Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), Aortic Valve Disease, Cardiac Catheterization, Heart, Ross Procedure

Nurse with ACHD cares for kids with congenital heart disease

When Ashley Eastman, R.N., has an appointment to monitor her adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), she simply leaves her desk, walks to the front desk, checks in, and waits to be called. As a nurse clinician for Norton Children’s Heart Institute she understands the journey of a child with congenital heart disease. Diagnosed with a…

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Orthopedics, Sports Injuries

Pediatric orthopedist: Kids need to ease back into sports

Young athletes coming off a long layoff too quickly can put themselves at risk for injury. There are steps kids can take to lessen their chances of injury as they return to previous activity levels. Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville Young athletes have their own unique needs, as do their bones and muscles. Call (502)…

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Orthopedics, Sports Injuries

Overuse injuries a risk for kids playing baseball year-round

Youth baseball puts a lot of stress on young arms, which can result in shoulder or elbow injuries sometimes called “little league shoulder” or elbow. “These kids are throwing harder sometimes than their elbow can take,” said Joshua W. Meier, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville. Elbow and shoulder injuries also…

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Neurosciences, Patient Stories

Professionalism, compassion and popsicles for Owensboro girl with dangerous vascular condition

When Molly Knott was 2, the toddler took a spill in the kitchen and her mother reflexively scooped her up, grasping her under her arms. That’s when she first noticed a lump under Molly’s left armpit. Molly said it hurt. A bug bite probably, right? As it got a little bigger, it still wasn’t clear…

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Hematology

Young woman with sickle cell disease starts over

Jalen Matthews is embarking on a new journey in life. A University of Kentucky graduate, she is living on her own for the first time in a new city. She is pursuing a master’s degree in exercise science at the University of Indianapolis, with a focus on a career in physical therapy. She’s also now…

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COVID19, Flu, News, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Kids’ fevers: When to be concerned

A child with a fever can be scary in normal times. These days, it’s especially so. Here are some steps to take when it happens, and how to know when a fever is too high for a child. Is it really a fever? First, make sure it’s really a fever. As with adults, a child’s…

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Norton Childrens Medical Group, Prevention & Wellness

Take care of your sick child without getting others — or yourself — sick

Temperatures have dropped, and it’s officially cold and flu season. Here are some tips for staying well as you nurse your little one back to health. It’s not too late to get a flu shot Getting yearly flu shots for the whole family can help protect yourself and others from the flu. While the vaccine…

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Employee stories - Norton Childrens, Endocrinology

Helping kids thrive while facing the challenges of being LGBTQ+

LGBTQ kids face a higher risk of discrimination, bullying, harassment and family rejection. For many, these burdens affect their health. “LGBTQ individuals often encounter more obstacles compared with their peers,” said Suzanne E. Kingery, M.D., pediatric endocrinologist with Norton Children’s Endocrinology. “These things lead to poor health outcomes through increased risk of anxiety, depression and…

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Hip Services, Muscular Dystrophy, Neurosciences, Orthopedics

How VDRO helps children with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders

Children with various neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), muscular dystrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can be at risk for hip dislocation. What is varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO), and how does it help children with neurological disorders? Children with neurological disorders can have spastic or weak muscles. Spasticity in muscles…

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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…

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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…

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COVID19, Heart, Infectious Disease, Rheumatology

Kids with MIS-C responding to treatments, but long-term outlook for coronavirus-related condition unclear

Kids with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are recovering after treatments with anti-inflammatory drugs such as intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids, according to Brian J. Holland, M.D., chief of pediatric cardiology at Norton Children’s Heart Institute. Children who’ve come to the Norton Children’s Pediatric MIS-C Multidisciplinary Clinic are recovering after being hospitalized with moderate to…

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