April 21 to 28 is National Infant Immunization Week, an annual observance promoting the benefits of vaccinations for children from birth to 2 years old. With that recognition also reignites the debate over the importance of vaccinations. Becky S. Carothers, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group – Broadway, said vaccinations are crucial for everyone….
As a health educator with Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness, I have taught Teen Wellness Workshops at Jefferson County Public Schools. Our first Teen Wellness Workshop was two years ago at Atherton High School. Since then, we’ve held about four workshops there, educating nearly 700 students. In these workshops, teens learn about healthy eating, pedestrian…
The documentary “Screenagers” features a woman who is both a mother and pediatrician searching for the answer to how much screen time is appropriate for kids. Norton Children’s Prevention and Wellness is hosting a screening for middle school and high school students and parents so families can begin the conversation around how technology affects our…
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get out and get active after a long, cold winter. But first, here’s a little tip: Turn off the phone! When it comes to walking and riding bikes, nearly 13 percent of middle-schoolers and 20 percent of high-schoolers are distracted by their phones or ear buds while outside….
When parents think of drug overdoses in kids, many think of street drugs such as bath salts, marijuana or ecstasy. However, parents need to keep in mind the dangers associated with drugs right in their own medicine cabinet. Child and teen overdoses associated with prescription drugs found in the home are on the rise. According…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks dental decay as the most common chronic disease in youth ages 5 and 17 Teaching dental hygiene starts early — as soon as the first tooth comes in. Just because older kids are able to brush by themselves does not mean they don’t need a reminder about…
Laundry pods, makeup, ibuprofen. If your child has ever gotten into one of these items, you’re not alone. The Kentucky Poison Control Center of Norton Children’s Hospital recently released a list of products that generated the most calls involving children last year. Leading the way were cleaning products — laundry pods, bleach and dishwasher packets….
School is a place for learning, creating and socializing. However, it also can be a place where illnesses spread and injuries happen. Libby Mims, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group – Shepherdsville, highlighted several common reasons for school-related doctor’s visits. Sore/strep throat Strep throat, which is very common among young children and teens, is…
Intimate partner violence and sexual violence are both serious and significant public health problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 10 percent of high school students report having experienced either physical dating violence or sexual dating violence. Many victims first encounter sexual violence before their 18th birthday. Findings from the National…
Teen depression is a big issue many of us often overlook. According to the National Institutes of Health, only half of teen depression cases get diagnosed before adulthood, and two in three adolescents don’t get the treatment they need. “Teens who are depressed are at high risk to develop many serious problems that can lead to harming…
Nearly 10 children a day come to a Norton Children’s emergency department for constipation. It’s also the No. 1 reason for stomachaches. Yes, you read that right. Several things can cause constipation, but one of the easiest to fix is diet. Norton Children’s Gastroenterology (502) 588-2330 “Not eating enough fiber can definitely have an effect…
Living with cancer at any age is difficult, but experiencing cancer as a teen is especially difficult when you’re trying to be “normal.” T.J. Branham’s sister, Kayla, opens up about her teen brother’s diagnosis and his incredible strength throughout his cancer journey. I remember so clearly getting the call from him almost in tears saying…