Archive for Jessica Cerretani
Maya is moving ahead after thyroid cancer
For Maya Rao, 15, a playful accident last Thanksgiving led to the discovery of thyroid cancer. As she and her older sister, Deepti, fooled around, happy to be reunited for the holiday, Deepti’s long hair — gathered in a bun — softly hit Maya on her neck. It seemed innocuous enough, but then she developed ... Read More about Maya is moving ahead after thyroid cancer
Tagged: cancer, endocrinology, surgery, thyroid cancer
Be a VIP: Voiding Improvement Program helps kids with incontinence
Urinary incontinence (enuresis) isn’t just embarrassing for kids — it can lead to low self-esteem, stress, and even bullying. Because bedwetting, daytime wetting, and other problems are so personal, many children and parents are reluctant to talk about them. But families don’t have to stay silent. An approach called voiding improvement can help determine what’s ... Read More about Be a VIP: Voiding Improvement Program helps kids with incontinence
Tagged: urology
Opioids for acute pain in kids: Four things to know
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Opioid use disorder can include addiction to heroin, as well as to fentanyl and other prescription opioid analgesics. In fact, research suggests that nearly 80 percent of heroin users report using prescription opioids first. It’s ... Read More about Opioids for acute pain in kids: Four things to know
Testicular problems in boys: When is surgery necessary?
Testicular problems can be a source of alarm for parents of boys, but they’re actually quite common. Here, Dr. Erin McNamara, a pediatric urologist in the Department of Urology at Boston Children’s Hospital, explains testicular abnormalities and shares when to consider surgery. Undescended testicles Before a baby boy is born, his testicles form in his ... Read More about Testicular problems in boys: When is surgery necessary?
Tagged: urology
When to call the doctor about your child’s cough
Come winter, it’s difficult to escape the cacophony of hacking and throat-clearing that accompanies the common cold. Fortunately, most coughs are associated with self-limiting respiratory infections and will clear up on their own with time. But how do you know when a cough is worrisome — and when it’s time to call your pediatrician? We ... Read More about When to call the doctor about your child’s cough
Tagged: aerodigestive
Six ways to keep kids with aerodigestive disorders healthy
There’s probably not an adult or child who hasn’t experienced the stuffy nose and difficulty swallowing associated with an upper respiratory infection. Usually, rest, extra fluids, and time help ease such symptoms until the cold clears up. But for kids with aerodigestive conditions, which already affect the ability to eat and breathe, cold and flu ... Read More about Six ways to keep kids with aerodigestive disorders healthy
Tagged: aerodigestive, dysphagia, flu
Why do kids love “Baby Shark”? A Boston Children’s music therapist explains
Doo doo doo doo doo doo. If you spend any time around young children, you’re likely all too familiar with the ear worm known as “Baby Shark.” With its catchy beat and simple lyrics, the song is such a big hit that it’s broken Billboard’s Top 40 chart. The current World Series champions, the Washington ... Read More about Why do kids love “Baby Shark”? A Boston Children’s music therapist explains
Tagged: culture
Simon’s incredible progress after neonatal stroke
Simon Lieffers is “a very busy boy,” says his mother, Cara. At 2 1/2 years old, he’s obsessed with trucks and tools like many kids his age — but he’s also fascinated by things most grownups don’t consider fun. “He wants to mow the lawn and vacuum the house with us,” laughs Cara. “He really ... Read More about Simon’s incredible progress after neonatal stroke
Tagged: occupational therapy, stroke
Interventional pain techniques bring Sadie relief
It’s hard for Sadie Doherty and her parents to remember a time when she hasn’t been in pain. Now 17, she had gastrointestinal problems “right off the bat,” says her father, Mike. Testing at Boston Children’s Hospital eventually revealed the presence of eosinophils — white blood cells that can indicate an allergic reaction — in ... Read More about Interventional pain techniques bring Sadie relief
Tagged: interventional pain, pain