Researchers have discovered that they're clear indictors of a child's future health outcomes. The culprit is the stress hormone cortisol, which is toxic to a child, said Jennifer Mervyn, a psychologist and ACE consultant. Brains 'want to change'Researchers have discovered that cortisol can have a structural impact on a child's brain, Mervyn said. "It really comes down to creating an environment where that child has been removed from that toxic stress," Mervyn said. Mervyn said the findings also point to the need for greater investment in youth mental health and substance abuse programs.

Source: CBC News March 17, 2018 18:00 UTC