"Once scientists learned that smoking changes the brain, making it very difficult to quit, we were able to devise treatments to help smokers change their behavior.
"Today we are witnessing another health revolution that is just as far-reaching. It concerns the effects of mistreatment on the brains of young children. It will force us to rethink the way we deliver services - health care, education, and more - to our most vulnerable. And it has particular urgency in Philadelphia....
"Fortunately, social workers, police departments, educators, doctors, and nurses are starting to apply this knowledge to their work nationwide. Last month, the Institute for Safe Families and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation hosted the first national summit of professionals who are using the biology of stress and the research on adverse childhood experiences in their fields and communities....
"Now we know that these health problems are caused by early life experiences that affect the development of brains and therefore bodies. Spreading that knowledge is the first step toward improving health and saving lives."
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20130619_Early_trauma__lasting_damage.html
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