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5 Myths about Epilepsy

5 Myths About Epilepsy

Being diagnosed with epilepsy (a nervous system condition that causes seizures) can be alarming and frightening for parents and caretakers. Part of this worry is likely due to some misconceptions about this disease. Let’s talk about 5 myths surrounding epilepsy that should be debunked.  1. We’re alone. You’re not alone. Epilepsy is not rare. In fact, it’s one of the most common diseases we see in neurology. More people live with epilepsy than people with autism spectrum disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy – combined! A study published in 2011 found 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. That’s like one child in each classroom at a typical school! So it’s not as rare as you may think. Because of this, there are several support groups to help people who are newly diagnosed become familiar with epilepsy and help them navigate their life with this new disease.  2. I cannot be successful […]

RSV on the Rise: What Parents Need to Know

RSV on the Rise: What Parents Need to Know

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to surge, doctors are warning about another well-known respiratory illness, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), spreading among infants and young children. There has been an unusual summertime uptick in RSV cases. And it’s happening at the same time as the Delta variant of coronavirus is infecting young children and teens. Cases of RSV in kids and older adults usually occur in fall through early spring. But due to a reduced spread of RSV during the winter months of 2020-2021 — because of quarantine and masking guidelines — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that many cases are now surfacing earlier this year. Most children get an RSV infection by the age of two. As some areas lift mask mandates and other restrictions, there is a reappearance of the virus occurring. That means older infants and young children who would have gotten it last […]

Going Back to School in 2021

Going Back to School in 2021

Kids wear a lot of things to stay safe at school … shoes to protect their feet, sunscreen to protect their skin on late summer days and a jacket to protect against the fall chill. Once again, this school year, wearing a face mask may be included in that back to school list, depending on where your child goes to school. When Everyone at School is Wearing a Mask Since the Delta variant of COVID-19 is more transmissible than previous strains of the virus, some schools are requiring indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Changing rules over the past few years may confuse your child. Help them understand with these six tips! Explain why kids and adults are wearing a mask. Keep the explanation simple: “I wear a mask to keep you safe. You wear a mask to keep me safe.” Normalize by […]

Breastfeeding and COVID

Breastfeeding and COVID-19

Breast milk is nature’s perfect food for a newborn. It contains the right amount of nutrients, immune-boosting antibodies, and is easily digested. Babies who are breastfed tend to have fewer bouts of diarrhea or constipation, less reflux, more protection against ear infections, pneumonia, and asthma, and a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  The benefits of breast milk seem to be endless. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends to start breastfeeding as early as one hour after birth and to continue exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. They also recommend continuing breastfeeding even after solid foods are introduced, until at least 1 year of age.  Can You Breastfeeding If Positive for COVID-19? But what if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19? Is it safe to start or continue breastfeeding? While there are still so many unknowns when it comes to coronavirus, it’s widely known that you can spread COVID-19 to your infant through tiny […]

Nut Allergies: What Friends and Family Need to Know | Promise: Powered by Nemours Children's Health System

Nut Allergies: What Friends and Family Need to Know

For parents whose children live with an allergy to peanuts or tree nuts, avoiding the ingredients can become a matter of cautious routine. It’s never easy, but parents grow accustomed to avoiding certain foods and contaminants, watching for symptoms, and carrying the necessary supplies in case of an accidental exposure. But what about friends, friends’ parents, or other family members? It can be hard to give a simple overview of the dangers and limitations that come with a peanut or tree nut allergy – especially when you’re trying to allow your child to live a life that’s as close to normal as possible. Here’s what friends and family members should know about caring for or spending time with a child who has a nut allergy – whether it’s a sleepover, family vacation, or a babysitting gig. It’s a real thing. No matter what your own experiences with peanut or tree nut […]

Expert Question and Answer

Live Q&A: Spine & Scoliosis

In this video, recorded on June 28, 2021, Suken Shah, MD Chief, Spine & Scoliosis Center and Brett Shannon, MD, orthopedic surgeon, discuss and answer questions about scoliosis. Learn more about: When and why your child may need surgery. What surgery is like. Life with spinal fusion surgery. Complications and risks. If you have questions for Dr. Shah and Dr. Shannon, post them in the comments section on Facebook. Q: When a pediatrician first discovers a small curve in a young child, what is the best way to approach the new diagnosis? A: Kids under age 10 are more likely than older kids to need further monitoring, or even sometimes intervention from an orthopedic surgery team. If you detect any asymmetry of the back, or trunk, or shoulders, it’s important to have them come in and see us for a further evaluation. This includes the child’s history and a physical […]

When Your Child Complains of Chest Pain by Thomas Craig Edwards, MD | Promise, powered by Nemours Children's Health

