Families in Waukesha County will participate in a national study of childrens' health. Dr. Christine Cronk is with the Medical College of Wisconsin , and will oversee Waukesha County's participation in the study. "Nothing like this has ever been done before," said Cronk. "This is a one of a kind, very expensive study. It was mandated by Congress, and we think it's going to do an immense amount of good."
Researchers plan to follow hundreds of kids in Waukesha County, from birth to age 21, as part of the National Children's Study . Katie Miller is community liaison at the Medical College. "I think what people in Waukesha County really need to know about the study a this point, is that there's a lot of work being done behind the scenes which will become more and more evident as we get closer to actually going out in the field."
The study is expected to eventually include 100,000 children in Wisconsin and six other states. The focus is on seven primary areas: birth defects, genetics, brain development, injuries, obesity, asthma and social exposure.