List date(s) this work was published or aired.
APRIL 10, 2011; APRIL 12, 2011; JUNE 14, 2011; JUNE 29, 2011.
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Girls are hitting puberty earlier than at any time in history, and doctors say that obesity and environmental chemicals may be to blame. Children are now developing chronic diseases once seen only in middle age. Shade could be a powerful weapon against cancer, both by preventing skin cancer and by encouraging physical activity, yet there is remarkably little shade at any of the places where kids spend their summers. Measles and other preventable diseases are making a come-back as parents skip or delay vaccinations for their kids.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
No FOIAs.
Explain types of human sources used.
Interviewed many families.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No corrections.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
I gathered string for these stories for months, then put the cover together in a few weeks. That’s a good strategy if you’re busy covering a beat and your editor doesn’t let you break away for enterprise stories.