Killing Us Softly (and Early): Chronic Stress and America’s Life Expectancy Crisis

Life expectancy is a key indicator of a nation’s health and well-being. However, despite having similar resources to other developed countries, life expectancy has seen a concerning decline in America. Most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals U.S. life expectancy has declined to 76.4 years, the shortest in nearly two decades.

When compared with other high-income countries, the United States falls short. Premature deaths have reached historically high rates, and the U.S. has among the highest maternal and infant mortality rates among its counterparts.

Physicians and public health experts have identified chronic stress as not just a significant contributing factor to this life expectancy crisis but also a societal epidemic.

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5 key insights from the Pediatric Immune Health Summit.

5 Key Insights From The Pediatric Immune Health Summit

Between October 26-28, dedicated pediatric health professionals gathered in Boston, MA, for three immersive days of cutting-edge education, hands-on clinical training, dynamic networking, and vital knowledge sharing at the Pediatric Immune Health Summit.

Throughout the expertly curated program, attendees gained exclusive access to the latest insights and integrative strategies from pioneering thought leaders in functional pediatric medicine. Across 30 information-packed sessions, presenters offered an in-depth exploration of timely pediatric immune health topics ranging from the implications of polyvagal theory for pediatric patients to optimizing early childhood development through the gut microbiome.

The Pediatric Immune Health Summit was an exceptional educational experience, and we want to ensure that the groundbreaking insights presented extend beyond the conference walls. We’ve distilled five of the most impactful lectures into key clinical takeaways so you, too, can benefit from the trailblazing education presented at this highly anticipated pediatric event.

Read on for a summary of standout sessions and actionable pearls you can integrate into your practice right away.

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Advances In Decoding Pediatric Immune Development

The development of immune competence in early life is foundational for pediatric health. Recent revelations in immunology provide key insights for practitioners in supporting this critical process.

The immune system is the body’s defense force, working non-stop to identify and eradicate invading pathogens. This protection is particularly vital in children as their bodies are still growing and developing immunologic maturity. The pediatric immune system consists of two complementary branches: innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity forms the first line of defense present from birth, providing rapid, generalized protection against pathogens.

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