Five ways to keep your family safe while riding bikes

Every day, more than 600 children are injured due to bicycle-related crashes. Younger children are at higher risk, but even experienced teenagers, like my son, can be in danger. This summer it will be 10 years since we lost our son due to a bicycle/vehicle crash. Don’t think it can’t happen to your family.

With spring just around the corner, now is the time to start tuning up your bikes, checking helmet sizes and reviewing the rules of the road. Bike safety is a passion for my family …Continue reading →

Day 1 pediatric diabetes care now available at our specialty clinic in Neenah

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin specialty clinic in Neenah, Wis.

Our specialty clinic located in Neenah, Wis., is a convenient option for many families.

Imagine a doctor telling you your child has diabetes. What happens next is a dizzying mix of tests, consults and education. You are transported from knowing virtually nothing about diabetes to having the responsibility of closely managing your child’s care. And, until recently, I would have added the stress of traveling from the Fox Valley with your sick child to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee for your 7 a.m. “Day 1” diabetes class.

As a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Neenah, Wis., I see more and more families receiving this diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the diagnosis is type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Living with diabetes isn’t easy. But now that all pediatric diabetes care, …Continue reading →

Learn what ages children should start doing more things on their own

Girl smilingI work as an occupational therapist at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s Fox Valley specialty clinic. I also have a Montessori preschool teaching background. One thing I’m passionate about is sharing the benefits of having kids learn to do things for themselves.

As adults we often don’t think about all the things kids can do themselves. Even at very young ages — as soon as kids are able to walk, grab and move — there are things kids can do …Continue reading →

Why your child’s diabetes care requires a motivated team and a game plan

Cara is a 13-year old figure skater.

Cara is a 13-year old figure skater.

As a nurse practitioner at our Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic in Neenah, Wis., I have the privilege of providing diabetes care to Cara — a 13-year old figure skater. She eats a healthy diet, exercises and tries hard to get plenty of rest. But she struggles with fitting it all in while maintaining good grades in school.

I asked Cara, “Who’s on your diabetes team?” Listing people who could help her manage her diabetes was a great reminder that she is not …Continue reading →

NICU at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin wins breastfeeding products in online contest

I am pleased to announce that for the second year in a row, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is one of six hospitals to win $5,000 worth of breastfeeding products in an online contest sponsored by Medela, a leading maker of breastfeeding and breast pumping products. During November, people were asked to visit the Medela website and vote for their favorite Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in recognition of national Prematurity Awareness Month. …Continue reading this post

Fox Valley Children’s Mental Health Center is a shining example of a community’s spirit

Greetings from the “frozen tundra.” OK, it’s not Lambeau Field exactly, but on a clear day we can almost see the tops of the stadium lights from Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley. I chose to settle in this community because it’s a wonderful place to raise a family. The bonus is that it’s also a place where I can make a real difference practicing medicine in a very flexible …Continue reading this post

Heart specialist has watched hospital grow, learned about deer hunting in the past 10 years

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2011. As a pediatric heart specialist, I have seen real growth at the hospital during that time. I came here from Chicago. The adjustment from the bustling city to the quiet community of Neenah took me some getting used to, but I love it.

When I started at Children’s Hospital-Fox Valley in January 2002, the clinics had about 160 patients and all of the clinics’ charts could fit on one rolling cart. Now, the charts fill a …Continue reading →

March for Babies is a way for families to give back

In early October 2007, we welcomed a new addition to our family, my daughter Anastassia. Despite everything my doctors and I did to prolong the pregnancy, Anastassia was born too early. As I was given the news that she was about to make her entrance, I tried to convince myself that it was not happening. My goal with her was 28 weeks, and I still was not there.

My husband was squeezed into a corner of the huge labor and delivery room, the only place he had to stand. The room was filled with doctors, nurses, the transport team and …Continue reading →

Having Children’s Hospital in Fox Valley helps family balance life

February 1 is the 10th anniversary of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley. I would like to share our experience and let others know what a tremendous impact having the hospital close to our home has meant to us.

My son, Griffin, was born in 2003 with a rare brain abnormality called Lissencephaly (Miller-Dieker syndrome). We knew of his condition while I was pregnant, and though somewhat prepared, had no idea what was to …Continue reading →

Why I love working at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley

As the 10th anniversary of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley approaches, I was asked to share my favorite memory of working here. I am fortunate enough to have seven great years of memories with Children’s Hospital. When I try to think of a single, favorite memory I am flooded with thoughts and stories of patients and co-workers.

Each day I see patients who hold a special place in my heart. Each day, I work with people …Continue reading →