The US Department of Health and Human Services just released a report titled “Stresses of poverty may impair learning ability in young children.” New NIH research indicates that stress hormone may inhibit brain function and stifle achievement. Quoting the report, “High levels of stress hormones influence the developing circuitry of children's brains, inhibiting such higher cognitive functions such as planning, impulse and emotional control, and attention. Known collectively as executive functions, these mental abilities are important for academic success.”