Is your teen too worried to sleep?

Sleeping teenagerWith all the things teens have to worry about — tests, peer relationships, competing in sports and performing in concerts and plays — it’s not unusual for them to have anxiety from time to time. Anxiety can be a good thing when it helps you to deal with a tense situation.

However, some teens experience anxiety more often or more intensely than others. These teens may find it difficult to “turn off” their minds and fall asleep at night. They …Continue reading →

5 steps for dining out with food allergies

Five steps for dining out with food allergiesDining out has become an important part of daily life for many busy families. When you have a child with food allergies, dining out can become difficult and even scary. However, with enough preparation and an emergency action plan, children with food allergies can dine out safely.

Follow these five steps for dining out with …Continue reading →

Learn the myths and facts about teens with acne

As a pediatric dermatologist, I see a lot of teens with acne. Many teens and parents have questions about the myths and facts about acne.

One myth I often hear is that acne is caused by not washing your face. Acne is caused by multiple factors, including oil in the pores, hormones and bacteria and inflammation in the skin. Face washing alone does not address all these things, although washing with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial wash such as benzoyl peroxide can be very helpful.

Another myth I often hear is that certain foods — particularly foods that are greasy or have …Continue reading →

Nurses share why they love working at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

At Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, we are celebrating the tremendous care our nurses provide for children and families and their professional accomplishments as a part of our Nurses’ Week celebrations.

We are recognizing our nurses for their demonstration of excellence, quality and innovation in all they do. As chief nursing officer, I’m so proud of what it means to be …Continue reading →

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin nurse receives Nurse of the Year award

Heather Sanders, BSN, RN, CPN, receives Nurse of the Year award

Heather Sanders was awarded Nurse of the Year from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Hospitals across the country are celebrating Nurses’ Week and at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, we’re kicking it off with a very special announcement: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Nurse of the Year is Heather Sanders, BSN, RN, CPN.

I have had the pleasure of working with Heather in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital and have seen firsthand her interactions with her patients and their families. Heather is highly skilled and a vital member of the teams that care for critically ill children. She helps develop care plans and provides direct patient care with tremendous expertise. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she rises above and …Continue reading →

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin employees speak out at WHA Advocacy Day

2013 WHA Advocacy Day

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin employees at WHA Advocacy Day

Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying a group from Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin as we joined more than 800 hospital leaders and volunteers at Wisconsin Hospital Association’s (WHA) Advocacy Day in Madison. After hearing from keynote speakers U.S. Representative Paul Ryan, David Rehr of the Graduate School of Political Management at the George Washington University, and Department of Health Services Secretary Kitty Rhoades, as well as a bipartisan legislative panel, Children’s Hospital employees had the opportunity to …Continue reading →

How helmets can help prevent tragedies during “trauma season”

At Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, summer is “trauma season.” Birds are chirping, flowers are sprouting and kids are falling — off their bikes, scooters and while on their in-line skates. Last weekend, our Emergency Department admitted 12 kids with injuries related to summer activities. Half of them were bicycle injuries.

As a parent, we have many responsibilities, but none is more important than being a role model. Trust me — kids are watching. A couple of weeks ago, I bought my daughter a pair of in-line skates for her birthday. I have been blading for years, and she was excited to join …Continue reading →

Routine to lifesaving care: Why three brothers depend on Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Routine to lifesaving care: Why three brothers depend on Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Noah, Eli and Abe are as close as brothers can be.

I’ve been a pediatrician for nearly 30 years. I decided I wanted to be a pediatrician when I was in high school and never wavered from my goal. I love what I do because it’s both rewarding and challenging.

It’s rewarding because I know I’m helping kids stay healthy. During three decades, I’ve watched a lot of my patients grow up into healthy adults. Now I have the privilege of treating many of my former patients’ children. It’s a lot of fun and it’s humbling …Continue reading →

How the Transport Team at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin gave us our baby back

Amelia inhaled meconium in the womb, which resulted in serious lung problems.

Amelia spent 18 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Months of preparation, reading, classes and research couldn’t have prepared these two first-time parents for what we were about to endure. Minutes after our daughter, Amelia, was born, we were informed of her fragile state and that Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin was en route in the sky.

Amelia inhaled meconium in the womb, which resulted in serious lung problems. Our hometown hospital was doing as much as they could, but wasn’t able to give Amelia the care she needed. When the Transport Team from Children’s Hospital arrived, we were confused, exhausted and terrified — and they could tell.

Each of them took the time to consult with my husband and I, walking us through all the steps …Continue reading →

Medicine Collection Day: Helping keep the earth clean and prevent poisonings

Medicine Collection DayA great way to get rid of outdated or unneeded medications, keep dangerous drugs out of the hands of our children and protect our drinking water is to participate in Medicine Collection Day on Saturday, April 27.

In 2012, 48 percent of calls to Wisconsin Poison Center involved either prescription or over-the-counter medications. By bringing these drugs in, you will help keep them from getting into the wrong hands or our local water supply. Remember, never flush or pour unused …Continue reading →