If your child is feeling ill and you can’t quickly be seen by your pediatrician’s office, here are some helpful answers and suggestions based on questions our physicians and nurses are commonly asked. Helping my child at home Flu treatment for kids focuses on the fever and discomfort, with rest and over-the-counter medications to ease their…
Norton Healthcare* has announced changes to its financial assistance program. The changes are intended to increase access to health care by alleviating financial stress that often serves as a barrier and prevents individuals from seeking care. Previously, families were eligible for Norton Healthcare’s financial assistance program if their household income was equal to or less…
At 18 weeks pregnant, Brittany Walden learned she was going to be a “heart mom.” Her baby’s growing heart showed some abnormalities. After months of Brittany meeting with specialists and more scans, Emery Walden was born in October 2020 with a heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with pulmonary stenosis. HLHS is a…
Supporting a child during leukemia treatment can feel overwhelming, but there are several things to help make the recovery at home easier and more comfortable. Making a few changes to the home can help a child be more comfortable during or after treatment: Lower the child’s bed or use a step stool. Put items or…
Most people hear about thyroid disorders among adults, but did you know children can have thyroid issues as well? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It affects many of the body’s functions and organs and can impact growth, metabolism and sexual development. “Thyroid dysfunction is diagnosed when…
During winter more people tend to get sick, and COVID-19, the flu and RSV are the top three viruses going around at the moment. Although respiratory viruses can spread year-round, why do we see a spike in illnesses during this time of year? When it’s cold outside, people tend to congregate in closer quarters indoors,…
Hypopituitarism is when the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain, is underactive. Most frequently, it does not produce enough of the hormones needed for growth and development. This condition also can impact other functions of the endocrine system, including a child’s blood sugar and blood pressure. “Hypopituitarism can cause poor growth as well…
It’s cold and flu season, which means the return of pesky coughs, congested noses and fevers. While many children feel better within a few days, parents can be proactive before their child gets sick. “The cold and flu are caused by respiratory viruses, which have to run their course and can’t be treated with antibiotics,”…
After your child receives a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, you may wonder, “What about school?” Developing a Section 504 plan for diabetes that formalizes your child’s needs is part of federal law that gives students the right to receive the diabetes care they need to be safer and participate in school activities. 504 plan for…
A leading group of pediatric physicians is calling for a more aggressive approach to treating children struggling with obesity. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines Jan. 9. In addition to encouraging proper diet and exercise, the AAP also said that medications for obese kids as young as 12 and surgery for those…
Does your child have a fever? Are they throwing up? What about diarrhea? You may be wondering if it is the flu or a stomach virus. Sometimes what we call the flu really is a stomach bug, or vice versa — and sometimes there are specific symptoms that can offer up some clues. “Many people…
Prediabetes in kids is on the rise in the U.S., and the numbers are concerning. Nearly 1 in 5 adolescents, ages 12-18, are living with prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prediabetes is the precursor of Type 2 diabetes. It happens when a child’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but…