Don’t think your baby can be a victim of abuse? Think again. Kentucky and Indiana have some of the highest rates of child physical abuse and neglect in the country — more than 40,000 kids a year. Families of all races, backgrounds and economic statuses feel the catastrophic effects of child abuse. We all can…
As a health educator with Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness, I have taught Teen Wellness Workshops at Jefferson County Public Schools. Our first Teen Wellness Workshop was two years ago at Atherton High School. Since then, we’ve held about four workshops there, educating nearly 700 students. In these workshops, teens learn about healthy eating, pedestrian…
The documentary “Screenagers” features a woman who is both a mother and pediatrician searching for the answer to how much screen time is appropriate for kids. Norton Children’s Prevention and Wellness is hosting a screening for middle school and high school students and parents so families can begin the conversation around how technology affects our…
Kentucky and Indiana continue to see a rise in child abuse. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau child abuse report released this year shows a jump in both states. Kentucky reported 20,000 victims — a nearly 6 percent increase representing about 20 out of every 1,000 children. Indiana reported 28,500 cases….
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get out and get active after a long, cold winter. But first, here’s a little tip: Turn off the phone! When it comes to walking and riding bikes, nearly 13 percent of middle-schoolers and 20 percent of high-schoolers are distracted by their phones or ear buds while outside….
These days children often are exposed to adult language, images and behaviors before they are developmentally prepared to handle them. As children see and hear these at a younger age, parents need to start thinking about having the “birds and bees talk” earlier than our parents did when we were kids. Nikki Boyd, coordinator of…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks dental decay as the most common chronic disease in youth ages 5 and 17 Teaching dental hygiene starts early — as soon as the first tooth comes in. Just because older kids are able to brush by themselves does not mean they don’t need a reminder about…
Laundry pods, makeup, ibuprofen. If your child has ever gotten into one of these items, you’re not alone. The Kentucky Poison Control Center of Norton Children’s Hospital recently released a list of products that generated the most calls involving children last year. Leading the way were cleaning products — laundry pods, bleach and dishwasher packets….
School is a place for learning, creating and socializing. However, it also can be a place where illnesses spread and injuries happen. Libby Mims, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group – Shepherdsville, highlighted several common reasons for school-related doctor’s visits. Sore/strep throat Strep throat, which is very common among young children and teens, is…
Intimate partner violence and sexual violence are both serious and significant public health problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 10 percent of high school students report having experienced either physical dating violence or sexual dating violence. Many victims first encounter sexual violence before their 18th birthday. Findings from the National…
In the 1990s, child safety experts launched a nationwide effort to save babies from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It appeared to work, as the number of SIDS cases dropped significantly. Unfortunately, that trend is now heading in the opposite direction. According to a new report, the rate of SIDS has become stagnant — or…
We’re now more than a month into the new year, and chances are many of us have already given up on our New Year’s resolutions. If you’re still dedicated to your resolution, congratulations! You are one of the small but mighty few who can make changes and stick with them! If you need a little…