Orthopedics

Are skateboards and hoverboards safe? Injuries from these toys are on the rise

Pediatric orthopedists in Louisville are seeing more children who are injured from falls on skateboards, hoverboards and other ride-on toys. “Some parents may wonder if skateboards or hoverboards are safe for children, and if families choose to buy them, they need to take precautions to help minimize the risk for injuries,” said Laura K. Jacks,…

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ENT-Audiology

Some activities may cause noise-induced hearing loss in children

Some recreational activities can cause permanent damage to a child’s hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss could be caused by prolonged or sudden exposure to excessive noises, such as concerts, sporting events, fireworks, loud toys or video games, and excessive volume via earbuds or headphones. Does my child have hearing loss? According to Shelley R. Moats, Au.D.,…

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Cancer

Questions to ask about a child’s cancer diagnosis

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it can be overwhelming for the patient and their entire family. Parents likely will have many questions, especially in the beginning, and providers encourage them to be inquisitive during appointments. “Our patients’ families should feel empowered to ask us questions,” said Ashok B. Raj, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist with…

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Cancer, Leukemia

Exercise’s added benefits for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors

The added benefits of exercise for survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can include psychological well-being, improved quality of life and lower risk of long-term effects — like broken bones or chronic diseases — from their treatment. Decreased anxiety and help with social integration are also benefits of exercise for ALL survivors, in addition to…

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Cancer, Foundation, Norton Healthcare Foundation, Solid Tumor

Childhood cancer survivor raises money for care and plans to become a nurse

Olivia “Liv” Miller was an active toddler and constantly on the go. When she started showing signs of fatigue and generally not being herself, her mother and father took her to their pediatrician in Owensboro, Kentucky. Olivia had come down with pneumonia along with tonsillitis. The decision was made to remove her tonsils and adenoids….

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Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Neurosciences, Norton Childrens Medical Group

A neurologist isn’t always necessary for child’s concussion treatment

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,…

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Cancer, Outpatient Chemotherapy and Infusion

What to pack in your child’s ‘chemo bag’

When a child is diagnosed with cancer and has to start chemotherapy, it can be overwhelming for the entire family. Preparing, however, and arriving at the Norton Children’s Infusion Center with a “chemo bag” — filled with practical and comforting items from home — can help reduce stress for both the child and parent. “Our…

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Cancer, Leukemia, Lymphoma

Study finds children with blood cancers at greatest risk for severe COVID-19

Children with cancer were more likely to experience severe COVID-19 symptoms than other children, according to a first-of-its-kind worldwide study. One in 5 children with cancer had severe or critical COVID-19, and 1 in 25 died, according to health data gathered in 45 countries. In the general population, severe COVID-19 has been reported in only…

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Pulmonology

How to prevent RSV and bronchiolitis in babies

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that often appears in children younger than 2 years old. Bronchiolitis develops when the tiny airways in the lungs, called bronchioles, become infected by a virus, swell and fill with mucus, making it more difficult for a baby to breathe. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most…

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Urology

New robots helping Norton Children’s urologists perform procedures like pyeloplasty

State-of-the-art robots are assisting surgeons at Norton Children’s Urology offering minimally invasive procedures while dramatically reducing recovery times for children undergoing surgery, such as a pyeloplasty. “Using robots for surgery is a huge benefit, and it eliminates the need for large, open incisions,” said Jeffrey T. White, M.D., pediatric urologist with Norton Children’s Urology. “The…

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Health & Wellness, Migraine Headaches, Neurosciences

Children’s excessive screen time can cause headaches from digital eyestrain

Is too much screen time causing your child’s headaches? It’s very possible. Excessive screen time is a common issue among children today, and it can cause digital eyestrain. Spending too much time staring at a screen, such as a phone, tablet or computer, can cause digital eyestrain, a key trigger in headaches. Although it may…

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Neurosciences

When does a baby’s soft spot go away?

Ian S. Mutchnick, M.D. is a pediatric neurosurgeon with Norton Children’s Neuroscience Institute. Babies’ brains grow very quickly. Therefore, the bones of a baby’s skull are not connected to each other, which allows the skull to expand easily to keep up with the growth. In two “soft spots” – one on top of the head…

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