Childproofing your home: A checklist for parents
Bumps and bruises are a part of growing up. But serious injuries can cause lasting damage. By making a few adjustments around your house, you can help your child stay safe and healthy at home. We spoke to Dr. Katherine Shearer of Longwood Pediatrics, part of Boston Children’s Primary Care Alliance, about keeping kids safe ... Read More about Childproofing your home: A checklist for parents
Sonny’s story: How an online Apert syndrome community set one family on a path to Boston
Sonny Daniel has had a busy summer. Between traveling, camp, and time with family and friends, this 4-year-old has constantly been on the go — something his parents, Kellie and Josh, are incredibly grateful for. Their gratitude stems a lot from seeing how far Sonny’s come in his journey with Apert syndrome, a genetic disorder that ... Read More about Sonny’s story: How an online Apert syndrome community set one family on a path to Boston
There’s no stopping Jack: His journey with craniosynostosis
Jack is almost 2 years old and loves to swim, chase his older sister around the house, and just bring lots of laughs to everyone he meets. For such a happy kid, he’s had an uphill battle to get to this point — starting when he was born. “Something wasn’t right with the shape of ... Read More about There’s no stopping Jack: His journey with craniosynostosis
Escaping the fire: How mental health care providers can fight burnout
It might feel like an occupational buzzword lately, but “burnout” is nothing new. It has plagued clinicians and other medical professionals for decades, but the COVID-19 pandemic and intensely spotlighted behavioral health crisis have only fueled the inferno. And maybe no one knows this better than the mental health professionals who have been on the frontline of both battles. ... Read More about Escaping the fire: How mental health care providers can fight burnout
Optimizing care for bronchopulmonary dysplasia, infant by infant
Preterm newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) can require ongoing mechanical ventilation to support their lungs. But babies with BPD aren’t just newborns with underdeveloped lungs. Each has a unique presentation. And every part of their care is important, with the ultimate goal of enabling them to grow, develop, and go home to their families. The ... Read More about Optimizing care for bronchopulmonary dysplasia, infant by infant
Breaking down barriers: How interpreters can enhance patient care
Sharing medical concerns with clinicians can be hard for anyone — a challenge that’s amplified in patients when English isn’t their first language. The results are troubling: One recent study by Boston Children’s pediatric hospitalist and researcher Alisa Khan, MD, MPH, found that patients and families who have limited English proficiency are three to five ... Read More about Breaking down barriers: How interpreters can enhance patient care
Undescended testicles: Why prompt referral is key
An estimated 3 percent of boys have undescended testicles at birth, making it a common problem encountered by pediatricians and urologists alike. Also known as cryptorchidism, an undescended testicle is one that hasn’t moved into its proper position in the scrotum before birth. Typically, only one testicle is affected, but in some cases, both may ... Read More about Undescended testicles: Why prompt referral is key
Shining a light on the SPF gap: Why sun protection is so important for children of color
With summer just around the corner, it’s important to understand the risks that come along with those long, hot days in the sun. It’s also important to recognize some pretty dangerous misconceptions about sun protection — namely that Black children and other children of color don’t need to worry about skin protection and skin cancers. ... Read More about Shining a light on the SPF gap: Why sun protection is so important for children of color
Preventing another infant formula crisis: What needs to happen now
The current national shortage of commercial infant formula might seem like it came out of nowhere, but today’s scarcity is an exacerbation of a longer-standing problem. Triggered by supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation worsened recently. This February, a major manufacturer voluntarily recalled and then ceased production of its powder formula, ... Read More about Preventing another infant formula crisis: What needs to happen now
Seeds of hope for Annie: one family’s story of epilepsy care
Ten-year-old Annie Dinan experienced her first noticeable seizure just before her fourth birthday while riding in the car with her family. “I had never seen a seizure in my entire life,” her mom, Lindsay, says of witnessing Annie lose then quickly regain consciousness. “But somehow, I knew exactly what it was.” Refusing to settle Following ... Read More about Seeds of hope for Annie: one family’s story of epilepsy care