Research that Benefits Children and Families: An Uplifting Story

One topic that jogged my memory and interest this past week is the devastating physical and emotional hardship of childhood leakaemia. My husband's aunt, Dr. Patricia Buffler, the Dean of Nursing at the University of California Berkley, has been the head of research on childhood leukaemia and recently found that their are significant benefits to children attending day cares and schools during early years and the prevention of leukaemia. Through Dr. Buffler's interview with BBC News UK, she explains how early exposure to illness and experiencing coughs and colds will actually boosts a young child's immune system against more severe illness, such as leukaemia - a malignant blood disorder (Buffler, 2008). She summarizes that by attending a playgroup, a child's risk of developing one common type of leukaemia is cut by about 30% according to research (Buffler, 2008).
This current research being conducted on childhood leukaemia, that involves children in physical studies, has a great benefit to all those with this childhood illness. By studying the impact of children being involved in playgroups and day care programs, with minimal exposure risk, we can help prevent the bigger risk of such a horrific disease. Dr. Buffler's research at the University of California has certainly provided further insight into this severe childhood illness. 


References
Buffler, Patricia. (Speaker). (2008 April 29). Daycare 'cuts leakaemia risk'. [Interview]. UK: BBC News. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7372568.stm

My Personal Research Journey

The topic I chose for the research simulation is the development of fine and gross motor skills in early childhood. Specifically, I would like to reflect more on the following three subtopics: pattern of normal development of fine and gross motor skills for children between the ages of birth to two years, methods of promoting positive muscle growth and skills through types of movement activities in the home and school, and how surroundings and relationships influence developing muscle function during early childhood. Personally, I have a scientific background through my undergraduate studies in college, and I find the growth and development of the human body, especially from such a young age, to be fascinating. Already, I have read through a few professional articles on the topic of how motor skills are best learned, practiced, and refined through early childhood and have grown more interested in finding out more on how this area of early chlidhood development can be applied in my field and program. I have background in researching for projects and papers, but some of the simulation processes is a new experience.

After completing the research chart, which was a new process for me, I feel as if it helped me to organize my thoughts and the information provided. I think it is a great organizational tool when reviewing resources for research. From the Professor Davis’ comments, there were a few areas that I could review again and make changes to for the future. I think I tend to elaborate in certain areas beyond what may be needed - an area of writing I would like to simplify - so this assignment put that idea into perspective for me as I continue my research. If anyone has any suggestions for me regarding the simulation research project, my topic, or resources that have benefited you - please feel free to share!

Caitlin

(Blog 2)