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

Baby fell out of bed? Know the signs of concussion in a baby

A toddler’s or baby’s concussion symptoms are generally the same as other ages, but since children can’t communicate like adults, here are signs to watch for: Baby concussion symptoms Any persistent behavior change, such as irritability or distractedness Any change in the baby’s sleeping habits — sleeping more or less Any behavior, such as vomiting,…

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Heart, Patient Stories, Ventricular Septal Defect

Ugandan girl to return home happy and healthy after Louisville surgeons repair her heart

Two-year-old Gift Mbwali and her mother traveled more than 7,600 miles from their home in Uganda to Norton Children’s Heart Institute where surgeons repaired a heart defect she has lived with since birth. Her family was well aware of the high stakes. Her older brother, Patrick, made the same journey in 2017 to have a…

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Heart, Teens

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons ratings give insight into congenital heart outcomes

When a parent has a newborn, child or teen with a congenital heart condition that needs surgery, they want to know where the operation should happen and which hospital has a record of success. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) operates a database that rates congenital heart programs based on patients’ outcomes. Users can look…

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Craniosynostosis, Neurosciences, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Why do babies wear helmets?

Have you ever seen a baby in headgear and wondered, but didn’t want to ask mom “Why do babies wear helmets?” Also called a cranial orthotic, helmet therapy is a type of treatment prescribed for infants to help correct an abnormal skull shape. About 75 percent of brain growth happens by age 2. To accommodate…

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