Recent studies have shown that teenagers are not getting enough sleep, which can affect their health, grades, driving ability and mood. The American Academy of Pediatrics is citing that research in its new policy statement recommending later start times for middle schools and high schools. WVAS News spoke to Elmore County Schools Superintendent Jeff Langham about the report. Dr. Langham says there are way schools can help, even if it doesn't involve delayed start times. Langham says with delayed start times come delayed dismissals which could affect afterschool activities like sports practices and jobs. The Pediatrics report says most U.S. teens don't get the recommended amount of sleep, 8 to 9 hours on school nights.
Critical Condition
A Montgomery Police spokeswoman says the child hit by a vehicle Monday afternoon remains in critical condition and has been transferred to Children's Hospital in Birmingham. MPD Sgt. Denise Barnes said authorities are withholding the child's name. The youngster was struck just before 3 p.m. at the intersection of Atlanta Highway and Federal Drive in front of Capitol Heights Middle School.
Stand Down
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System is hosting a Stand Down for Homeless Veterans. The two-day event begins on Thursday, August 28th and runs through Friday, August 29th. Tyrinda Hall, Healthcare for Homeless Veterans program coordinator, says the event will offer a wide variety of services to area veterans who have fallen on hard times. The Stand Down will be held at the Montgomery Farmers Market on Coliseum Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
ASU Research Grant
Alabama State University is receiving over one million dollars in grants to facilitate research that could lead to development of a chlamydia vaccine. The funds will also help create a program designed to boost the number of STEM doctoral students at ASU. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease for which there is no vaccine available. The grants are being awarded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. ASU's Department of Biological Sciences and the Center for NanoBiotechnology Research will carry out the work.