Autism, Developmental-behavioral Pediatrics and Genetics, Neurosciences, Norton Childrens Hospital, Patient Stories, Rett Syndrome

Bardstown girl living with Rett syndrome, a rare autism-like condition

Grace Hatfield seemed to be developing like a normal toddler. She was walking, talking and interacting with family. But as she approached 15 months, her development seemed to start going in reverse. “Grace began losing words,” said Kim Hatfield, Grace’s mom. “Then, while talking to her, she’d start to zone out — just staring at…

Read Full Story
Norton Childrens Hospital, Pulmonology

What is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects about 30,000 children and adults in the United States, with approximately 1,000 cases diagnosed each year, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry. What is CF? Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs. This lifelong condition is caused by mutations in the…

Read Full Story
COVID19, Norton Childrens Medical Group, Prevention & Wellness

How to help teens manage their feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic

Teens have different psychosocial needs than younger children. They crave autonomy and independence. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many teens are still grappling with a new normal: e-learning for the start of the school year, sports, extracurriculars and even some milestone events are different than they’ve experienced before. What can parents do to help their…

Read Full Story
COVID19, Flu, Norton Childrens Medical Group, Prevention & Wellness

When is the flu or COVID-19 an emergency for kids?

It’s 2 a.m. and your child has a high fever. The signs of the flu are there, or is it COVID-19? At that point, a parent’s thoughts can race: “Should I call the pediatrician or go to the emergency department?” Take an inventory of what your child looks like and how they are acting based…

Read Full Story
Festival of Trees and Lights, Home & BMW Raffle, Norton Childrens Hospital, Radiothon, Snow Ball

Deadline approaching: September Home & BMW Raffle prize

The annual Norton Children’s Hospital Home & BMW Raffle is one of the most popular ways to help the hospital maintain and advance its lifesaving programs and services. In addition to the grand prize of a new home in Norton Commons and a first prize of a 2021 BMW X3 from BMW of Louisville plus…

Read Full Story
Heart, Norton Childrens Outreach, Patient Stories, Pulmonary Atresia, Tetralogy of Fallot, Transport Team

A Bowling Green girl is ready for kindergarten after complex heart care

Kara Ainsley is a registered nurse at a rehabilitation facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She can tell when things are going smoothly and when they aren’t. After a relatively uneventful pregnancy, she labored the morning of May 31, 2015, at the local hospital. If there was anything unusual about her labor it was the duration…

Read Full Story
Back to School, COVID19, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Review your college-bound child’s health insurance

Colleges across the country are taking steps to keep students safer — reconfiguring dorm rooms, creating more classroom space to allow for social distancing and adopting policies to reduce the risk of spread of the coronavirus. It’s not too late to review your child’s health insurance and make sure they understand health insurance and can…

Read Full Story
COVID19, Norton Childrens Medical Group

What to expect at a doctor’s appointment

Keeping healthy during this time is crucial — when was the last time your child saw their doctor? Norton Children’s practices and facilities have resumed all services as before the coronavirus outbreak, while taking extra precautions to keep you and your child safer. If you’ve been putting off vaccinations, a well-baby visit or other medical care…

Read Full Story
COVID19, Norton Childrens Medical Group

How to prepare your child for seeing face masks at the doctor’s office

When was the last time your child saw their pediatrician? Norton Children’s practices and facilities have resumed all services as before the coronavirus outbreak, while taking extra precautions to keep you and your child safer. If you’ve been putting off vaccinations, a well-baby visit or other medical care for your child during the pandemic, you may…

Read Full Story
New Mom, Norton Childrens Medical Group, Prevention & Wellness, Sleep Medicine

Safe baby sleep: What parents need to know

According to Safe Sleep Kentucky, the state’s infant mortality rate is almost double the national average. Safe sleep practices can reduce the risk of any infant dying. What do parents need to know about safe baby sleep practices? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends infants should be placed on their backs for every sleep by…

Read Full Story
Fractures and Injuries, Norton Childrens Hospital, Orthopedics

Don’t let children on trampolines

To jump or not? Trampolines are popular fixtures in backyards, and trampoline parks are popular in cities across the U.S. But how dangerous are trampolines? Pediatric orthopedic surgeons warn about trampoline use and accidents that cause broken arms, wrists, elbows and legs, as well as knee and joint injuries. “We see an increasing number of…

Read Full Story
Health & Wellness, Norton Childrens Medical Group, Prevention & Wellness

Prevent coronavirus spread: Don’t touch your face

Touching your face may be a habit you don’t realize you have. One study shows that a person can touch their face up to 23 times per hour. Norton Children’s wants every child to be a “Super Kid.” Being a Norton Children’s Super Kid means doing activities that prevent spread of the coronavirus. Super Kids…

Read Full Story