As the temperatures continue to drop, many parents are making a potentially fatal mistake by putting their kids in winter coats while they are in car seats. When a child is wearing a winter coat, it may feel like they are strapped snugly into the car seat, but the straps actually are dangerously loose against…
Traumatic life events, also called adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as repeated childhood trauma or toxic stress, can lead to long-term health issues. These may include a higher risk for chronic disease and substance abuse. But a child who lived with ACEs can escape these ill effects in a safe, stable and nurturing environment where…
Pediatricians are now helping kids in Louisville and Southern Indiana get the dental care they need by teaching them about good dental hygiene and connecting them to dentists. “Most parents understand that not taking care of their child’s teeth can lead to cavities, but many may not realize just how common early childhood cavities are,”…
Teens at Pleasure Ridge Park High School in Louisville, Kentucky, are teaching their peers across Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) about the dangers of smoking and using e-cigarettes. Last year, Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness began working with a group of media students on a Teens against Tobacco project called SmokeFreePRP. The students developed campaign…
The most talked-about danger for trick-or-treaters is getting hit by a car. But many injuries on Halloween night involve falls. The culprit: costumes. “Each year thousands of kids spend Halloween night in emergency rooms — and many times it’s because of an issue with their costumes,” said Erika Janes, R.N., child safety advocate for Norton Children’s Prevention…
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…
More local children aren’t making it to their first birthday. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 23,000 infants died in the United States in 2016. Indiana had 620 infant deaths, while Kentucky had 370 — both higher infant mortality rates than the national average. The five leading causes of infant…
Most parents understand the frustration of a cranky toddler. At some point, every parent has experienced the “BAD” response: First you’re bewildered, then agitated and finally default to pleading. Even the comforting, patient parent has moments that escalate to bewilderment, embarrassment, anger and eventually defeat. Health educators with Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness are offering…
Nearly every car seat inspected by Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness technicians need some type of adjustment to keep children safe. “Locally, our car seat technicians make adjustments to 90 percent of the car and booster seats we see,” said Sharon Rengers, R.N., manager, Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness, which is funded by the Children’s…
Good news in the fight against cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV): The vaccination rate for this disease has risen 5 points from 2016 to 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet, only 66 percent of teens ages 13 to 17 have received the first dose, and only 49 percent…
A new report shows fewer young Kentuckians are obese, but the opposite is true for local adolescents. According to latest State of Obesity Report, more than 20 percent of Kentucky teens are obese, the third worst rate in the country. That number has grown from just over 18 percent a year ago. Meanwhile, childhood obesity…
It’s not just kids back in class. School is now in session for germs, viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses that can make your child (or you) sick. As a parent, what do you need to watch for? Here are seven illnesses commonly found in schools and how to treat them: Cold Symptoms: Sneezing, runny…