Archive for Albert McKeon
‘They just cared about Levi’: Finding answers for a complex vascular ring
The first sign that Levi Blair Winkler would no longer have problems swallowing was when, only three days after a complex surgery, he wolfed down four chicken nuggets and an apple. Just as encouraging for his parents, Rachel and Gabe, was that he stopped talking about the bug in his throat. That’s how Levi often ... Read More
“Seeing” the unseen: A way to pinpoint elusive cardiac conduction tissue
When patients with congenital heart issues have an operation, surgeons have to proceed with an “eye of faith” as they work around conduction tissue — a network of cells and electrical signals that control the beating of a heart. Not visible to the naked eye, conduction systems vary person to person, but they’re particularly difficult ... Read More
Amanda gets the smile she always wanted — just in time for college
One of the first things you’ll notice about Amanda Altemus is her big smile. She’s a proud Clemson Tiger and excited to talk about how she is in the university’s post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. When she’s not studying, she loves rooting for the Clemson football team, watching YouTube videos, and listening ... Read More
Along the way to heart surgery, Liam found a name for his new teddy bear
After a complicated delivery in April 2021, Chelsea Allis had recovered and was finally able to bond with her infant son, Liam. But life became unsettled again only two months later, when a doctor performing a routine checkup on Liam detected a possible heart condition. Then, only a day before seeing a cardiologist to learn ... Read More
Logan shows off ‘big personality’ while overcoming cleft lip and palate
Three-year-old Logan Hatfield doesn’t simply ask to watch “The Lion King.” He lets out a loud roar and follows with a soft “king.” It’s one of the many cherished memories he has created for his parents, Jenna and Brad, and his two older siblings. It’s also a welcomed contrast to the months before and after ... Read More
Genetic risk factors for PCOS act independently of ovarian function
It’s estimated that as many as 10 percent of women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that produces symptoms such as infertility, irregular menstrual periods, and excessive body hair growth. Women with PCOS are also at increased risk for cardiometabolic dysfunction, as evidenced by insulin resistance and obesity. Yet, despite extensive studies of PCOS, ... Read More
Kids with special health care needs can take small steps toward dental visits
This is the second of a two-part series offering dental advice to the parents of children with special health care needs. A visit to the dentist can be an overwhelming experience for children with special health care needs. Like many people, they might feel uncomfortable with dental picks and drills. Or, favoring the rhythm of ... Read More
Step by step: What to consider before your child wears a fitness tracker
Energetic children run circles around their parents. Wearable devices can count how many footsteps go into those circles. Depending on the model, fitness trackers can measure the steps a child walks and the miles they bike, all while monitoring their heart rate, body temperature, and other vital signs of health. More importantly, the devices can ... Read More
Parents: Start dental care early for children with special health care needs
This is the first of a two-part series offering dental tips to the parents of children with special health care needs. The texture of a toothbrush’s bristles can be enough to make dental hygiene an uncomfortable undertaking for children with special health care needs. And because children with autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other conditions are ... Read More
A clinical trial aims to reduce complications in life-saving lung and heart treatment
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be lifesaving for critically ill children with severe lung and heart failure who are not responsive to conventional treatments. This approach takes over the work of those vital organs, enabling patients to rest and recover. It transfers blood from the body into a pump-and-oxygenator machine, where blood is oxygenated and carbon ... Read More