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young girl gamer sits at a computer with a Feel Free kratom drink

PARENTING

Feel Free Drinks and Kratom: Essential Information for Parents

People often assume that natural products are harmless or non-addictive. However, natural products can have side effects just like pharmaceuticals. In March 2025, Botanic Tonics’ CEO reported that Feel Free had surpassed a quarter of a billion dollars in annual sales profitability during its third year. According to NielsenIQ data, as of July 2024, Feel Free held the No. 1 spot for eight consecutive quarters in the ‘Shelf Stable Energy & Supplements in Convenience’ category. By August 2025, Botanic Tonics stated it had sold over 129.7 million servings of Feel Free. Yet, despite its commercial success, some users have begun to question the product’s true cost, with some even referring to it as “Feel Trapped” due to concerns over dependency or side effects. What are the ingredients in Feel Free CLASSIC? Unlike pharmaceuticals, natural products like Feel Free aren’t subject to rigorous regulation, leaving consumers uncertain about their actual composition. […]

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

Allie’s Light: Finding Support Through Nemours PATH

Meet Allie Likely. At just 12 years old, she was diagnosed with adjustment disorder with an anxious mood. Using the Pediatric Acute Telemental Health (PATH) program available at Nemours Children’s Health in Florida, Allie and her family found the care and tools they needed to move forward with confidence. Her mother remembers when she first noticed something was wrong. “It appeared as though she was losing her light,” she said. “As a parent, I tried talking to her but felt that she was holding back. I felt she needed to talk to someone, so I started looking for resources.” The changes in Allie’s behavior left her mom feeling uncertain and worried. “I noticed she wasn’t her usual self and was unsure if it was just the typical tween behavior, the newness of middle school, or the recent transition we had endured as a family. I felt as though I couldn’t reach my […]

ALL BLOGS

From Patient to Future Doctor: Freya’s Story

In early May 2024, Freya was diagnosed with B-cell leukemia at just 5 years old. Her family’s world changed overnight. Support from Nemours Children’s helped them through. “Thankfully, everyone at the hospital has been incredibly supportive. They’ve not only provided expert care but also made us feel like part of a family, so we never felt alone. I connected with other families facing similar challenges, and I’m genuinely grateful we were guided to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. I wouldn’t choose any other place for her care.” Freya’s mother credits Nemours Children’s and Dr. Douglas for giving her hope. “Knowing that she cares deeply makes me feel relieved about the continuation of Freya’s care. I’m confident she will ring the bell in August 2026. Even if that doesn’t happen, I know that Dr. Douglas will do everything possible to support Freya. I used to worry endlessly, losing sleep and not eating, […]

A young boy with a bandana and an IV drip beside him draws with crayons. He in indoors, sitting at a desk in a treatment centre.

SCHOOL & FAMILY

How to Support a Child or Family with Cancer: Expert Q&A

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — a time to honor the strength of children and their families navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Alongside doctors and nurses, Child Life Specialists play a vital role in supporting young patients and their families cope with the emotional and developmental impacts of cancer, guiding them through what can be an overwhelming journey. In this Q&A, we had the opportunity to speak with Joli Craver, one of our Child Life Specialists at Nemours Children’s Health, who works in the PLAYERS Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Joli provided valuable insights for friends, classmates, neighbors, and extended family who are looking to offer meaningful support. Whether it’s knowing what to say, how to help, or simply how to be present, her perspective can help you feel more confident in showing up for children with cancer and their families during their most challenging moments. […]

ALL BLOGS

Back on the Mat: Alexa’s Story

Alexa, then 12 years old, had always been an active child, participating in various sports such as Jiu Jitsu. However, a previous knee injury that seemed minor at first, suddenly got worse. What started as a slight discomfort during physical activities escalated into persistent pain that made it difficult for her to participate in sports. As the pain began to increase, Alexa was referred to Nemours Children’s Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Alvin Su. Under the care of Dr. Su and the team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Alexa was diagnosed with osteochondral defect (OCD). OCD is a condition where there is damage to the cartilage and the bone beneath it within a joint. This type of injury is commonly found in the knee, and it can be particularly debilitating for young athletes. “This condition didn’t allow me to return to sports and other strenuous activities, like Jiu Jitsu,” shares Alexa. After […]

ALL BLOGS

Navigating Clubfoot: Sofia’s Story

For Sofia’s family, a routine pregnancy check-up took a surprising turn when an ultrasound revealed that Sofia would be born with a condition known as clubfoot. “As an infant, her feet were going inward and it was heartbreaking to see,” Sofia’s mom shares. Determined to give her daughter the best possible care, Sofia’s mom turned to the internet, where she discovered Dr. John Lovejoy and Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. The diagnosis of clubfoot had been unexpected, but the prospect of expert care and a promising treatment plan offered a glimmer of light. It was at Nemours Children’s Hospital Florida that they met Dr. Lovejoy, Chair of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Dr. Lovejoy recommended Sofia be started with casting using the Ponseti method. This treatment involved a series of castings, which were crucial for maintaining the corrected position of her foot. The process required regular weekly visits to Nemours as a […]

