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Health Conditions

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

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 […]

Type 1 Diabetes Patient turned Endocrinologist: Patrick’s Story

As someone who grew up in Delaware, even before I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Nemours Children’s Health has always held a special place for me. During my medical school rotations, I found a mentor in Dr. Daniel Doyle, who showed me the profound impact of pediatric endocrinology. After completing my fellowship training in Philadelphia, I reached out. I was excited to learn that there was an opening for a pediatric endocrinologist at Nemours. It was the moment I had envisioned for so long finally coming to life! Beyond patient care, I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in other activities, such as clinical research. This enables me to consider and investigate the issues my patients encounter, develop targeted interventions to assist them, and conduct trials to gain a deeper understanding of their disease processes, ultimately aiming to enhance their care in the future. I am so fortunate […]

Supporting Mental Health in Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): The Importance of Comprehensive Care

It’s no surprise that children diagnosed with cardiac disease often experience anxiety or depression. Their caregivers may also struggle with mental health as they navigate treatment. Dr. Erica Sood and Dr. Joselyn Kenowitz, both pediatric psychologists at the Nemours Cardiac Center at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware emphasize the importance of providing mental health support in cardiac settings to address challenges early and prevent worsening issues. Their work highlights the need for comprehensive mental health programs  from diagnosis through young adulthood, with initiatives like HEARTPrep for prenatal support and the Milestones Program to address developmental and mental health needs. The goal is to ensure families are prepared for the mental health impacts of congenital heart disease (CHD) and have access to necessary resources. 1. How is mental health connected to cardiac care? Dr. Sood: The stress of cardiac care in the hospital and at home can affect the mental health of […]

A mother and son are sitting together in a living room. She is helping him check his blood sugar levels because he is diabetic.

Nemours Researcher Brings Conversation on Diabetes to National Platform

Being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is often an overwhelming and life changing experience for children and families. Julia Price, PhD, Pediatric Psychologist at Nemours Children’s Health, works to help patients adjust to life with diabetes, using behavioral interventions to help kids and caregivers communicate about managing this complex illness. A major focus of Price’s work is implementation science, which is aimed at making sure that scientific advances ultimately reach the patients and families who most need them. To raise awareness of this work and demonstrate her leadership in this space, on October 11, Price moderated a panel on community participation and partnerships at a workshop held by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. “This workshop offered a unique opportunity to connect with leaders in the fields of implementation science, health equity and community-engaged research, all focused on […]

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Porter’s Story

Porter’s ongoing battle with lymphoma, supported by the dedicated team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, highlights the importance of compassionate care and family strength.

18 Years Cancer-Free: Andrew’s Story

When Andrew, now 28, reflects on his journey with Nemours Children’s Health, he describes it as nothing short of miraculous. Diagnosed with hepatoblastoma that had metastasized to his lungs and brain as a child, Andrew’s journey to recovery has been thanks to his expert medical care and unwavering support system. In November 1999, 3-year-old Andrew woke up in the middle of the night complaining of shoulder and abdomen pain. His parents, concerned, took him to the pediatrician in Augusta, Georgia, where appendicitis was initially suspected, and surgery scheduled. However, a perceptive surgeon, recalling a rare medical condition from his studies, insisted on further tests. The results were alarming: Andrew’s cancer markers were sky-high, pointing to a serious diagnosis. The local medical team quickly realized they needed specialized help, so he was transferred to a children’s hospital. The surgeons there reached out to Dr. Adela Casas-Melley, who was working at Nemours […]

Family Advocacy: How Cancer took Cameron to Chords and Capitol Hill

For Cameron Thackston, 17, what started as a pain in his foot in early 2023, turned out to be something much more serious. He and his mom, Alma, thought it could’ve been tendonitis, only his condition wasn’t improving. The sharp pains continued to the point where the family was forced to take a trip to the emergency room. After a few rounds of testing Cameron received the news. He was diagnosed with cancer. Mom was devastated. “I went into a panic,” she said. And Cameron?  How did he take the news? He had one simple question for the care team. “Is it curable?” he asked. “Yes,” they said. “Cool,” he replied. With his primary diagnosis being T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, his mom admits she was scared. But the family only had one choice. Fight. After rounds of infusions and oral chemotherapy and hours spent on the Hematology-Oncology Floor at Nemours […]

Pediatric Cancer Second Opinions

Learn what second opinions are, why they matter, and how to get one for your child’s cancer diagnosis. Trust in expert care at Nemours Children’s Health.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Charlie’s Story (In Mom’s Words)

In February 2023, we noticed a sore develop on Charlie’s side. But being a normal 3-year-old little boy, we shook it off as a stick poke or a bug bite from playing outside. As time progressed, not only did the sore get bigger, but Charlie started falling asleep on the couch and experiencing fevers of 102-103 degrees. We took Charlie to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida’s Emergency Room in Orlando where the doctors closely examined him before calling in Dr. Alexander, an infectious disease specialist. Dr. Alexander was very kind and helped us think through different ideas of what this could be. They took a biopsy and sent us home on an antibiotic and instructions to follow up with our pediatrician. A week later, there had been no signs of healing. Charlie’s lymph node in his armpit near the wound had become swollen. After following up with his pediatrician two times […]

What to Look for in a Cancer Center for Your Child

Discover essential tips for choosing the best cancer center for your child. Learn about advanced treatments, support services, and the importance of a comfortable, caring environment at Nemours Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

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