National Nutrition Month: Put Your Best Fork Forward

This National Physical Therapy Month, we have the privilege of spotlighting Erin Baker, a Physical Therapis (PT) and Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. Amber Yampolsky, Nemours Children’s Rehab Manager, Erin’s co-worker, and one of Amber’s direct reports, shares her perspective on what makes Erin such an outstanding Nemours Children’s Physical Therapy team member. Erin and Amber’s journey began before their time at Nemours, back when they were acquaintances working at a different hospital in Central Florida. However, their professional paths converged when they both joined the rehabilitation department at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. Erin’s journey at Nemours began before Amber’s. She arrived with a clear mission: to specialize in Assistive Technology practice within the rehab department. Shortly after, Amber came to Nemours, determined to make a mark in the field of pediatric inpatient rehabilitation. Erin’s dedication is second to none. She has not only specialized in Assistive Technology […]

Keeping your child healthy and strong. Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have lower levels of certain vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients. That’s because their bodies turn over red blood cells so fast that nutrients are broken down faster than normal. When the body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs, it leads to malnourishment, anemia (low iron), frequent infections, poor growth and development, and other complications. At the Nemours Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, our team incorporates nutrition into the overall treatment plan for kids with SCD. We know that good nutrition helps to support growth, restore energy, improve immunity and strengthen muscles and bones. Good nutrition can also reduce pain crisis and the side effects of certain treatments. This can help decrease the number of hospital visits and improve overall health as your child grows. Essential Vitamins and Minerals for SCD A child with SCD takes […]

Jay loves wakeboarding—in fact, he’s a wakeboarding national champion! But when he fractured his right femur in June 2020 during a wakeboarding accident, he was brought emergently to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida to see Dr. Zachary Stinson, who specializes in pediatric orthopedic trauma and sports medicine surgery. Jay had his femur surgically repaired with a metal rod, and he began the gradual journey to walking, running, and wakeboarding again.  Following his surgery, Jay was determined every single day in therapy, and he was cleared to start running just months following surgery, and eventually to full wakeboarding activities by six months!  Jay had the metal rod removed 18 months following his initial surgery, and he was completely cleared by Dr. Stinson a few weeks later.   Jay’s mom Ashley credits Nemours doctors, physical therapists, and nurses for being comforting not only to their patients, but also patient families. “The nurses and doctors explained treatments to Jay and me,” she said. “They would also […]