Cancer, Eye Cancer, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Pediatricians using specialized iPhone app to detect eye diseases

Pediatricians at Norton Children’s Medical Group practices are using customized iPhones to detect serious eye problems, including amblyopia – lazy eye – and some types of eye cancer, such as retinoblastoma, in children age 6 and younger. “Detecting these issues in young kids has always been tough, because children don’t want to stay still and can’t…

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Fontan Procedure, Glenn Procedure, Heart, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Norton Childrens Hospital, Norwood Procedure

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a rare and complicated heart defect

One of the rarest and most complicated heart defects found in babies is hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) in which a critical underdevelopment of the left side of the heart leaves the right side doing most of the work. “With hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the left side of the heart can’t effectively pump blood to…

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NICU

What it means to be a level 3 NICU or level 4 NICU

Some new parents find themselves grappling with unanticipated complications after their baby is born. If the baby has to spend time in the hospital, he or she likely will be in the neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. That’s when parents may wonder what a NICU is and what’s the difference between levels of NICUs….

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Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Neurosciences, Newsjacking, Teens

New recommendations on childhood concussion recovery are less strict

For the first time in eight years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its recommendations for children recovering from concussions, easing restrictions on electronics and physical activity. The AAP is no longer recommending complete removal of electronic devices, such as television, computers and smartphones, following a concussion. In addition, the guidelines support children…

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Heart, NICU, Norton Childrens Hospital, Norton Womens & Childrens Hospital, Patient Stories

41 hours in the life of a little girl who received a heart transplant

Surviving everything Stella Paul has been through in her one year of life is nothing short of a miracle. But her biggest miracle came on July 23, 2018, when a family made the difficult decision to donate their child’s heart. Norton Children’s Heart Institute Learn more about Norton Children’s Heart Institute or schedule an appointment….

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Neurosciences, Norton Childrens Hospital, Patient Stories

A year ago, this boy slept for 11 days — here’s how he’s doing now

Last October, Wyatt Shaw fell asleep. He didn’t wake up for nearly two weeks. Then 7 years old, Wyatt served as a ring bearer at a wedding in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. He spent the evening making jokes and dancing with the girls in the bridal party. But 48 hours later, he was unable to stay awake….

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Gynecology

Vaginal itching? Vaginitis can affect young girls too

If you’re female, chances are you’ve had — or will have — vaginal itching at some point in your life. Girls’ private part itching comes with swelling, burning and sometimes milky discharge. “In younger girls, we often see vaginitis caused by soaps, detergents, nonbreathable underwear and poor hygiene,” said Audra Campbell, APRN, Norton Children’s Gynecology. “These…

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Flu, Norton Childrens Medical Group, Prevention & Wellness

It’s not too late for a flu shot that can at least ease symptoms

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect families across the nation. Flu season is upon us, and pediatricians are reminding families that there is still time to get kids a flu shot. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends children receive their flu vaccinations by the end of October. This includes all eligible kids 6 months and…

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Gastroenterology, Urology

An alternative to surgery for chronic constipation in kids with neurogenic bowel

An estimated one in three children suffers from constipation at some point. In fact, constipation in kids is the cause of thousands of pediatrician visits every year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Constipation is even more common in children with neurogenic bowel dysfunction, a condition in which the nerves that control bowel function…

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Dermatology, Norton Childrens Medical Group

What is impetigo? It’s an itchy, painful and very treatable rash

What’s red with oozing blisters and a honey-colored crust? Impetigo. Pronounced im-peh-tie-go, this common childhood skin infection often starts with a cut, scratch or bug bite. It sounds truly awful, but don’t despair. “The infection can be itchy and painful, but it is very treatable and can even disappear on its own,” said April R….

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Norton Childrens Medical Center, Orthopedics

Kent L. Walker, D.O., COOL’s newest pediatric orthopedic surgeon

Kent L. Walker, D.O., pediatric orthopedic surgeon, has joined Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville. Dr. Walker earned his undergraduate degree from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee. He completed his residency at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, and a…

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Cancer, Cord Blood Banking, Norton Childrens Hospital

Cord blood banking: Should you save stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord?

For families with a history of certain cancers, storing a baby’s cord blood can be an attractive option. Is it right for you? And how do you go about it? Cord blood contains stem cells that can be used if someone needs a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Stem cell transplants treat leukemia, lymphoma,…

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