Development and initial validation of a sexual and gender minority competency-based survey for health service professionals.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals endure a number of health disparities, such as higher rates of violence, mental health conditions, and medical concerns. These disparities are exacerbated by the fact that SGM individuals face stigmatizing health care provider and system-related experiences. The primary purpose of this study was to quantify health service providers' SGM health competency by developing a measure, namely the Health Care Competency Assessment Form-Sexual and Gender Minority Patients (HCAF-SGM).

Providing Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth.

Transgender and gender diverse youth (TGDY) experience modifiable health disparities and difficulty accessing the physical and mental health care systems. Providers and staff should understand the unique needs of this population and provide affirming spaces where these resilient young people can thrive. In addition to addressing social, setting, and system level barriers to access, providers should consider offering comprehensive gender care because this reduces barriers to medical services and can improve health outcomes.

VItamin D supplementation in infants, children, and adolescents.

Vitamin D deficiency in children can have adverse health consequences, such as growth failure and rickets. In 2008,the American Academy of Pediatrics increased its recommended daily intake of vitamin D in infants, children, and adolescents to 400 IU. Infants who are breastfed and children and adolescents who consume less than 1 L of vitamin D-fortified milk per day will likely need supplementation to reach 400 IU of vitamin D per day.