Young Girl is using inhaler for asthma symptom relief during Asthma Peak Week in September

SAFETY & PREVENTION

Asthma Peak Week: Why It Happens and How to Stay Healthy

As we turn the calendar page to September, one challenge looms: the arrival of “Asthma Peak Month,” with the third week being “Asthma Peak Week” where asthma triggers are at their highest of the year. This period marks a significant increase in asthma symptoms. Combined with the extra stress and exposures of children heading back to school, understanding why this peak and week happens can help you better prepare your child for the possibility of more asthma attacks. Understanding Asthma Peak Week Asthma peak week, typically the third week of September, marks a critical period when the number of asthma attacks spikes dramatically. Although it affects people of all ages, this phenomenon is particularly notable among children. The transition back into the classroom, for example, exposes kids to a variety of new allergens and irritants (plus viruses), which can trigger or worsen their asthma symptoms. That’s because one of the […]

PATIENT STORIES

Navigating Cochlear Implants: Nakoa’s Story

Just a day after his birth, Nakoa’s family received the unexpected news that he had failed his newborn hearing screening. This was only the beginning of a challenging yet transformative journey. Two weeks later, the family returned to their local hospital for a second screening. The results were the same: Nakoa failed. The hospital referred them to another pediatric hospital for more comprehensive testing. Nakoa failed every test, and the diagnosis of profound deafness was becoming increasingly clear. The family was devastated but determined to seek a second opinion. So, they were referred to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, a renowned pediatric healthcare facility, for the following week. Still, Nakoa failed every test, and the diagnosis was confirmed. For his mother, the diagnosis of profound deafness held a heavy impact. “I mourned the thought of him being deaf and having to endure being different,” she shares. The fear of Nakoa facing […]

SAFETY & PREVENTION

Naloxone (Narcan): A Lifesaving Tool for Families

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a powerful and life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Opioids are a type of medicine often prescribed to manage pain, but they can be dangerous if misused. Millions of families in the United States have lost a loved one due to an overdose, but in the case of opioid overdoses, we have a tool that can help. The American Academy of Pediatrics called on pediatricians to help reduce these tragic losses by educating families about overdose prevention. By learning about naloxone, you can be better prepared to protect your loved ones and save a life. What is Naloxone? Naloxone is a medication designed to quickly reverse the effects of opioids, such as fentanyl, heroin, and prescription pain medications like oxycodone. Narcan is simply a brand name for naloxone, which is why you may hear it used interchangeably. It works by blocking the opioids […]

Close up of a calm young man lying in a tanning bed and having protective glasses on his eyes to protect them from UV light

SAFETY & PREVENTION

Skip the Bed, Save Your Skin: A Guide to Safer Sun Choices

Many teens enjoy how they look with a fresh tan. To keep that glow year-round, some turn to tanning beds believing it’s a safer or easier option than sunbathing. But here’s the truth: research shows that tanning beds are actually more harmful than natural sun exposure. How Tanning Beds Work and Their Risks Tanning beds use florescent lights to emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation that darkens the skin. The UV exposure stimulates melanocytes — cells in the skin that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning. While it may seem like a simple process, tanning beds expose the skin to high levels of UVA and UVB radiation. While early detection is important, prevention is key. Just 10 minutes in a tanning bed exposes your teen’s skin to concentrated UVA and UVB rays that are often much stronger than natural sunlight — these rays penetrate deep, damaging the DNA in skin cells. […]

Pediatric ENT examining the mouth of a baby using a medical spatula in doctor's office to check for lip tie or tongue tie

NEW PARENTS

Understanding Lip and Tongue Ties: A Guide for Parents

As a parent, it’s natural to have concerns about your child’s development, and conditions like lip and tongue ties can be confusing, especially with the images they evoke of a tongue-tied baby. Anywhere from 1% to 11% of newborns have signs of tongue tie, or ankyloglossia (ang-kuh-low-GLOSS-ee-uh), according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Lip and tongue ties aren’t cause for a lot of worry on their own, but they can affect feeding, speech, and oral health, or even be indicators of related conditions. Here are some other common questions about lip and tongue ties, including how to recognize the signs, their potential impact, and what to consider when making treatment decisions. What Are Lip and Tongue Ties? Which Parts of the Mouth Are Affected? How Do I Know If It’s a Lip or Tongue Tie? Identifying lip and tongue ties can be challenging. Tied tongue in newborns is often […]

VACCINES

Protecting Your Baby from RSV: Immunization Options

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus (or “RSV”) is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. Is RSV contagious? Yes, it’s considered highly contagious because it spreads similarly to the common cold. For example, RSV can spread when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes near you or your baby. It can also spread when you or your baby touch surfaces contaminated with RSV droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze, and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone can get RSV, but most people are infected for the first time as infants or toddlers. Protecting children from RSV involves exploring new immunization options for moms and babies. What Is RSV? RSV is a common and widespread virus. In most regions of the United States, RSV season starts during fall and peaks in the […]

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