Archive for Albert McKeon
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 about Along the way to heart surgery, Liam found a name for his new teddy bear
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 about Logan shows off ‘big personality’ while overcoming cleft lip and palate
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 about Genetic risk factors for PCOS act independently of ovarian function
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 about Kids with special health care needs can take small steps toward dental visits
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 about Parents: Start dental care early for children with special health care needs
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 about A clinical trial aims to reduce complications in life-saving lung and heart treatment
Wanting to give back, four heart patients now work as heart pros
They belong to a unique group. As children, they needed surgery to repair congenital heart conditions. Rather than being afraid, they instead were curious about the science behind their treatment. What they learned motivated them to discover more and ultimately pursue careers in medicine. Now healthy adults and working for the Benderson Family Heart Center at Boston ... Read More about Wanting to give back, four heart patients now work as heart pros
Letters from the heart: “Life will be better”
Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) have much to think about as they undergo tests, try medications, and face possible surgery. These adults know what that’s like. To celebrate National Heart Month, here are their words of encouragement. Frank Collins, 63 I loved basketball as a kid, but when I played I would get tired ... Read More about Letters from the heart: “Life will be better”
Charting a new path for pediatric thyroid cancer treatment
Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer in children. Because it is bilateral — affecting both sides (lobes) of the thyroid — in more than one third of pediatric patients, initial treatment typically involves a total thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of the entire thyroid gland. However, removal of only the affected lobe — a lobectomy ... Read More about Charting a new path for pediatric thyroid cancer treatment
Six tips for how families can manage Omicron
Omicron, a highly transmissible COVID-19 variant, is straining hospitals, canceling events, and emptying store shelves of test kits. It seems almost inevitable that it will find its way into households. Nearly two years into the pandemic, staying on top of COVID-19 guidance can seem exhausting. But you shouldn’t lose hope. Eventually, we will see the ... Read More about Six tips for how families can manage Omicron