of our communities (and species) depends on it.

Stewart T. Gordon, M.D.

pediatrician

Baton Rouge

Comments

1) Comment by Stephen - 21/12/2012

SuzanneMS has given us some good ideas. Thank you. Perhaps Dr. Gordon could add to the list? I would like to hear his ideas as well.

2) Comment by SuzanneMS - 21/12/2012

What if, rather than being "useless, bad or broken" such parents are simply ignorant because they were not properly parented themselves? How about parent training classes that help these parents to learn how to parent? Expanded early literacy programs through the public libraries and Early Head Start that help children and parents develop vital early literacy skills? Adequate funding of public libraries so that the necessary resources are available to all, regardless of income? Adequate funding of daycare, so that children whose parents are both working will be cared for in an emotionally healthy and mentally stimulating environment, rather than being simply warehoused all day? And for those children who are being abused and must be removed from the home, a better system of foster care, one that places them with caring, competent parental substitutes who will provide them with a stimulating and nurturing environment.

3) Comment by tradewinns - 21/12/2012

based on what the article states, the child is lost prior to schooling beginning. if the parents are the problem (and i believe they are) the only salvation for the child and therefore society, is to remove the child from the "useless, bad, broken, whatever branding you choose" parents. orphanages are not the best correction but they are way ahead of leaving them in their present situation.

4) Comment by DMJ - 21/12/2012

Jesus, Gerald. What are you talking about? "Tools of the left"? Are you now distrustful of education because you see a liberal conspiracy everywhere?? Get a grip, brother. You're creeping everyone out.

5) Comment by [e-mail] - 21/12/2012

Dr. Gordon is right, but what can be done collectively? It's up to parents to provide a good environment for their child, not for all others; if they abrogate that responsibility then it falls to our public schools to teach basic education, and not to attempt to shape students otherwise. Unfortunately our schools have allowed themselves to become tools of the left and now believe that their most important goal is to get little Johnny to play well with others and believe that he is the center of the universe.

6) Comment by Stephen - 21/12/2012

There are a number of things we can do. If the parents do not do it, it is not simply "their" problem. It becomes our problem in a few short years. The gap between what we know and what we do is wide. The good news is that we know what to. Now, we need to organize to get it done. Go watch the Ted Talk by David R. Dow on youtube. He outlines some of the high costs of doing nothing. Thanks Dr. Gordon for your contribution.