It’s been said that a good meal feeds the soul as well as the stomach, and for Carlos Morfin, one of the chefs behind the action stations in the Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego cafeteria, that sentiment drives everything he does on the job. While our clinical staff get lots of (well-deserved) recognition for their contributions…| www.rchsd.org
Collaborative care at Rady Children’s and Children’s Hospital of Orange County helps a kid overcome an aggressive brain tumor It started with slight weakness on his left side. Trent, then 8, began stumbling. He had trouble using his hand, experienced severe headaches, and fell while riding his scooter near his Santa Ana home. Trent saw…| Rady Children's Health
Read Mikey’s first-hand account of his battle with cancer and his journey to recovery. Hi, my name is Mike—but everyone calls me Mikey. I’m 20 years old, the oldest of five siblings, and family has always been the heart of my world. I love football, basketball, fishing, and sharing good meals with the people I…| Rady Children's Health
After a lifesaving kidney donation from her mother, Kenya found strength, purpose, and a path to give back. Today, Kenya is just days away from earning her Master’s in Public Health at San Diego State University, driven by a mission to support others in health care. She wrote her thesis on organ donation, volunteers as…| Rady Children's Health
From Hospital Hallways to a Parent’s Fight for Hope My experience with Children’s began 40 years ago as a nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. We cared for the sickest children—from open-heart surgeries to severe traumas and life-threatening illnesses. I was proud to be part of a team that provided such extraordinary care. But…| Rady Children's Health
The Lafleur family’s support for Rady Children’s spans three generations Volunteers are the unsung heroes of Rady Children’s. They work throughout the Hospital and its satellite locations, doing administrative tasks, assisting staff and working directly with patients and families. For many volunteers, Rady Children’s becomes a home away from home, and giving back becomes something…| Rady Children's Health
The Power of Living Kidney Donation at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego At just 1 year and 7 months old, Nathaniel’s mother, Maria, noticed something unusual—he was drinking excessive amounts of water, and his belly appeared larger than normal. Concerned, she took him to the doctor, where tests revealed devastating news: Nathaniel had kidney disease.…| Rady Children's Health
October 3, 2023—the Day Our World Changed Forever, and Our Family Faced Our Biggest Challenge. My son, Brandon, was 17 years old, a senior in high school, halfway through the football season. Senior year—an important and memorable chapter of life. Brandon was especially excited about football, a sport he loved and had played since the…| Rady Children's Health
The Lifesaving Impact of Living Kidney Donation at Rady Children’s By Megan Matthew and Sarah Sapeda Melanie Sniff knew for years that she might one day be a kidney donor. Problems with her daughter Quincy’s kidney were detected while Quincy and her twin sister were still in the womb. The family anticipated surgery shortly after…| Rady Children's Health
A Temecula girl with cerebral palsy takes the stage with the help of Rady Children’s Emery Lapinskas, a vibrant 10-year-old from Temecula, loves to tell jokes, hang out with her sisters, and spend time with her service dog, Skip. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) at just a year old, Emery has faced many challenges. CP…| Rady Children's Health
Beating Ewing Sarcoma at Rady Children’s Fifteen-year-old Bailey, a sophomore at Cathedral Catholic High School, loves shopping at the mall, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and playing soccer. But last year, her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer. In February,…| Rady Children's Health
Young Patients Bond Over Shared Blood Disorder, Treatment at Rady Children’s Ella Martinez and Kamila Saradpon consider each other sisters. They hang out together, laugh, share secrets, and play games. They even went to school together for a time. They celebrate each other’s wins and encourage each other to keep going during tough times, as…| Rady Children's Health
The Fitzpatrick Family’s Journey When Silver Fitzpatrick and her family moved back to San Diego, little did they know the impact Rady Children’s Developmental Evaluation Clinic (DEC) would have on their lives. Having previously lived in Utah, where services for their children’s needs were limited, the Fitzpatrick family found a lifeline in DEC. Silver and…| Rady Children's Health
Amir’s Story Amir was born at just over 24 weeks, marking the beginning of a long and challenging journey for both him and his family. Shortly after birth, he developed hydrocephalus, a condition where fluid builds up in the brain, leading to potentially severe complications. “Watching Amir struggle to breathe and seeing his head grow…| Rady Children's Health
