Archive for Ellen Greenlaw
Hunker down and reduce your ‘transmission footprint’
In the midst of one of the worst COVID-19 surges so far, we finally have some good news. Two coronavirus vaccines, made by pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna, appear to be highly effective and safe. While data are still preliminary, it seems that the Pfizer vaccine may also have excellent efficacy in older adults. While ... Read More about Hunker down and reduce your ‘transmission footprint’
Carpooling during COVID-19: Is it safe?
There are many advantages to carpooling. It’s convenient, it saves on gas and parents’ time, and when you’re carting around kids, it gives them company for the ride. But during the coronavirus pandemic, carpooling may also carry a big risk. Carpooling is a risk “You’re in a very enclosed space, so you’re taking on a ... Read More about Carpooling during COVID-19: Is it safe?
How will the winter darkness affect kids’ learning and sleep this year?
The recent fall back of the clocks marked the official end of daylight saving time (DST). It also marks the beginning of the season of shorter days and darker evenings. For many of us, this makes it harder to spend time outside. So, what effect will the increasing darkness have on kids and teens as ... Read More about How will the winter darkness affect kids’ learning and sleep this year?
Keeping kids active indoors: Top tips from our experts
For many parents, keeping their kids active during the spring and summer months of COVID-19 involved a lot of outdoor time. But with colder temperatures on the way, you might be wondering how to survive the winter months, especially if your kids are doing most of their schooling from home. For answers we turned ... Read More about Keeping kids active indoors: Top tips from our experts
Testing the COVID-19 vaccines in kids: Is it safe?
The drug company Pfizer recently announced they had opened their clinical trial of the COVID-19 vaccine to teens as young as 16. And as vaccine trials move into phase 3 testing, it’s likely that other drug companies will follow suit. This news may leave parents wondering about the safety of vaccine trials on teens and ... Read More about Testing the COVID-19 vaccines in kids: Is it safe?
Preparing your kids for the holidays during COVID-19
Like most things this year, the holiday season will be marked by the coronavirus pandemic. For you and your family, it may feel like one more disappointment at the end of a long, challenging year. So, how do you talk with your kids about the upcoming holidays? And what can you do to celebrate, even ... Read More about Preparing your kids for the holidays during COVID-19
Let them play: Why free play is crucial for kids
As the school season winds down, you may be wondering how to keep your kids busy if they’re home all day. Consider letting them play. What is free play? Free play is any type of unstructured play that is directed by the child. It helps children develop their imaginations while experiencing and exploring the world ... Read More about Let them play: Why free play is crucial for kids
Carolann’s story: When it’s more than a concussion
Cheerleading had always been a big part of Carolann Hurley’s life. So when she was dropped by accident as a sophomore in high school and diagnosed with a concussion, she had no intention of stopping. It wasn’t her first concussion. But this time was different — she kept blacking out and was having frequent migraines ... Read More about Carolann’s story: When it’s more than a concussion
Heart strong: Two families bond over shared challenges
Four years ago, Ali Marcus walked through the door of a coffee shop in Connecticut and met the woman who would soon become her close friend, Britt Sheiber. The two were meeting at the suggestion of a mutual friend: Britt had just learned at a prenatal visit that one of her twins would be born ... Read More about Heart strong: Two families bond over shared challenges
Clinicians: Four tips for effective virtual visits
Now that we’re eight months into the coronavirus pandemic, most providers have had experience with virtual, or telehealth, visits. These visits have been a necessary, and very convenient way to continue to safely provide patients with care. Like many other hospitals around the country, Boston Children’s had to ramp up telehealth services quickly at the ... Read More about Clinicians: Four tips for effective virtual visits