Infectious Disease, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Treating the flu in kids

If your child is feeling ill and you can’t quickly be seen by your pediatrician’s office, here are some helpful answers and suggestions based on questions our physicians and nurses are commonly asked. Helping my child at home Flu treatment for kids focuses on the fever and discomfort, with rest and over-the-counter medications to ease their…

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Flu, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Flu or a stomach virus? How to tell the difference

Does your child have a fever? Are they throwing up? What about diarrhea? You may be wondering if it is the flu or a stomach virus.  Sometimes what we call the flu really is a stomach bug, or vice versa — and sometimes there are specific symptoms that can offer up some clues. “Many people use…

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Flu, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Norton Children’s seeing an increase in RSV cases

Norton Children’s is seeing an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. Several hundred cases were diagnosed in December alone. “We’re seeing a lot of RSV, and cases are continuing to go up. So emergency departments are very busy; pediatrician offices are very busy,” said Kristina A. Bryant, M.D., a pediatric infectious diseases physician with Norton Children’s…

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Norton Childrens Medical Group

Walking pneumonia increasing among young children nationwide

Walking pneumonia is on the rise in the United States, especially among young children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s a trend being noticed at Norton Children’s Medical Group practices as well. “It is dramatically increased compared with past years,” said Amael A. Shalash, M.D., a pediatrician with Norton Children’s…

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Heart, Kentucky Poison Control Center, News, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Side effects of energy drinks in kids and teens

Energy drinks, sports drinks and other beverages with high amounts of caffeine and added sugar can make kids and adults, sleepless, jittery and anxious. Increased heart rate and high blood pressure are other risks of highly caffeinated energy drinks. In children and teens, the child and parent may not be aware of all that’s in…

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Norton Childrens Hospital, Norton Childrens Medical Group, Prevention & Wellness

Back to school and back-to-school germs

It’s not just kids back in class. School is now in session for germs — viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses that make your child (or you) sick. Most common illnesses can be prevented with regular hand-washing and not sharing food utensils and drinks. As a parent, what do you need to watch for? Here…

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Norton Childrens Medical Group

How do I limit screen time for kids?

Now that most kids are back in school, how can you limit screen time? Pediatrician recommendations The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers the following guidance for younger children: With the exception of video chatting, the recommendation is no screen time for kids 18 months and younger. For kids 18 to 24 months, no solo screen time…

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Norton Childrens Medical Group, Norton Community Medical Associates

Norton Healthcare, Norton Children’s expanding care in Bowling Green

Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s are expanding services in Western Kentucky through the integration of a well-respected primary care practice in the Bowling Green community. The $1.2 million investment to integrate the former Bowling Green Internal Medicine & Pediatric Associates into Norton Children’s and Norton Healthcare offices allows for enhanced primary care, building on significant…

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Endocrinology, News, Norton Childrens Medical Group, Orthopedics

Norton Healthcare, Norton Children’s expand services in Westport Plaza

Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s continue to fulfill their promise to expand access to health care with the opening of a new multipractice location in Westport Plaza in northeastern Louisville. The 21,000-square-foot space — a $9.5 million investment — includes Norton Healthcare’s first same-day orthopedic injury care center and the first multidisciplinary office to house…

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Autism, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Genetic tests provided as part of study for kids referred for possible autism

Some children referred to Norton Children’s Development Center for evaluation of possible autism may be eligible for genetic testing at no cost as part of a research study. About 200 genes are known to be associated with autism spectrum disorder. Genetic testing can give your health care provider useful information about management of comorbidities in…

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Behavioral-Mental Health, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Discuss hyperactivity or inattention in a preschooler at your next well-child visit

Some signs and symptoms linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) actually can be a sign that your preschooler is developing exactly as they should. Your child’s behavior can be especially challenging at this age, and that’s perfectly normal as they start to gain some independence. Consistent check ups with your pediatrician in the preschool years are…

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Norton Childrens Medical Group

Checklist: What to bring to your baby’s first pediatrician appointment

Congratulations on your baby’s first pediatrician appointment! This milestone marks the beginning of your baby’s health care journey. To ensure a smooth and productive pediatrician visit, it’s important to come prepared with the right items. Pack your diaper bag and be prepared for a successful visit with your pediatrician at Norton Children’s Medical Group. Here…

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