Archive for Lisa D. Ellis
IBD surgery gives Ben a new taste for life (and hamburgers)
Ben Irland, 13, has been enjoying a lot of hamburgers lately. It’s an exciting development for him, since until recently meat — as well as most other foods — caused him pain. That’s because Ben has been dealing with the effects of Crohn’s disease, one form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), for the past decade. ... Read More about IBD surgery gives Ben a new taste for life (and hamburgers)
Does your child need a flu shot? Yes, especially this year.
Have you and your children received your flu shots yet? If not, it’s important to get them as soon as possible. Every year, flu shots save lives by preventing influenza (another name for the flu), or reducing complications if people do get sick. In fact, the flu vaccine is mandatory this year in Massachusetts for ... Read More about Does your child need a flu shot? Yes, especially this year.
Tagged: coronavirus, flu, vaccines
Behind the mask: How to prevent and treat mask-related acne in children and teens
Wearing a mask is very effective at helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it can also trigger a host of skin problems for children and teens, including acne, irritation, rashes, and chafing behind the ears. Many adults are also suddenly experiencing acne and other skin issues for the first time in years. Fortunately, you ... Read More about Behind the mask: How to prevent and treat mask-related acne in children and teens
Tagged: coronavirus
Tapping into the mind-body connection to reduce COVID-19 stress
In a dimly lit living room, a staff member lies on a couch, eyes closed, as soft music floats through the air. From a nearby computer screen, the voice of Victoria Klumpp, RN, BSN, IBCLC, comes over a Zoom link as she talks the person through a Reiki session. Klumpp, who is clinical coordinator of the Family Wellness Program ... Read More about Tapping into the mind-body connection to reduce COVID-19 stress
Tagged: mental health
Help your kids balance screen time and healthy play during COVID-19
Whether your child’s school is fully remote or hybrid this fall, chances are they’ll be spending extensive amounts of time in front of their computers. If, like many parents, you’re working from home, you may be relying more heavily on television and video games to keep your kids entertained. But how does all of this ... Read More about Help your kids balance screen time and healthy play during COVID-19
Tagged: coronavirus, culture, developmental milestones, digital health
How Boston Children’s is supporting childcare during COVID-19
If you’re a parent who relies on childcare, you may be struggling with closures during COVID-19. You also may have questions about the reopening and the safety of the childcare classroom. For people who live in communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, the challenges associated with childcare are magnified. That’s why Boston ... Read More about How Boston Children’s is supporting childcare during COVID-19
Q and A: What you need to know about ticks and Lyme disease
With summer on the way, you and your family will probably be spending more time outdoors. You may be taking walks, playing in your yard or a park, biking, or camping. But before you head outside, it’s important to take precautions to reduce your children’s risk for a common tick borne illness, Lyme disease. Dr. Rebekka ... Read More about Q and A: What you need to know about ticks and Lyme disease
The impact of COVID-19 on communities of color
Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, it has become increasingly clear that some racial and ethnic groups have high rates of infection and death from the virus. Recent national data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that Black Americans are five times more likely than white Americans to get COVID-19, and Latino Americans ... Read More about The impact of COVID-19 on communities of color
Tagged: community health, coronavirus, health equity
Exploring the link between homelessness and COVID-19
With COVID-19 cases continuing to surge across the nation, it’s increasingly clear that people who don’t have a stable living situation find it much more challenging to shelter in place. Homelessness affects as many as 58,000 families — and more than 100,000 children — in the U.S. on any given night. More than three-quarters of ... Read More about Exploring the link between homelessness and COVID-19
Tagged: community health, coronavirus, health equity, racism
Should you hire a babysitter during COVID-19? Six tips to consider
If you’ll be going back to work outside of the home, you may wonder if it’s safe to hire a babysitter during COVID-19. While this decision is a very personal one, for some families it can be an appealing alternative to using a daycare center— as long as you can find a caregiver you trust ... Read More about Should you hire a babysitter during COVID-19? Six tips to consider
Tagged: coronavirus