Cancer, Childrens Hospital Foundation

New facility dog supports cancer patients at Norton Children’s Cancer Institute

Cancer patients at Norton Children’s now have a furry companion to help them through treatment. Thanks to a gift from Aiden’s Legacy and with support from raiseRED, Luna is the newest employee of Norton Children’s Cancer Institute. The 2-year-old black Labrador works in the cancer unit in Norton Children’s Hospital and at the Novak Center…

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Endocrinology

Norton Children’s statement on House Bill 470

House Bill 470, which seeks to limit gender-affirming care for any Kentuckian under 18, was recently introduced in the Kentucky House. The bill would revoke the license of any provider confirmed to have given gender-affirming care to a minor. Below is the statement Norton Children’s shared with lawmakers at a house judiciary committee hearing on…

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Heart

What to do if your child’s heart is beating abnormally fast or irregularly

What to do if your child’s heart is beating abnormally fast or irregularly A child whose heart is beating fast or irregularly often won’t have the vocabulary to describe what’s happening.  While an adult may be able to say “I am having palpitations”, children may describe vague chest symptoms, a fluttering or racing heart or…

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Heart, Syncope

Top 10 reasons your child fainted or feels dizzy

Although it can be unsettling if your child feels dizzy or faints (also called syncope), it is usually not due to a serious underlying heart condition. “Although feeling really dizzy or fainting certainly can be uncomfortable, usually it can be treated with some self-awareness, behavioral changes and attention to nutrition and hydration,” said Christopher L….

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Complex Single Ventricle Repair, Fetal Care, Glenn Procedure, Heart, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Norwood Procedure, Tricuspid Atresia

For fetal cardiology patient, Norton Children’s Heart Institute team ‘became family’

After trying to get pregnant for five years, Kaitlyn Goff of Nelson County, Kentucky, couldn’t have been more excited to welcome her baby boy into the world. At that point, she knew something was wrong, and doctors confirmed her baby had a heart defect. “It was heartbreaking,” she said. “We finally got pregnant,” Kaitlyn said….

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Brand Feature, Orthopedics, Scoliosis, Spine

Teen athlete returns to sports, active lifestyle after scoliosis, spinal fusion surgery

Kira Scrogham loves running track and cross-country, and a spinal fusion surgery to correct her scoliosis hasn’t slowed down this 16-year-old. Kira has always loved being involved in sports, but in sixth grade, a scoliosis screening put into question her future as an athlete. “She did a sports physical, and they found a curve,” said…

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Brand Feature, Heart Transplant

Tough as Emery: Heart transplant patient update

At 18 weeks pregnant, Brittany Walden learned she was going to be a “heart mom.” Her baby’s growing heart showed some abnormalities. After months of Brittany meeting with specialists and more scans, Emery Walden was born in October 2020 with a heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with pulmonary stenosis. HLHS is a…

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Cancer

Simple ways to support a child during treatment for leukemia

Supporting a child during leukemia treatment can feel overwhelming, but there are several things to help make the recovery at home easier and more comfortable. Making a few changes to the home can help a child be more comfortable during or after treatment: Lower the child’s bed or use a step stool. Put items or…

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Endocrinology, Thyroid Disorders

Can children have thyroid issues?

Most people hear about thyroid disorders among adults, but did you know children can have thyroid issues as well? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It affects many of the body’s functions and organs and can impact growth, metabolism and sexual development. “Thyroid dysfunction is diagnosed when…

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Endocrinology, Thyroid Disorders

Slow growth, short stature: Is it hypopituitarism?

Hypopituitarism is when the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain, is underactive. Most frequently, it does not produce enough of the hormones needed for growth and development. This condition also can impact other functions of the endocrine system, including a child’s blood sugar and blood pressure. “Hypopituitarism can cause poor growth as well…

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Diabetes, Endocrinology

A 504 plan for diabetes helps keep kids safer and get the most out of school

After your child receives a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, you may wonder, “What about school?” Developing a Section 504 plan for diabetes that formalizes your child’s needs is part of federal law that gives students the right to receive the diabetes care they need to be safer and participate in school activities. 504 plan for…

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Diabetes, Endocrinology

How a healthy diet can help prevent Type 2 diabetes in kids

Prediabetes in kids is on the rise in the U.S., and the numbers are concerning. Nearly 1 in 5 adolescents, ages 12-18, are living with prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prediabetes is the precursor of Type 2 diabetes. It happens when a child’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but…

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