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Resilience – The Key to Combatting Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs)

Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ, Children's Health, Diabetes Leave a comment   , , , , , , ,

The CDC’s Adverse Childhood Events Study (ACE study) revealed a remarkable connection between traumatic events in childhood and chronic diseases and social and emotional problems in adulthood. High ACE scores may mean significantly higher rates of heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes, depression and risk of suicide.

As you would expect, the higher your ACE score, the higher your risk of health issues in adulthood. Studies show with an ACE score of 4 or more your risk of a host of chronic health conditions increases by over 200%. Specifically the risk of depression increases by 400%; the risk of suicide by 1000%. Nearly two-thirds of adults have at least one ACE.

Staggering Statistics

  • An ACE score of 4 increases your odds of getting asthma by 73%
  • A traumatic event during childhood (just one ACE) can triple the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.

Does a high ACE score sentence you to a life filled with chronic disease? 

Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris believes the answer to that question is a resounding NO. She has personally seen the positive impact of interventional programs where healthcare providers and community resources work together to support those at risk.


Dr. Harris’ approach suggests the following:

  • Screen all patients routinely to determine ACE scores.
  • Provide additional support to families with children with high ACE scores including home visits from professionals, mental health care, nutrition counseling, holistic interventions, and if needed, medications.
  • Educate parents on the negative impacts of chronic stress
  • Increase treatment for patients with asthma or diabetics with higher ACEs scores.

Resilience and Children with Chronic Diseases

Can we train our brains to be more resilient in the face of personal struggles and health problems?  Here are a few tips on how to help your child be more resilient.

Focus on the positive – Encourage your child to connect with friends and other adults.  Support activities and hobbies where your child can build relationships with those with similar interests and build confidence.

Banish Blame –Children may feel guilty that they have a chronic illness. Empower them to live their best life and work through their chronic disease’s challenges.

ACE hugFight Stress – Have your whole family learn a new technique to relieve stress such as yoga, mindfulness, or mediation. Parents need to practice what they preach!

Validate Emotions – Children may have difficulty verbalizing what they are feeling. Listen first and always acknowledge their feelings.

Remain Optimistic – Life is a journey and your child and family may experience setbacks. Help your child set and strive for realistic goals.

Hug Often – Don’t underestimate the value of a hug as a tangible reminder of your love and support. Research shows that giving and receiving hugs reduces stress, and has a host of health related benefits.

We’re All in This Together

ACEs affect all of us directly or indirectly regardless of income level, and impact lifelong health and social well-being. Together, we can lessen these effects by teaching and learning resilience skills, and adopting trauma-informed practices and policies.

Check out some of the resources below for more information about ACE and how to build resilience to combat the effects of chronic stress.

Additional Resources

CDC ACE Study Website
How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime – Ted Talk by Nadine Burke Harris, MD.
ACE Connections Blog
ACEs Quiz link
Six Skills to Help Build Resilience (narrated)
Building Resilience in Children
Wake County NC Resilience Initiative
Benefits of the 20 Second Hug


North Carolinians Hit Hard by Harsh Flu Season

Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ, Diabetes Leave a comment  

The NC Department of Health and Human Services released new figures about the total flu-related deaths in NC – the count has increased to 114, with 15 new deaths during the week of Jan. 11. Adults 65 and older have taken the hardest hit this flu season; doctors recommend everyone get the flu shot, especially children, elder adults, and those with asthma.

This year’s strain, H3N2, is particularly dangerous, and a mutation of the strain has limited the effectiveness of the flu shot. However, doctors still recommend the flu shot because it can make a difference in many cases. Common complications caused by the flu are sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. The flu can cause inflammation around the heart, dehydration, and can worsen medical conditions like asthma and diabetes.

If you have a chronic medical condition like asthma or diabetes, talk to your doctor about preventative care, like the flu shot, and also about a management plan if you contract the flu. The CDC recommends influenza antiviral drugs for high-risk patients; antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms, reduce the amount of time you have the flu by up to two days, and can prevent complications like pneumonia. Antiviral drugs are most effective when administered within two days of getting sick, but using them later can still be beneficial. In addition to getting a flu shot, take other precautions like washing your hands frequently, and sanitizing common areas and office workstations with disinfectants.  If you do contract the flu, it’s best to stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others.


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