Heart, Ventricular Septal Defect

Special Cards fan to lead marching band at halftime in Clemson game

Four-year-old Allen Norton is a ball of energy. He loves dancing, singing, eating ice cream and being active outside. Most of all, he loves the University of Louisville Cardinals. Just ask him and he’ll throw an “L” up and say, “Go Cards!” Allen has an extra chromosome that caused Down syndrome. He also has a…

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Behavioral-Mental Health, Norton Childrens Medical Group

Helping girls with self-esteem

Remember that little girl who bounded through the day wearing a bathing suit, a glitter-frosted tutu, a superhero cape, a fire chief helmet and rain boots— all at the same time? Has your brave young girl been replaced by a moody preteen or teen who isn’t so self-assured? What can parents do to help their…

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Norton Childrens Medical Group

Coming out: How family can support an LGBTQ child

Coming out is not a one-time event for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and intersex children and teens. It’s a journey of understanding, acknowledging and sharing one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity with others. It can be easy or difficult, take a short amount of time for some or be a longer process for others….

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Prevention & Wellness

Safe sleep practices can help prevent SIDS

It’s a startling fact, but one that parents, family members and caregivers need to be aware of: Nearly 3,600 babies die each year in the U.S. due to sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), defined as the death of an infant under 1 year old that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Forms of sudden unexpected infant death…

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Norton Childrens Medical Group

What you need to know about eating disorders in children

For parents, a child’s eating habits can be a concern from infancy through the teen years and even adulthood. From the picky toddler who will eat only a specific food for days on end, to the teenager whose diet seems to consist solely of fast food and soda, getting your child to eat a well-balanced…

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Behavioral-Mental Health, Prevention & Wellness, Teens

World Health Organization identifies gaming as a diagnosable mental health condition

Jay spent the start of summer glued to his Xbox. When his mom brought him to Healthy Living Workshops, a wellness series sponsored by Kohl’s Cares and held by Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness at Shively Community Center in Louisville, he admitted that sometimes he would spend all day in front of the screen. Kids…

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Behavioral-Mental Health, Prevention & Wellness

Bullying from siblings is just as harmful as schoolyard bullies

Taunting and teasing between siblings may seem like a rite of passage many adults experienced as children. Parents may have chalked it up to normal sibling rivalry. While siblings may fight like cats and dogs, the hurtful words and arm punches can have lasting effects. Studies indicate that bullying by siblings can have a greater…

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Heart, Heart Transplant, Patient Stories

Family follows journey their son’s heart took to transplant in 8-year-old

A day of tragedy in Charles City, Iowa, has led to lasting friendship and love for two families connected through one heartbeat. After Lenny and Wendy Luft’s 15-year-old son was injured in an all-terrain vehicle accident, his condition worsened. As it became clear he wouldn’t survive, they decided to donate his organs. “It was a…

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Foundation, Home & BMW Raffle

Deadline approaching: October Home & BMW Raffle prize drawing

Now in its ninth year, the Norton Children’s Hospital Home & BMW Raffle is one of the most popular ways to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The funds raised help Norton Children’s Hospital continue to be a beacon of hope for families. Would you like a chance to win a new house or BMW, all…

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Epilepsy, Neurosciences

What to do when someone has a seizure

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 out of 10 people may have a seizure in their lifetime. Having a seizure is much more common than many people realize –– and one day, you may need to help someone. Do you know what to do when someone has a seizure?…

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Prevention & Wellness

Fire safety tips to help prevent fires and burns

Fire safety and fire prevention are the responsibility of the whole family.  October 6 to 12 marks Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 blaze that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. During this…

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Behavioral-Mental Health, Norton Childrens Medical Group, Suicide

Overcoming childhood depression and suicidal thoughts

There were more than twice as many suicides in the United States than homicides in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide is one of the most devastating occurrences a family can experience, and it is happening in younger children. In youths ages 10 to 14, suicide is the second-leading…

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