Health Highlights: March 5, 2020

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Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

‘Skull Breaker’ Challenge Puts Kids at Serious Injury Risk

A dangerous new social media fad called the skull breaker challenge puts children and teens at risk for serious injury, officials warned Wednesday.

The video challenge that’s circulating on TikTok involves two people tricking another person into standing side-by-side with them and jumping. Then, they kick his legs out from under the unsuspecting person, who crashes to the ground and could suffer serious injuries such as broken bones and head injuries, CBS News reported.

In late February, the Los Angeles County Sheriff issued an advisory amid reports that the the social media trend has led to numerous injuries among middle school students across the United States, and similar warnings have been issued by officials and experts nationwide.

“It’s really important that parents and teachers are explaining to kids that this is actually an assault. It’s a form of cyber-bullying and it absolutely has to stop,” child psychiatrist Dr. Jodi Gold told CBS News. “You are now recording yourself assaulting someone and now you’ve put it out publicly, so absolutely this is going to follow you.”

In Cherry Hill, N.J., two 13-year-olds pulled the prank on a classmate, who was hospitalized with a closed head injury and a concussion that caused a seizure.

The two seventh graders have been charged with both third-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering an injured victim, CBS News reported.

After announcing the charges, acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill Mayer urged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of such social media pranks.

“While the challenges may seem funny or get views on social media platforms, they can have serious and long-lasting health consequences,” she said. “By having this talk with your kids, we hope to prevent future injuries and raise awareness about the real danger of some of these online trends.”

“At best, you’ll get a bruise. At worst, you could die,” Dr. Richard Lebow, an emergency room physician at Medstar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, told CBS News.

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Mariah Carey Latest Performer to Change Tour Due To Coronavirus Outbreak

Mariah Carey is the latest performer to cancel or postpone a show amid the spread of the new coronavirus.

Carey said she’s rescheduling her March concert in Honolulu to November because of “evolving international travel restrictions” associated with the coronavirus outbreak, NBC News reported.

Last month, rapper Khalid postponed shows in several Asian countries and Korean pop group BTS canceled a tour that was scheduled to start in Seoul, South Korea in April.

Other artists who’ve made changes in show schedules include Green Day and Avril Lavigne, NBC News reported.

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