A new social media trend is causing alarm: Teens are scarfing down laundry detergent pods and posting videos and memes. The “pod challenge” usually involves a teen preparing to eat a pod, then sticking it in their mouth and reacting to it. The laundry detergent packets are shaken, stirred, even cooked. The challenge is designed to…
Many Kentucky kids will need additional vaccines before the 2018-2019 school year begins. Before the first day of classes, all students must have two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine. Although that may seem like plenty of time, parents should start scheduling appointments with their pediatricians now. “The two vaccines need to be given at…
It’s the first snowfall of the season, and the Norton Children’s Hospital emergency department has already treated several sledding injuries. “Kids and adults can get seriously hurt — or even killed — if they’re not careful,” said Erika Janes with Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness. If your family is hitting the hills, Janes offers the…
A child’s cancer diagnosis impacts the whole family. Below, Jacob Fields’ mom, Amanda, reflects on the weight of the disease, from her son doubting his future to the reality of remission. I knew something was wrong. I could feel it in my gut, but what I had no idea. The doctor looked at us and…
Choosing where to have your child’s surgery can be a daunting task. What kind of care is going to make your child and family feel safest, physically and emotionally? Technology advancements have made it possible for some procedures to be done at outpatient surgery centers. Costs can be lower at these types of locations. However,…
Signs and symptoms Influenza Cold Symptom onset Abrupt Gradual Fever Usually; lasts 3-4 days Rare Aches Usually; often severe Slight Chills Fairly common Uncommon Fatigue, weakness Usual Sometimes Sneezing Sometimes Common Stuffy nose Sometimes Common Sore throat Sometimes Common Chest discomfort, cough Common; can be severe Mild to moderate; hacking cough Headache Common Rare …
Puberty is a process that happens slowly over several years. It can be hard to tell when it’s beginning or when to expect changes. The outward signs are the easiest to recognize and provide a guide to where a girl is in the process. The age ranges in this graphic are average and every girl…
We see the stories every year about kids being left in hot cars. But cold winter weather is just as dangerous for a child left in a vehicle. “Just like a child’s body can heat to a deadly temperature in a matter of minutes, the reverse effect can happen in the cold,” said Sharon Rengers,…
When it’s cold outside, it’s a natural instinct to try to keep yourself and your family warm. While adding layers or extra blankets to the bed might ease your mind and provide comfort, they could pose a deadly risk for babies. “When temperatures dip, caregivers should take precautions against sleep-related infant deaths,” said Erika Janes,…
Michael Yocum Jr. was diagnosed with childhood cancer at age 5. His mom, Spring, recounts the challenges, speed bumps and her son’s faith throughout his journey. He was very thrilled to be at the hospital because he thought it was a hotel. He was only 5 at the time so he had the beautiful innocence…
The end of the year is approaching, but there’s still time to make a gift to the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Here are a few ways you can support the hospital — and you may get a tax benefit. Year-end giving To speak with someone about your options, contact the Children’s Hospital Foundation call (502) 629-8060…
Victoria Dicken is no stranger to challenges. The 11-year-old girl from Louisville has Treacher Collins syndrome. “I’ve lost count of how many surgeries I’ve had,” Victoria said. “At least 20.” Treacher Collins syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects the development of bones and other tissues in the face. Most people with the condition have underdeveloped…