Growing Up San Diego From polio outbreak to pediatric powerhouse: inside Rady Children’s 70-year journey with San Diego. This summer, Rady Children’s turns 70. Read below to see how we’ve been dedicated to generations of pediatric care for the past 70 years. San Diego. 1954. A polio outbreak casts a long shadow. But…| Rady Children's Health
A first-time mom puts her baby girl’s heart in the hands of Rady Children’s CTICU. Ana Castaneda was 24 weeks into her first pregnancy when a routine sonogram turned her world upside down. “I was happy, healthy and hopeful, but this news was a complete whirlwind,” Ana recalls. “At the time, I had no suspicion…| Rady Children's Health
When Rickey turned 3, his parents noticed something was different about their son compared to his siblings. Initially, signs of delay in speech, difficulty with social interactions, and fixation tendencies raised concerns. He eventually was diagnosed with autism. The Montessori preschool he was enrolled in was becoming a challenge, so his parents sought specialized services.…| Rady Children's Health
Meet Maverick Ezekiel Miles, affectionately known as Mavey, a resilient 18-month-old with an indomitable spirit. Since birth, Mavey faced a series of health hurdles, including recurrent RSV infections (respiratory syncytial virus) and a congenital heart defect called atrial septal defect (ASD). The condition is characterized by a hole in the heart’s upper chambers and made…| Rady Children's Health
Mia Roman’s extraordinary journey began unexpectedly early. Born at just 25-and-a-half weeks, she weighed a mere 1 pound or just a loaf of bread. Her lungs were not ready for the outside world, and Mia’s care team at a Los Angeles hospital struggled to wean her off respiratory support despite many attempts. The team…| Rady Children's Health
In July 2020, Rowin, a lively 6-year-old from Bozeman, Montana, began experiencing frequent and uncontrollable daytime naps. This disrupted his daily routine and concerned his family. Despite multiple visits to pediatricians and specialists, a definitive diagnosis remained mysterious. Frustrated by the lack of progress, Rowin’s family sought a referral to a sleep specialist in Bozeman.…| Rady Children's Health
Leading with Heart: Rady Children’s President & CEO on Balancing Work, Family and Impact. When you’re at the helm of one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals, preserving work-life balance can be tricky. A standard day for Rady Children’s Hospital’s president & CEO Patrick Frias, MD packs in multiple virtual and in-person meetings with everyone…| Rady Children's Health
Mother of a child with a rare disease unites other families on the same path. The Yiu family knows all too well the struggles that come with having a child with an undiagnosed disease. When Caroline Cheung-Yiu and Bandy Yiu’s son, Alex, began to progressively lose motor function at age 2 1/2, it was the…| Rady Children's Health
A Star is Born With the Help of Cochlear Implants Before Hayden Chen was born, his father, Chi- Yuan Chen, the principal viola of the San Diego Symphony, made sure his son was surrounded by music. Chi-Yuan dreamed of passing down to his firstborn the family’s passion for music, so it came as quite a…| Rady Children's Health
Jordan was welcomed into the world following a healthy full-term pregnancy and birth. He was deemed healthy during his newborn exam and at his early pediatric visits. Around 7 weeks of age, he began breathing rapidly, sweating profusely when eating, and seemed to be struggling with breathing. A pediatric visit revealed he was not gaining…| Rady Children's Health
Meet Natalia, a member of our Teens Rock support group, where teens with Type 1 Diabetes find camaraderie and support. For five years, Natalia has navigated the challenges of type 1 diabetes. “I had to learn how to prick my fingers to check my blood sugar, count carbohydrates, calculate my personal insulin to carb ratio,…| Rady Children's Health
Missing school. Frequent visits to the emergency room. Spending days in bed. Feeling depressed. This was what Amelia’s life looked like after a sports injury left her in constant pain. Amelia, once a vibrant and active teenager, watched as her life, health, and schoolwork spiraled downwards. She eventually was diagnosed with amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome…| Rady Children's Health
Iliana Downing wouldn’t let injury deter her from reaching new heights and reclaiming her athletic dreams. The 17-year-old’s journey began five years ago at a soccer match, when an explosive kick caused a hip fracture, common among young athletes whose growth plates have not fully developed. Though Iliana was advised to take time off for…| Rady Children's Health
The school year is in full swing, but we know that sending a child with food allergies back to school can be a bit stressful. We’re here to help you understand what you need to do to keep your child safe and happy at school. When Should Your Child Carry Epinephrine? Typically, when kids reach…| Rady Children's Health
Rady Children’s Hospital is Hiring Registered Nurses Nursing at Rady Children’s Hospital is more than just a job. When you join Team Rady, you become part of a highly skilled and compassionate team; taking a leading role in children’s health. We’re the region’s only medical center dedicated exclusively to pediatric healthcare. Whether you’re a new…| Rady Children's Health
