News, Norton Childrens Medical Group

What to do after bringing a newborn baby home from the hospital

Bringing a newborn baby home from the hospital is exciting, and it also sometimes can be a little nerve-wracking for new parents. Here are a few things parents can keep in mind during the first week with a newborn. How soon can you take a newborn baby home? Healthy babies who are carried to full…

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News, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Why does my child need the MMR vaccine to prevent measles?

Vaccines can save your child’s life by protecting against preventable diseases, including measles. The MMR vaccine protects against three viruses: measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). Measles is a highly contagious disease that causes a rash and fever. It also can affect the lungs and a person’s breathing. Serious cases can lead to brain inflammation…

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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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News, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Top 3 viruses going around at the moment

During winter more people tend to get sick, and COVID-19, the flu and RSV are the top three viruses going around at the moment. Although respiratory viruses can spread year-round, why do we see a spike in illnesses during this time of year? When it’s cold outside, people tend to congregate in closer quarters indoors,…

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News, Norton Childrens Medical Group

6 things parents can have to help kids during cold and flu season

It’s cold and flu season, which means the return of pesky coughs, congested noses and fevers. While many children feel better within a few days, parents can be proactive before their child gets sick. “The cold and flu are caused by respiratory viruses, which have to run their course and can’t be treated with antibiotics,”…

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Norton Childrens Medical Group

New guidelines for obesity in kids

A leading group of pediatric physicians is calling for a more aggressive approach to treating children struggling with obesity. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines Jan. 9. In addition to encouraging proper diet and exercise, the AAP also said that medications for obese kids as young as 12 and surgery for those…

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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…

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Norton Childrens Medical Group

Flu symptoms in babies: When it’s time to call the doctor

It’s important to be on the lookout for flu symptoms in babies. They are at higher risk of developing serious health complications from the flu. “Children younger than 5 years old — especially those younger than 2 — are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications,” said Nicole M. Bichir, M.D., pediatrician with Norton…

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Diabetes, Endocrinology, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Preventing Type 2 diabetes in children

Preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes in children can include small, simple changes to increase daily physical activity and eat a healthier diet. Even a small amount of weight loss can help prevent or delay diabetes. In Kentucky, 23.8% of kids ages 10 to 17 are obese. That’s the highest obesity rate…

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Behavioral-Mental Health, COVID19, News, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Eating disorders increased during COVID-19

Eating disorders have increased around the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdowns and other changes. Eating disorders thrive in isolation and are fueled in part by social media, according to Andrea L. Krause, M.D., a pediatric hospitalist with Norton Children’s Inpatient Care, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. The pandemic supplied plenty of both….

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News, Norton Childrens Medical Group

What does a pediatrician do?

A pediatrician is more than just your child’s doctor; they are an advocate for your child’s health and also act as a supportive resource for parents. Pediatricians see children of all ages, from newborns to young adults. “Pediatricians are uniquely trained to support your child’s overall health, including their physical, mental, emotional and social well-being,”…

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Norton Childrens Medical Group

Pediatrician debunks 5 myths about the flu

Should my child get a flu vaccine? Can you get sick from the flu shot? Does the flu vaccine work? There are a lot of questions about the flu shot and the flu out there — and a lot of conflicting answers, depending on whom you ask. Let’s go through the myths to uncover the…

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