Screening and treatment bring hope for children with spinal muscular atrophy

Before available treatments existed, children with the most common form of spinal muscular atrophy would would need a ventilator to breathe or die by the age of two. Now, several advancements have made SMA a treatable condition. While many states screen for it at birth, physicians and advocates say even more can be done to improve outcomes for SMA.

Big Relief in a Small Pack

For patients in the Hematology-Adolescent Medicine Clinic at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the menstrual care products they take home after each visit are a source of comfort and relief—mentally, physically and financially. Every month in the United States, approximately 1 in 5 menstruating individuals leave school early or miss school entirely because they do not have access to menstrual care products.

LLS Survey of Medical Lab Professionals Collects Data From 1,100 Individuals Across the U.S.

Earlier this year, Lighthouse Lab Services conducted it’s first survey of wage and morale among Medical Laboratory Professionals, gathering responses from more than 1,100 individuals across the industry. Our results, which are now available in the report linked below, show a majority of our inaugural respondents are feeling overworked and are performing in understaffed labs, despite most receiving modest bumps in compensation when compared to 2021 salaries.

Overall, our results show an industry that continues to struggle to replace retiring lab professionals at a sustainable rate while also facing challenges created by the recent pandemic. Although many are receiving annual compensation increases of 1% to 5%, a number of respondents indicated better salaries could help to alleviate the recruitment problem.

Doctors with Texas Comprehensive Epilepsy Program lead 22-year-old Tyler resident to seizure freedom

Elisabeth Gentry had experienced auras ever since she was a toddler, but she didn’t learn that the occasional strange tastes in her mouth and feelings of impending doom were epilepsy until 2015, when she was 15 years old and suffered a grand mal seizure.

Bike Helmets: Finding the Right Fit For Your Child

Follow these tips to make sure your child’s helmet is safe. A bike helmet can literally be a lifesaver for a child—dramatically reducing the chances of a head or brain injury from a bike, scooter or skateboard accident. But did you know that a helmet has to fit right to do its job? If it’s too small, too loose, or not positioned correctly, it may not protect your child.

Hiking Safety for Kids: Expert Tips

As you’re enjoying the early fall weather and outdoor adventures, like hiking, don’t forget to make safety a priority to help keep illness and injuries from spoiling family fun time. Jeffrey M. Bender, MD, attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and former ranger in the Sierra Mountains, points out tips on how to prevent bug bites, proper animal interaction and empowering kids to explore the outdoors in a safe and smart way.

What’s the Best Sunscreen for Kids?

How to choose the best—and safest—sunscreen for your child. Fun in the sun is a year-round activity in Southern California. But all that sunshine means it’s critical to protect your child (and yourself) from the sun’s harmful rays. “One or more blistering sunburns in childhood can more than double your chances of developing melanoma later on,” says Minnelly Luu, MD, a pediatric dermatologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

From Water Sports to Biking: Here’s How to Keep Your Child Safe During the Summer

Summer means fun in the sun, beach outings, swimming pools, and outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, bicycling and skateboarding. What also comes is an increased risk for injuries—and an increased need for awareness. Experts at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Safety and Injury Prevention Program have compiled a list of helpful guidelines to ensure that you and your family have an enjoyable and safe summer.

Fireworks Safety: Tips for Parents

Fireworks can be fun, festive—and very dangerous. Here’s are tips on howto keep your family safe. Fireworks have long been a popular part of the Fourth of July. But while fireworks are bright and festive, they can also be dangerous—for children, teens and even adults. According to SafeKids Worldwide, more than 3,000 children under the age of 15 are sent to emergency departments each year in the U.

ASSET INC.’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ON LEARNING RECOVERY FOR K-12 STUDENTS AND PRESERVICE TEACHERS

In a new blog today, ASSET Inc. Executive Director explains how the organization has simultaneously evolved its mission of teacher preparation and put Pittsburgh squarely at the center of learning recovery for K-12 students and preservice teachers through its high-impact tutoring initiative.

Study shows how new fathers respond to “Dadvertising”

The nurturing ad elicited more positive feelings, perceptions of the dad and attitudes toward ad and brand. However, the researchers were surprised that results also showed that higher levels of anxiety around fatherhood produced fewer positive emotions in response to the dadvertisement and produced greater perceptions that the dad in the ad was weak.

Four Things to Know About the Infant Formula Shortage Right Now

Tips from a clinical dietitian for keeping babies healthy when formula is in short supply. It’s no secret the COVID pandemic has brought with it a spate of supply chain challenges. The latest product in crisis: infant and child formula.The shortage has affected nearly all types of formulas, hitting those who require special formulas the hardest: children with milk allergies, developmental disabilities and special needs, among other conditions.

Photovoice: Seeing the Community Through the Eyes of Our Youth

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles partners with youth-serving organizations to empower young people from across L.A. County to identify the unique strengths and needs of their communities through photography. You might think kids today are more interested in selfies than in the world around them.