Stella was 12 years old when she was diagnosed with amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS). AMPS is a chronic pain condition that causes the brain to send pain signals to the body even when there is no injury. Stella’s pain was so severe that she could barely move, and she had to be hospitalized and…| Rady Children's Health
Noah is a six-year-old boy with boundless energy and a heart full of dreams. “Noah loves baseball, soccer and all things related to construction workers, firefighters and police officers,” shares his mom, Charlotte. “He wants to be all three professions when he grows up, so he’s going to be busy!” Noah’s mom is an active-duty…| Rady Children's Health
Mina Longo is a soft-spoken 13-year-old who loves to read horror novels, listen to heavy metal music and is learning to play the guitar. She sounds like many girls in middle school, worrying about things like making time for friends and if she might finally get a new Google Pixel. You would never know it…| Rady Children's Health
The start of the school year brings with it the challenge of crafting lunches that are not only nutritious but also appealing to your child’s taste buds. We’ve all heard the classic complaints: “School lunches are boring,” “I don’t have enough time to eat,” and “I just don’t like what’s in the cafeteria.” But fear…| Rady Children's Health
It’s fall and that means back to school for kiddos in preschool to high school and beyond! What they eat during this time can shape their lifelong eating habits and influence their overall well-being. Through our series of blog posts on nutrition and diet, let’s explore how you can support their nutritional journey and provide…| Rady Children's Health
Ethan is a boy who lives for adventure and off-road racing. Ethan and his family were no strangers to the thrill of exploring the desert in their quads, Jeeps, and UTVs. In 2015, for Christmas, they gifted Ethan a Polaris 170 Rzr, which he and his younger brother cruised around the desert in, creating countless…| Rady Children's Health
Two-year-old, Jazz Antes, can now enjoy a simple activity that was off-limits to him for so long: bubble baths. Taking a bath can be something we take for granted, but for parents Lydisha and James, it was a huge milestone for their son. “We wanted Jazz to experience some of the wonderful things about childhood,…| Rady Children's Health
Partners in Care Laura Mello’s first pregnancy seemed like a run-of-the-mill experience until it took a dramatic turn and her premature baby required specialized care to survive. “I had an easy pregnancy in the beginning,” says Laura. “It was a boring, plain-old pregnancy and the baby was doing well. I was naïve to think that…| Rady Children's Health
Don Bellows has been volunteering at Rady Children’s Hospital for 30 years Don Bellows has become quite a familiar face around Rady Children’s. On any given day, the 92-year-old, who’s affectionately come to be known as “Grandpa Don” by Hospital staff, can be found guiding patients as they pick out library books, pushing wheelchairs around…| Rady Children's Health
Rady Children’s Nursing bootcamp lets new pediatric nurses hone their skills and build community Starting a new job can be tough, especially fresh out of school or after a career change. At Rady Children’s, nurses who are new to the profession, or just new to pediatrics, undergo an intensive, year-long training program, which helps them…| Rady Children's Health
When 5-year-old Sage Blake walked into his first day of transitional kindergarten last fall, his mother, Kimberly, was there alongside other teary-eyed parents waving goodbye to their kids as they embarked on a new chapter. However, unlike a lot of the other moms who were sad to see their babies growing up, Kimberly was crying…| Rady Children's Health
One day, Hudson Wingate was a healthy 13-month-old headed for fun at daycare. The next day, he was headed for admission to Rady Children’s Hospital. His vocal cords were suddenly paralyzed, and he could hardly breathe. He could no longer pull himself up, walk, talk or swallow. The medical team’s best assessment, based on the…| Rady Children's Health
The importance of sagittal plane alignment in treating spinal disorders is widely recognized. However, much of our current understanding of sagittal alignment is derived from studies of patients with disease, degenerative change, or known deformity, when the goal is a normal prole. Recent research led by Michael P. Kelly, MD, MSc, at Rady Children’s Hospital-San…| Rady Children's Health
Mario Luna, an eighth-grader from Culver City, has always been passionate about basketball. He even dreams of playing in the NBA one day. However, on January 12, his world was turned upside down. It all started with a stomachache which quickly turned into a more serious heart condition. Mario’s heart began beating uncontrollably and his…| Rady Children's Health
Ashlyn Frye hadn’t been feeling her best for the last several years. Teachers said she didn’t pay attention in class and would crawl under her desk to take a nap. At home, the 11-year-old seemed disconnected, says her mom Stacey Frye. “I was used to her being out of breath and tired,” Stacey recalls. “Just…| Rady Children's Health
Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego has recruited a prominent surgeon-researcher within its Orthopedics & Scoliosis program to advance knowledge of the genetic and biomechanical factors behind scoliosis; advances in patient care can lead to better outcomes and quality of life. When Michael Kelly, MD, director of scoliosis and spinal deformities at Rady Children’s Hospital, is asked…| Rady Children's Health
It’s natural for parents to worry when the thermometer reads over 100 degrees. However, before you grab the ibuprofen or rush to urgent care, Jaime Friedman, MD, a pediatrician at Rady Children’s, wants you to keep some information in mind. “The most important thing parents should know about a fever is that, for the vast…| Rady Children's Health
After waiting on pins and needles, Andrew All learned that he could save his daughter’s life with the gift of a kidney donation. A donation could mean a return to normal 6-year-old activities, like, swimming, taking baths, and enjoying popsicles. It also meant not being hooked up to a machine for 10 hours a night,…| Rady Children's Health
Can you imagine holding your own heart in your hands? That’s just what 15-year-old Parker Mayorgas did after receiving a life-saving heart transplant. But his story didn’t begin there. At 2 years old, Parker’s mother, Melissa, noticed something amiss. Parker wasn’t meeting his developmental milestones like his older brother, and his balance seemed off. Eventually,…| Rady Children's Health
Sixteen-year-old Jonathan wanted to be a pediatrician when he “grew up” and was excited to be accepted into Rady Children’s Medical Academy, a program that provides high-school age students with unique and exciting opportunities to explore the world of health care through lectures, skills clinics, hands-on activities, group projects, career panels and interactive discussions. Every…| Rady Children's Health
Rady Children’s offers specialty help in emergency health Some 21,500 children on the autism spectrum visit Rady Children’s Hospital each year, more often visiting the emergency department (ED) for a range of medical and behavioral concerns. Some of those children get to meet Abbey Hye, a behavioral specialist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Rady…| Rady Children's Health
Not many people come home from work knowing they’ve made an impact on a person’s life. But at Rady Children’s Hospital, it’s an everyday feeling. Rady Children’s is supported by 1,500 nurses who help care for more than 280,000 patients each year. Although the diverse team members come from all walks of life and from…| Rady Children's Health
Rady Children’s Neonatology Program combines TLC with high-tech equipment to care for critically ill infants. A baby’s due date is a day often met with anticipation and excitement. But what happens when that day comes much too early? Or when complications arise and emergency interventions are required to keep mom and baby alive? While most…| Rady Children's Health
The holidays can be tough for hospitalized kids. Rady Children’s goes above and beyond to make the season magical Each year, hundreds of ill or injured children spend the holidays at Rady Children’s. The staff and volunteers at Rady Children’s and their community partners go above and beyond to make sure no one misses out…| Rady Children's Health
Promising new acne treatments are on the horizon Many see acne in teens as an inevitable fact; though, for acne sufferers, even the occasional breakout can negatively impact self-esteem. As many as 50 million Americans are affected by acne, yet it remains among the least-studied skin conditions. Researchers in San Diego are investigating how the…| Rady Children's Health
It’s that time of year again. Cold and flu season. And with kids returning to normal activities like school, daycare, activities and playdates, cases of all respiratory diseases are up this year. Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, shares tips on differentiating the various illnesses, prevention tips, how to care for symptoms at home, and what you…| Rady Children's Health
It’s right around the corner! The holiday season. This time of year can really dial up the pressure on already overextended parents. The urge to provide your family with a “perfect” holiday can wreak havoc on your well-being while entertaining, travel and gifting can also do a number on the wallet. “Balancing the excitement and…| Rady Children's Health
Liv, a busy and curious 13-year-old, can recite the numbers of pi up to 50 digits. She can also recognize an icosagon, or 20-sided shape. She’s an artist, a published author and is learning Chinese. Liv agrees that she has accomplished many things in her young life, but beating cancer was a life-changer. Read more.| Rady Children's Health
Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego recently recruited Michael Kelly, MD, to its nationally ranked Orthopedics and Scoliosis Center. Check out the article in Nature on Dr. Kelly, director of scoliosis and spinal deformities at Rady Children’s, and how this spine-twisting disease affects patients like Sophie Allison (pictured above).| Rady Children's Health
