Health and Parenting
an illustration of a young person surrounded by thought bubbles that list signs of suicidal thoughts

COVID and suicidal thoughts: Help for families

Earlier this month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released stark new figures on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. One in four young adults (age 18 to 24) surveyed reported seriously considering suicide during the previous 30 days — an increase from years past. Rates of suicidal thoughts were also high in ... Read More about COVID and suicidal thoughts: Help for families
Patient Stories
adella stands near a waterfall after recovering from thyroid cancer

From Alabama for answers: Adella’s thyroid journey

She may only be 12 years old, but Adella Jackson has already expanded her family’s perspective. “She’s broadened our horizons,” says her mother, Cindy. “If it wasn’t for Adella, we never would have gotten to visit Boston, for example.” The Jacksons, who hail from Alabama, have loved exploring the city’s rich history and art museums ... Read More about From Alabama for answers: Adella’s thyroid journey
Health and Parenting
illustration of nasal swab and blood sample in test tubes

COVID-19 tests: What families should know

As schools and businesses are looking to safely reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re hearing more about testing for COVID-19. But there isn’t just one “COVID-19 test.”  All of the tests have one goal: to detect whether someone is or has been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. But they work in different ... Read More about COVID-19 tests: What families should know
Health and Parenting
kids walking down a sidewalk all wearing masks

COVID-19 and kids: Do you know myth from fact?

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, there is still much misinformation and confusion about how kids are affected by the illness. Test your knowledge by taking our quiz. [smartslider3 slider=”31″] Take our previous quiz and get more answers about Boston Children’s response to COVID-19. Share this:
Health and Parenting
several types of masks surrounded by virus particles

How masks protect against COVID-19: Understanding the science

As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the U.S., including in children, wearing a face covering is more important than ever. We know wearing a mask can get tiresome, but they really are essential. To help understand how face masks can keep you and your child safer, we spoke with Dr. Thomas ... Read More about How masks protect against COVID-19: Understanding the science
Our Community
Carla Coutinho of Boston Children's at Martha Eliot gets a greeting from a white llama.

Provider Spotlight: Meet Carla Coutinho

Before joining the clinical team at Boston Children’s Primary Care at Martha Eliot, Carla Reis Coutinho was a pediatric nurse in Lowell, Massachusetts. Earlier in her career, she provided educational and career counseling for students who speak English as a second language. What’s your job at Boston Children’s Primary Care at Martha Eliot? As a ... Read More about Provider Spotlight: Meet Carla Coutinho
Patient Stories
gabby, who has short bowel syndrome, plays with a fireman toy

Doing everything possible for Gabby: A team approach to short bowel syndrome

Gabriel “Gabby” Lopez loves everything hot and spicy. “He will eat a ghost pepper without hesitation,” says his mother, Mayra. “He eats more spicy food than a grown man.” It’s an impressive feat, not only because Gabby is just 3 years old, but also because he has spent the majority of his life receiving his ... Read More about Doing everything possible for Gabby: A team approach to short bowel syndrome
Patient Stories
Matt, who has hemophilia A, sits with his wife, Ashley, and son, Daxton. They are wearing cowboy hats and sitting on blue chairs

Hemophilia A gene therapy paves the way for a life with less pain

Matthew Harrington, a 35-year-old oil-field worker from Douglas, Wyoming, knows pain. Born with hemophilia A, a rare condition in which the blood doesn’t clot properly, Matt’s body — both inside and outside — has difficulty stopping bleeding. He has what’s considered the most severe form of hemophilia, characterized by frequent bleeding episodes, particularly in the ... Read More about Hemophilia A gene therapy paves the way for a life with less pain
Research
image of natural killer cell sprouting nanotube to a placenta cell and transferring granulysin

Natural killer cells: Protect the placenta cell but kill the infection

Infections that reach the placenta can lead to spontaneous abortions, intrauterine growth restriction, congenital abnormalities, and premature births. New research from the laboratory of Judy Lieberman, MD, PhD, and colleagues at Harvard University shows that a group of cells near the site where the placenta attaches to the uterine wall plays an essential role in ... Read More about Natural killer cells: Protect the placenta cell but kill the infection