Blog | Page 93 of 159 | Boston Children's Answers

Can the show go on? Song, dance, and other activities during COVID-19

Posted on October 8, 2020 by Joanne Barker | Health and Parenting

At the start of any typical school year, Kelly Blake is busy meeting with the after-school clubs she runs. This year, however, Blake’s schedule — and her students’ schedules — are full of unknowns. “The school has so many things related to COVID-19 to figure out this year,” she says. “After-school activities are not a ... Read More

Tagged: coronavirus, mental health

Scar-free healing after spinal cord injury relies on specialized cells

Posted on October 8, 2020 by Alice McCarthy | Basic/Translational, Research

Tags: nerve injury, neurology, neuroscience, spinal cord injury

Key takeaways Scar tissue prevents nerves from communicating with each other. Microglia cells in the central nervous system help prevent scar tissue formation after spinal cord injuries in newborn mice. Transplanted newborn microglia cells drastically reduced scar formation in adult mice with spinal cord injury, opening the door to new treatment possibilities. One of the ... Read More

Tagged: nerve injury, neurology, neuroscience, spinal cord injury

Behind the mask: How to prevent and treat mask-related acne in children and teens

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Lisa D. Ellis | Health and Parenting

Tags: coronavirus

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

Tagged: coronavirus

Two recent innovations in aerodigestive care

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Jessica Cerretani | Research

Tags: aerodigestive, motility, reflux

Feeding disorders are extremely common in pediatrics and are a source of significant stress for families. Because many complex feeding disorders lack treatment options, children tend to receive nutrition by feeding tubes as a result. The Aerodigestive Center at Boston Children’s Hospital has been at the forefront of developing novel therapies for feeding disorders. Two ... Read More

Tagged: aerodigestive, motility, reflux

Clinicians: Four tips for effective virtual visits

Posted on October 2, 2020 by Ellen Greenlaw | Clinical Care, Primary Care

Tags: coronavirus, primary care, telehealth

Now that we’re eight months into the coronavirus pandemic, most providers have had experience with virtual, or telehealth, visits. These visits have been a necessary, and very convenient way to continue to safely provide patients with care. Like many other hospitals around the country, Boston Children’s had to ramp up telehealth services quickly at the ... Read More

Tagged: coronavirus, primary care, telehealth

Affordable Care Act eases health care costs for families with children, study finds

Posted on October 2, 2020 by Nancy Fliesler | Ethics/Policy, Our Community

Tags: government relations, policy, public health, research

On November 10, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on a case challenging the Affordable Care Act. With the ACA’s future in question, a study from Boston Children’s Hospital provides a reminder that the law has substantially reduced health care expenses for many families with children — particularly low- and middle-income families. Key takeaway ... Read More

Tagged: government relations, policy, public health, research

One in 5 million: Nathan’s rare diagnosis and happy recovery

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Ellen Greenlaw | Patient Stories

Tags: adrenal gland disorders, cancer, neurology, opsoclonus-myoclonus-syndrome

Nathan Asselin was a happy baby with no apparent health problems when he became ill just before his birthday in April of this year. “He didn’t seem himself the night before, then he woke up with a fever on the day of his birthday,” says his mother, Danielle. “He sat on the floor eating his ... Read More

Tagged: adrenal gland disorders, cancer, neurology, opsoclonus-myoclonus-syndrome

Cyberbullying in the age of COVID-19: How to protect your kids

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Ellen Greenlaw | Health and Parenting

Tags: bullying, coronavirus

Now that so many classrooms across the country have moved totally or partially online, kids of all ages are spending a lot more time in the virtual world. And with so many kids on computers and mobile devices, there’s likely to be an increase in cyberbullying says Dr. Peter Raffalli, director of the Bullying and ... Read More

Tagged: bullying, coronavirus

Helping athletes cope with the emotional rollercoaster of COVID-19

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Joanne Barker | Health and Parenting

Tags: coronavirus, mental health, orthopedics, sports medicine

“The athletes I work with are over this,” says Kimberly O’Brien, a clinical social worker in the Sports Medicine Division. Last spring, when COVID-19 forced the cancellation of organized sports, coaches and athletes assumed they’d be playing again by autumn. Now it’s clear many athletes’ plans will remain on hold through the fall season, possibly ... Read More

Tagged: coronavirus, mental health, orthopedics, sports medicine

COVID-19 and sports: Is it safe to play again?

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Joanne Barker | Health and Parenting

Tags: coronavirus, orthopedics, sports medicine

It was hard on athletes when COVID-19 forced sports to shut down last spring, but at least everyone was in the same boat. Six months later, the picture is very different. Depending on where they live, what sport they play, and who they play with, some athletes are back in training. Others have to wait ... Read More

Tagged: coronavirus, orthopedics, sports medicine