Did you know that every 3 minutes a family hears the devastating news that their child has cancer? That’s nearly 16,000 kids each year that must spend time in a hospital versus a playground or art class. During treatment, it’s important for kids to get to be kids as much as possible. Rady Children’s Hospital-San…| Rady Children's Health
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego? We spoke with three nurses who transitioned from treating adults to kids, why they enjoy working at Rady Children’s…and why nurses should work here! If you are a nurse looking for a new adventure, check out the top…| Rady Children's Health
The Transplant Games of America recently came to San Diego, honoring those who gave the selfless gift of life and celebrating patients. Held every two years, this was the first time the event happened on the West Coast. Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego patients and families joined team members to make a strong appearance at the…| Rady Children's Health
By John Bradley, M.D. The Food and Drug Administration authorized children as young as 6 months old to get the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines last month. For many parents, the decision meant a long wait was finally over. COVID-19 has caused more than 2 million infections among children ages 6 months to 4 years old and…| Rady Children's Health
A young life saved by the gift of a dual organ transplant In July 2021, Nehemiah “Nemo” Maldonado was a healthy, active 12-year-old playing with friends and family in his home state of Arizona. Weeks later, he was fighting for his life, facing an illness that came on suddenly and progressed rapidly. Within months, he…| Rady Children's Health
There’s more to summer than fun in the sun. Ensure your children are safe with these tips from Lorrie Lynn, manager of the Injury Prevention Center at Rady Children’s and coordinator of Safe Kids San Diego. Splash Safely Drowning is the leading cause of death among San Diego County children ages 14 and under, and…| Rady Children's Health
1. Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian are broad terms that encompass a large geographic area. Which term do you most identify with and which island or country? I mostly identify with the term Asian. I am half Filipino and my grandparents immigrated from the Philippines in the 1960s. 2. What can you share…| Rady Children's Health
Jaylie Sawyer is a bright and joyful 7-year-old who loves animals, enjoys math and is proving to be a natural on skis. She also is living with pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS), a rare condition in which the veins that carry blood from the lungs back to the heart continually narrow and scar. The cause of…| Rady Children's Health
To kick off #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, Dr. Ben Maxwell, medical director of inpatient psychiatry and interim director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services at Rady Children’s, participated in San Diego Business Journal’s Healthcare Roundtable: An Informative Q&A With the Region’s Top Behavioral Health Professionals. Click here to read the full San Diego Business Journal Healthcare Roundtable Q&A …| Rady Children's Health
It’s time to get your child back on track It’s no surprise to learn that screen time has increased as a result of the pandemic. A UC San Francisco– led study quantified the rise, finding that among 12- and 13-year-olds, recreational screen time has doubled, from an average of 3.8 hours a day before the…| Rady Children's Health
Behavioral health and other services are all made possible by donor support If you ask local parents Andrew and Michelle about their experience with one of Rady Children’s behavioral health programs, they’ll tell you how thankful they are to have had support during such a challenging time. The parents brought their 14-year-old daughter Emily (names changed…| Rady Children's Health
Rady Children’s is conducting clinical trials for new immunotherapy allergy treatments For most kids, a peanut butter sandwich is more of a treat than a threat. But for more than a million kids who have a peanut allergy, a PB&J is a surefire way to ruin a day. Historically, these kids haven’t been able to…| Rady Children's Health
The American Psychological Association recognizes the third week in April as Psychology Week. Psychologists often wear many hats and can specialize in health care, education, research, workplace improvement and technology. Psychologists at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego are working in both inpatient and outpatient settings to ensure they are meeting the behavioral health needs of patients…| Rady Children's Health
By Angela Brandt, Staff Writer, Poway News Chieftain Chris Abe is made for emergencies. Whether it’s a nurse being accidentally pricked by a needle or a worldwide pandemic, she is able to to remain calm and think of solutions under pressure. Her coworkers at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego say Abe is always available by…| Rady Children's Health
