To vaccinate or not to vaccinate for HPV? That’s the question for some parents who worry about giving this vaccine to their preteens. For some, it’s fear of allergic reactions or side effects. For others, it’s concerns about whether the vaccine actually works or why it needs to be given so young. One of the newer immunizations on the market, the HPV vaccine has proven extremely successful in the past 10 years. HPV infection rates have dropped 65 percent in teens since the vaccination was first introduced in 2006. HPV (human papillomavirus) is a group of viruses transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Some strands of HPV cause warts, and others can cause cancer of the tonsils, throat, anus, cervix and genitals in both men and women. National organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy […]

Dear Nemours Physician, THANK YOU! As our nation celebrates Doctor’s Day 2016, I am both honored and delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate each of you. Thank you for all that you do for the thousands of children and families who rely on you and Nemours for both hope and healing. It is more than fitting that this annual recognition celebrates the dedication and compassion of physicians in caring for their patients and alleviating human suffering. Fitting, because compassion and alleviating human suffering are the very foundation upon which our benefactor, Alfred I. duPont, envisioned what we know today as the Nemours Children’s Health System. Doctor’s Day is also a time to recognize our physicians for their contributions to the body of medical knowledge and the creation of tools necessary to win the unending battle against disease that leads to better outcomes for patients. Yet, beyond the wonder of […]

Every few months, some kind of infection sweeps through classrooms, camps and daycare centers — chickenpox, colds, pink eye and ear infections — each taking their turn infecting children. One occurrence, though, seems to send parents into a tailspin when there’s a slightest whisper of the dreaded word — lice. And now, with the appearance of what many are calling super lice — or lice that are resistant to most over-the-counter treatments — parents are more concerned than ever about the little creatures that nest in children’s hair. First and foremost, super lice are still treatable, but instead of the affordable over-the-counter remedies, super lice can be treated with an expensive prescription medication that only some insurance companies will cover. Prevention is the best solution for your child — and your bank account. With all of the tips, tricks and rumors about lice you may have heard, it’s difficult to tell […]

For children and families who are navigating serious medical concerns, visits to the hospital can be stressful and tedious – even a little scary. That’s why the Child Life and Social Work team at Nemours Children’s Hospital is dedicated to building a supportive, enriching and fun environment for the children in our care. It’s a mission the team embraces every day, but during the week of March 21st, the work of the Child Life and Social Work team took on extra importance as we celebrated National Child Life and Social Work Month. The team focused on the theme of Transformation, and celebrated with related activities each day. And it wasn’t just the patients who benefitted – staff from departments throughout Nemours Children’s Hospital got in on the festivities.  Associates from various departments supported their Child Life and Social Work colleagues through their attire, sharing stories of success and showering the […]

What happens when kids and their parents get together on a Saturday morning in March? Friendships are strengthened, learning is communal, and beautiful artwork is created. That’s exactly what happened at the second annual Cerebral Palsy (CP) Family Spring Social held at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood. CP is a disorder that affects a child’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. “Cerebral” means having to do with the brain, and “palsy” means weakness or problems with using the muscles. Like many disabilities, there are varying degrees of severity—some children might only have a mild impairment while others are severely affected. At the CP Family Social the goal was to bring children with CP, and their siblings, together to show how all kids, when given the right tools, can be creative, expressive, and empowered. Lisa […]

Despite its mild beginning, winter definitely packed a punch this year. It’s also kept many families cooped up indoors. If your family is anything like mine, you’re ready to throw open those windows and let spring in. While warm weather is right around the corner, and should have us all running for the nearest park, playground or even the backyard, let’s take a moment to be sure any and all outside activities are done safely and with as little risk for injury as possible. Here are five quick tips to remember. 1. Make sure everyone wears a helmet. A family bike ride, skateboarding, inline skating, scooters and horseback riding are all great ways to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. But all require a well-fitting helmet. Wearing a bicycle helmet is the best way to prevent a brain injury. A helmet fits well if it sits level on the head […]