The AAP Offers Condolences and Support to Japan

In a letter to the Japanese Pediatric Society, the AAP expressed condolences to children, families and pediatricians in Japan suffering the effects of the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

AAP President O. Marion Burton, MD, FAAP, offered resources on children and disasters, guidance on children and family adjustment, and on radiation exposure.

U.S. pediatricians are also reminded that U.S. children may have stressful reactions, and may develop Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome from exposure to images of the disaster in the media.
 
HealthyChildren.org offers additional resources to help U.S. parents talk about the earthquake with their children, and to prepare a disaster kit.
 
Getting Your Family Prepared for a Disaster
Family Disaster Supplies List
Healthy Children Radio: Talking About Tough Subjects With Children