Yesenia Mejia, PhD, is a postdoctoral scholar at the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is currently a trainee with the San Diego LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and…| Rady Children's Health
“Radiology,” “chemotherapy” and “dialysis” are big terms for little patients to understand, and even bigger medical experiences to go through. So, when anxiety strikes before a procedure or things get overwhelming during a hospital stay, a very special kind of health care professional is there to help calm fears, make sense of it all, and…| Rady Children's Health
Rady Children’s provides car seat safety checks to be sure Even the most careful parents can use a little help sometimes. Rady Children’s and its community partners are working to ease the minds of local parents and guardians by making sure their car seats are safe and installed correctly, and replacing them if they don’t meet safety…| Rady Children's Health
By Diane Bell, Columnist, The San Diego Union-Tribune Feb. 12, 2022 — Most people associate February with Valentine’s Day, romance and love. For San Diegan Maria Platis, it signifies Heart Month and the birth to her son, George. He entered the world as an outwardly healthy 8-pound boy. It wasn’t long before physicians detected serious…| Rady Children's Health
Hippocrates’ directive of “let food be thy medicine” has been around for millennia. But for Jong Rho, MD, chief of the Division of Neurology at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and a professor in the Departments of Neurosciences, Pediatrics and Pharmacology at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, it still rings true. Dr.…| Rady Children's Health
Ever wonder how medicine and science converge to create new opportunities and new hope for the tiniest patients around the world? Cassidy Callahan, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego’s clinical research navigator, can certainly fill you in. Working in step with investigators and physician-scientists across Rady Children’s research team and partner organizations, Cassidy is a central part…| Rady Children's Health
Back-to-school season can always feel a bit uncertain, but this year, kids and teens are facing a unique set of circumstances as many return to in-person learning for the first time since March 2020. “The majority of children have been expressing concerns about returning to school, whether it’s minor worry or more significant and impairing,”…| Rady Children's Health
When the novel coronavirus pandemic hit, naturally, COVID-19 itself topped the list of global health concerns. However, related issues were catching the attention of the medical and scientific community as well. Among them: the emergence of a new multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children after exposure to the virus. In the United States alone, the Centers…| Rady Children's Health
Health care isn’t magic, but some aspects of the field can certainly feel that way. Take it from Keri Colio, AuD, CCC-A, cochlear implant coordinator and clinical audiologist with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego’s Audiology Department: Her work revolves around helping children with hearing differences or hearing loss experience sound, often for the very first time.…| Rady Children's Health
by Anne Bird, MD May is National Mental Health Awareness Month: a 31-day reminder of the importance of paying attention to our own mental wellness, and the emotional well-being of those around us. The first full week in May is further dedicated to the mental health of our children, supporting seven days of renewed commitment…| Rady Children's Health
Soaking up the sun can be beneficial to well-being, from turning up levels of serotonin (think “happiness hormone”) to providing much of the vitamin D we humans need to be healthy. But, as the old adage saying goes: everything in moderation. Excessive sun exposure can be harmful, with skin cancer being a serious potential side…| Rady Children's Health
The rates of young children accidentally ingesting illicit substances has been on the rise in recent years. This is in part due to increased opioid use and a broadening of states permitting legal cannabis. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders came into play, Natalie Laub, MD, a child abuse pediatrician at Rady…| Rady Children's Health
Mental well-being has increasingly become a major focus in our conversations about overall health, and for Sandy Mueller, LCSW, senior director of Behavioral Health Services at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, that’s a very good thing. Our whole-child approach means the team supporting children includes a growing list of care providers, including pediatricians; psychologists, psychiatrists and…| Rady Children's Health
As several forms of the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine make their way into communities around the globe, the news is abuzz with updates — which, let’s face it, can sometimes be a bit overwhelming and confusing. Among hot topics are allergic reactions, leading to questions and concerns from many. However, “while anaphylaxis can occur after…| Rady Children's Health