When Your Child Has Chest Pain

When your child complains of chest pain, it’s natural to jump to heart-related conclusions. But most cases of chest pain in children aren’t caused by cardiac conditions. It can sometimes be hard to get a clear description of your child’s chest pain, but symptoms usually include: Tightness. Discomfort. Burning sensation. Pain when taking deep breaths. Coughing. Wheezing. So what should you do? Make an appointment with your child’s primary care physician, and keep in mind that chest pain in children is usually not heart-related. Chest pain can often be attributed to one or more of the following: Gastroesophogeal reflux disease, or ongoing heartburn Pain or inflammation in the chest wall Asthma Pneumonia Stress or anxiety Injury Viral illness Heading to the hospital is absolutely necessary in some situations. Seek emergency care if: Exercise brings about chest pain, or makes it worse. Chest pain occurs with rapid or irregular heartbeat. Fainting or […]

Expert Question and Answer

Expert Q&A: Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)

Questions about osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or “brittle bone disease,” are answered by pediatric orthopedics experts at Nemours Children’s Health. Q: When should people with OI get rods in the bones in the legs? A: We view realigning and rodding the bones in the legs, femurs and the tibias as a way to address deformity or bowing that is interfering with each patient’s motor development or causing recurrent fractures. We feel there is no minimum age, this is something that we really do value, continually assessing on an individualized basis to help each patient reach their potential. Q: How would you describe the use of orthotics in patients with OI? A: The word orthotics generally refers to all types of braces or things we put on patients’ arms or legs to help them function better. We use them on a case-by-case basis. Years ago we used to use heavy long leg […]

Expert Question and Answer

Expert Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids

In this video, recorded on June 2, 2021, Kenneth Alexander, MD, PhD, Division Chief, Infectious Diseases at Nemours Children’s Hospital, and April Novotny, RN, MSN, CEN, CENP, Chief Nurse Executive and Vice President of Clinical Services at Lakeland Regional Health, share the latest updates on the COVID-19 vaccine for kids, as well as insights on how COVID-19 has been impacting children and what parents can do to help their children have a safe summer and a successful return to school in the fall. Learn more about: How COVID-19 is impacting kids today How to talk with your teen about the COVID-19 vaccine Why your child shouldn’t get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as routine vaccines Tips for safely rejoining society after being vaccinated If you have a question for Dr. Alexander, post it in the comments section on Facebook. If my child already had covid, do they still need the […]

Have No Fear, Summer Is Almost Here -And a Little Caution Will Do

Have No Fear, Summer Is Almost Here – And a Little Caution Will Do

Your family may have canceled or shuffled summer plans during the height of the pandemic in 2020, hoping for a more exciting summer this year. So, as vaccination efforts ramp up and more of the U.S. population becomes fully vaccinated, you might be wondering what this summer has in store for your children. Will the family be able to travel? Will unvaccinated children be able to visit their grandparents? What about summer camp? It’s not entirely clear what direction the pandemic will take over the next few months. Experts are recommending we keep our guard up until more is known about how the vaccine efforts stand up against the coronavirus and its new variants. But kids can plan for a great summer, as long as families keep these points in mind: Weigh benefits versus risks.  As a family, try to assess your plans objectively. Flying with unvaccinated kids to a crowded […]

Covid-19: 5 Reasons Not to Let Your Guard Down Now

Covid-19: 5 Reasons Not to Let Your Guard Down Now

We have been living with COVID-19 for over a year. While there is a light at the end of this pandemic tunnel, we haven’t reached it yet. More than 30 million Americans have been infected with coronavirus, and the number of people getting infected each day is rising again. Experts are concerned about a new surge. With vaccines finally becoming widely available, it is tempting to leave the pandemic behind and get back to “normal” life. But public health and medical professionals say “not yet.” We need to keep our guard up just a little longer until it is clearer that we are winning the battle against coronavirus. Here are a few reasons why we still need to be cautious: Not enough people have been vaccinated yet. The vaccines available in the United States are safe and very good at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. But only […]

COVID-19 Vaccine Q & A

COVID-19 Vaccine Q & A

New information is coming in every day about the COVID-19 vaccine. We know you have a lot of questions. Here is what we know right now. Q. How many COVID-19 vaccines are there? A. There are currently three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States from three different manufacturers:  Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. There are differences between them, but all have been found to be highly effective against death and severe illness from COVID-19. Q. Could I get COVID-19 from getting a COVID-19 vaccine? A.  No, you will not get COVID-19 as the result of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine does not contain “live” virus, so there is no risk of developing COVID-19 from getting the vaccine. Q. Is the COVID-19 vaccine recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding? A.  Experts believe that the vaccine is unlikely to pose a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women […]

Page 4 of 11

Page 4 of 11

Page 4 of 11