Every child eventually grows out of their pediatrician’s office, but the path to finding a new adult primary care provider doesn’t have to be stressful. “A little bit of planning and preparation can help your child with a smooth transition from pediatric to adult care,” said Becky Carothers, M.D., pediatrician and medical director of Norton…
If your child has experienced a concussion, whether it happened during a sporting event or another type of accident, seeing a neurologist is not always necessary. Most primary care providers are able to offer guidance for managing symptoms (such as headaches, trouble thinking or fatigue), provide a concussion treatment plan, monitor progress during follow-up visits,…
Infants and newborns have sensitive skin, and daily baths with soap can be irritating. Overbathing can lead to dryness, itchiness or a rash that can develop into a skin infection. “Parents often wonder how often they should bathe their baby,” said Kelly L. Willbur, APRN, nurse practitioner with Norton Children’s Medical Group – Poplar Level….
Respiratory illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 have been spreading this winter, but pediatricians have seen COVID-19 significantly outpace RSV in recent months. In mid-February, pediatrician offices with Norton Children’s Medical Group reported 151 cases of COVID-19 and only four cases of RSV. “RSV is typically worse during the winter months, and we…
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common type of chronic liver disease in children and young people, and providers are seeing more cases of this condition in conjunction with the rise in childhood obesity. NAFLD is more prevalent in Asian and Hispanic ethnicities. What is fatty liver disease? NAFLD is a liver condition…
Babies get their first shots in the hospital, likely on the day they’re born. The hepatitis B (hep B) vaccine, which protects against a viral liver infection, is administered quickly. This disease can be present without any symptoms. Babies who are infected with hepatitis B have a higher risk of developing cancer and deadly infections…
Knowing the signs of anxiety and depression in children has become even more important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and more families have sought help for their children’s mental health over the past two years. Although most kids are now back in school and have returned to many of their pre-pandemic routines, with vaccinations more…
You occasionally hear about it on the news: A seemingly healthy child suddenly collapses or dies after cardiac arrest on the football field or basketball court, or during another sporting event. But any teenager can have sudden cardiac arrest, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends screening all children, not just those involved…
Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. If your child says their ear hurts, you may wonder: Could it be an ear infection? Middle ear infection (otitis media) is the most common type of ear infection. While some symptoms are easy for parents to spot, others may be more difficult to identify,…
Although babies can go outside when it’s cold, their bodies aren’t equipped to handle the extreme temperatures yet. They shouldn’t be out in the elements for very long, and there are some precautions to take when dressing babies for cold weather. “Parents should keep in mind that babies aren’t able to regulate their body temperatures…
Teething alone won’t cause diarrhea. A child could have looser stools while teething, as sore gums could encourage them to drink or nurse more, increasing fluid intake. Parents should take it seriously, however, if a child is having diarrhea throughout the day. “Some parents tend to think that the diarrhea is less serious if it’s…
Some time without parents in the exam room can help a teen develop trust with their health care provider and lead to valuable conversations about mental health, sexual health, substance use and bullying. Teens can take it on themselves to call ahead about seeing their health care provider one on one or mention it to…