Our Community
A letter from our leadership
Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed a series of deeply troubling incidents of racism, hatred, and violence that have created an environment of hostility and fear. Our country, our communities, and our children are hurting. The pain of this moment is a call to all of us to stand up and to speak ... Read More about A letter from our leadership
Health and Parenting
How to talk with your kids about racism
Racism. Inequality. Protests. If you and your family have access to a radio, TV, or mobile devices, your kids have likely heard or seen these topics discussed after the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. Racism is not an easy topic, and if you’re having a hard time knowing how and ... Read More about How to talk with your kids about racism
Health and Parenting
More COVID-19 myths and facts: Boston Children’s edition
Now that restrictions are easing in Massachusetts, many people have questions about how, if, and when to visit Boston Children’s Hospital. Test your knowledge of our updated policies and procedures during the COVID-19 outbreak by taking our quiz. [smartslider3 slider=”27″] Take our previous quiz and get more answers about Boston Children’s response to COVID-19. Share this:
Health and Parenting
How athletes can stay healthy and injury-free during COVID-19
June is normally a time for student athletes to celebrate a long season of training and competition. But athletes are at loose ends this year with the suspension of sports during COVID-19. “For anyone who identifies as an athlete, it’s almost like they’ve lost a part of themselves,” says Kimberly O’Brien, clinical social worker in ... Read More about How athletes can stay healthy and injury-free during COVID-19
Research
Gene therapy with a new base editing technique restores hearing in mice
Using a new genetic engineering technique, known as base editing, researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, have restored hearing in mice with a known recessive genetic mutation. Key takeaways· This is the first example of repairing a recessive gene mutation.· Repairing a single mutation in the Tmc1 gene restored partial hearing in ... Read More about Gene therapy with a new base editing technique restores hearing in mice
Clinical Care
Treating inflammation in MIS-C: An evidence-based approach
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a complex, post-COVID-19 spectrum of illness that has affected a small number of children and adolescents. Symptoms can include features of Kawasaki disease, cardiac dysfunction, hypotension and toxic-shock-like signs, abnormal blood coagulation, and prominent GI symptoms. At its core is a hyperinflammatory response that we do not yet ... Read More about Treating inflammation in MIS-C: An evidence-based approach
Clinical Care
Using augmentative communication to support COVID-19 patients
People with COVID-19 on a ventilator are unable to speak to express their needs, which can complicate their care and lead to poorer outcomes. The Augmentative Communication Program at Boston Children’s Hospital is supporting hospitals around the nation and around the world by helping them communicate with these critically ill patients in the hopes of improving their ... Read More about Using augmentative communication to support COVID-19 patients
Health and Parenting
How to help children with special needs during social distancing
As the weather warms up, many children are struggling with the effects of being stuck inside. For special needs children and their families, the challenges can be magnified. But there are some simple, yet effective, things that can help everyone survive — and perhaps even thrive — during this trying time. With schools officially closed for ... Read More about How to help children with special needs during social distancing
Health and Parenting
Signs of diabetes and other medical emergencies: Don’t delay care during the COVID outbreak
Merlin Ladd had been home from school for about six weeks when his parents started to notice that something was off. At first, they thought that the 13-year-old — like many of us — was simply in a funk from being stuck inside due to the COVID-19 outbreak. “He seemed lethargic and out of sorts,” ... Read More about Signs of diabetes and other medical emergencies: Don’t delay care during the COVID outbreak
Clinical Care
Put your best face forward on Zoom calls: Tips from our pros
If you’re like most health care providers, your daily calendar has abruptly shifted from in-person meetings, visits, and consults to a virtual reality of Zoom calls and telemedicine visits. Whether you’re meeting with patients, presenting to colleagues at an online conference, or creating your own videos, you’ll want to make sure you’re putting your best ... Read More about Put your best face forward on Zoom calls: Tips from our pros