Heat, Kid’s Health Eyed

A medical group yesterday warned that skyrocketing oil prices endanger the health of young children in low-income neighborhoods.

Testifying before a hearing hosted by Joe Kennedy’s nonprofit Citizens Energy Corp., a representative of the Children’s Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Program said children who live in inadequately heated homes require more hospitalization, lose weight and acquire development problems.

A teary eyed Ketline Leonard, holding her two-year-old daughter Kayla, said she can barely make ends meet, let alone pay for energy to heat her home.

Kennedy, who heads the nonprofit, and congressional members sent a letter yesterday urging President Bush to boost funding for fuel-assistance programs.