by Willough Jenkins, MD As the year turns over to 2021, it is a time for natural reflection, and I suspect many families will be having conversations about the COVID-19 pandemic. It is tempting when discussing the hardships of the pandemic to immediately jump to encouraging children to “look on the bright side” or remind…| Rady Children's Health
Photo taken before COVID-19 pandemic Keeping Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego’s hundreds of rooms and plentiful hallways clean is no small task, but the EVS team handles it like the professionals they are. Following specialized training and using specific chemical and disinfecting procedures (they even have a manual outlining steps and products), team members help to…| Rady Children's Health
Maya Kumar, MD, FAAP, FRCPC, a board-certified adolescent and young adult medicine pediatrician with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and an assistant clinical professor with University of California San Diego School of Medicine, is on a mission. Along with nine colleagues from the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, for which she chairs the Nutrition Committee,…| Rady Children's Health
Even if our lives are largely fulfilling, it’s not unusual to have moments where it’s tough to feel that way — and the same goes for kids, too. However, studies show that expressing gratitude can have benefits such as supporting physical and mental well-being, boosting self-esteem, and enhancing sleep quality; all of which contribute to…| Rady Children's Health
San Diego may be a bit behind in terms of temperature, but fall is officially here! This year, while some favorite seasonal activities can safely continue (pumpkin patch visit, anyone?), many families are opting to keep celebrations within their own homes. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or the beloved taste of pumpkin spice, or…| Rady Children's Health
The world has learned a great deal about COVID-19 since the pandemic began, but a significant gap remains between what we know and what we need to know to fully prevent, treat and work to defeat this newfound viral foe. Medical and scientific research is the driving force behind progress, and experts from Rady Children’s…| Rady Children's Health
Between working, striving to maintain routines and staying social, most of us are spending more time with our digital devices than ever. As school ramps up for the year in a largely online environment, kids and teens are no exception. Along with a different take on education, this approach to learning is introducing something else…| Rady Children's Health
by Willough Jenkins, MD When our children’s typical lives are disrupted, it is important to return to basics to create structure and a sense of control. Even if younger children may not be directly aware of the details of the pandemic or the movement against racial injustice, these instances have influenced day-to-day routines for many,…| Rady Children's Health
by Maggie Mayo, CCLS, and Carissa Menard, CCLS As we move forward and continue to embrace these difficult times thought the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping our minds occupied and our emotional well-being attended to can be challenging for all of us, including kiddos. As child life specialists, our job is to make the hospital experience less…| Rady Children's Health
by Danni Leonard, CCLS; Marie Osthimer, CCLS; and Joseph Remaley, LCSW While we’re all at home more than we’re used to, it’s more important than ever to keep your kids engaged and active. There are many benefits to exercise, including amplifying concentration, lowering stress and improving health. Below, we’ve outlined a few activities that are…| Rady Children's Health
by Desiree Shapiro, MD COVID-19 has affected all of our lives and challenged us in various ways. How do we support one another and cultivate our resilience amidst the chaos? Here are three C’s to consider incorporating into your daily routine and sharing with your children and family today. Compassion This is a time to…| Rady Children's Health
by Erin Carpenter, CCLS; Aislinn Mooney, CCLS; and Madeline Zinngrabe, CCLS It can be challenging to keep a schedule and routine at home during this uncertain time. You may see regressive or withdrawn behavior when your child is trying to adapt and manage their feelings and changes to their routine. Keeping your child’s environment structured…| Rady Children's Health
Whether you’re 5, 35 or 95, sheltering in place and social distancing can be challenging. With consistent feelings of uncertainty, interruptions to routines and activities, and limitations on seeing friends and family, it’s no wonder reports of effects on mental well-being are on the rise. Recent surveys indicated young adults are feeling more anxious and…| Rady Children's Health
Imagine being a child checking into a hospital for a major surgery or standing by for an appointment in a physician’s busy waiting room. Pretty overwhelming, right? Now, imagine that environmental stimuli such as bright lights, loud sounds and bustling crowds cause you significant distress, or that you’re unable to speak to ask questions about…| Rady Children's Health