Babies get their first shots in the hospital, likely on the day they’re born. The hepatitis B (hep B) vaccine, which protects against a viral liver infection, is administered quickly. This disease can be present without any symptoms. Babies who are infected with hepatitis B have a higher risk of developing cancer and deadly infections…
The risk of a COVID-19 vaccine causing heart inflammation in teens and younger children shouldn’t be nearly as scary as the virus itself. Indeed, heart inflammation is a bigger risk among kids who get sick with COVID-19. “We know that the virus itself causes inflammation of the heart muscle, and inflammation of the heart muscle…
Knowing the signs of anxiety and depression in children has become even more important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and more families have sought help for their children’s mental health over the past two years. Although most kids are now back in school and have returned to many of their pre-pandemic routines, with vaccinations more…
In many cases, preventing heart disease in children can be accomplished with lifestyle changes. Preventable heart disease in children is increasing, likely tied to a widespread increase in childhood obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children ages 6 to 19 is obese. Children in the U.S. typically…
A new study confirms that a patient who breastfeeds has a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. New research suggests that the risk decreases with longer periods of breastfeeding, up to 12 months of duration. “We already know that patients who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast…
You occasionally hear about it on the news: A seemingly healthy child suddenly collapses or dies after cardiac arrest on the football field or basketball court, or during another sporting event. But any teenager can have sudden cardiac arrest, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends screening all children, not just those involved…
State-of-the-art technology is helping save the lives of some of Louisville’s youngest patients. Cardiologists are using a new device to help treat micro-preemies — babies born before the 28th week of pregnancy and/or weighing less than 2 pounds — who have a heart defect caused by part of the fetal structure that remains at birth. Joshua…
Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. If your child says their ear hurts, you may wonder: Could it be an ear infection? Middle ear infection (otitis media) is the most common type of ear infection. While some symptoms are easy for parents to spot, others may be more difficult to identify,…
Some pediatric patients with bleeding disorders may have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, especially if they have serious underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity or asthma. Although most bleeding disorders are not associated with impaired immunity, COVID-19 can be a concern for children who are taking immune-suppressing medications, as…
Although babies can go outside when it’s cold, their bodies aren’t equipped to handle the extreme temperatures yet. They shouldn’t be out in the elements for very long, and there are some precautions to take when dressing babies for cold weather. “Parents should keep in mind that babies aren’t able to regulate their body temperatures…
Teething alone won’t cause diarrhea. A child could have looser stools while teething, as sore gums could encourage them to drink or nurse more, increasing fluid intake. Parents should take it seriously, however, if a child is having diarrhea throughout the day. “Some parents tend to think that the diarrhea is less serious if it’s…
Some time without parents in the exam room can help a teen develop trust with their health care provider and lead to valuable conversations about mental health, sexual health, substance use and bullying. Teens can take it on themselves to call ahead about seeing their health care provider one on one or mention it to…