As part of Kids ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Health Month in February, ENT specialist Jocelyn Kohn, MD, answers questions she receives frequently from parents.
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Stanford Medicine Childrens Health
Lyons Magnus Formula Recall
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health was told by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about a voluntary recall of nutritional shakes made by Lyons Magnus company, such as Kate Farms Pediatric Standard, Premier Protein, and PediaSure Harvest.
Falcon Quarterback Soars after Unique HIFU Procedure
Doctors used an innovative approach called high intensity focused ultrasound to remove a tumor called an osteoid osteoma without surgery or radiation.
Minor heart defects at birth shown to increase risk for cardiac disease risk later in life, Stanford study finds
Being born with a minor heart defect is a surprisingly big deal in the long… Read more »
Is it safe to exercise while pregnant?
Most moms-to-be know that exercising during pregnancy can be a big plus for mood and physical health. But how much is too much?
Avery runs into a healthy future
After being diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans and undergoing surgery on her knees, Avery is on the mend and hopes to be running again soon.
Welcome Justin Thompson, MD, to Stanford Medicine Women’s Health — Palo Alto
On September 1, Justin Thompson, MD, joined the team at Stanford Medicine Women’s Health — Palo Alto.
Altos Pediatric Associates welcomes Hospital Drive Pediatricians to the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health network
We’re pleased to roll out the welcome mat for three new pediatricians while bidding a fond farewell to two wonderful physicians who are retiring this year.
Girls Day Out: Beauty and bravery at the Fairmont
Six girls being treated for pediatric cancer arrived at the Fairmont hotel in San Jose for the tenth annual Girls Day Out, a brief but much needed escape for body, mind and spirit.
Young Merced patient hero pays it forward to Packard Children’s
Following two complex surgeries for a rare tumor, 16-year-old Lucca is paying it forward with his “Pack It Up for Packard” art supply drive.
Special superhero and cartoon masks bring joy to pediatric patients
A team of RTTs have been decorating masks that patients are required to wear during treatment.
A different kind of prom: Patients step out as “Enchanted Tiki” party-goers
The Packard Children’s community opened its “Enchanted Tiki” doors to hundreds of patients and their families for an evening of tropical splendor.
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health welcomes Altos Pediatric Associates to the network
We here at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health would like to welcome Altos Pediatric Associates in Los Altos to our expanding network of care.
Tessa’s mystery condition gets a diagnosis
The Nye family spent years chasing a diagnosis for Tessa, who experienced hundreds of seizures a day, but doctors found no genetic cause for her disorder.
Lane Donnelly, MD, named chief quality officer
Dr. Donnelly will focus on continuously improving care quality and patient safety as well as consistently striving to help enhance outcomes.
Firefighters train like its real, knowing one day it might be
The Pediatric Advanced Workshop with Simulation (PAWWS) is a simulation training based on actual pediatric emergencies.
Aerodigestive and Airway Reconstruction Team Provides Coordinated Quality Care for Anthoney’s Complex Condition
Meet the Riccomini family whose son Anthoney was battling tracheomalacia, a patient at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and the Aerodigestive Center.
How to keep your children safe during the winter
Albert Yu, MD, a pediatrician for Bayside Medical Group, offers tips on how to keep your children warm and safe when enjoying the outdoors this winter.
A refuge for serenity and reflection
Our new Sanctuary is meant to be used by all ages and faith traditions, providing a quiet refuge for prayer, meditation, or worship, or simply a place to step away.
A tech tour of the new Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
We are proud to use the latest technologies and innovations to usher in a new era of pediatric care.
Former cancer patient returns to open new doors
For Lydia, the impending opening of the new hospital brings back special memories, which ABC Bay Area highlighted in a recent story.
Stanford Virtual Heart featured at Oculus Connect 4
David Axelrod, MD attended the Oculus Connect 4 conference where he appeared as an expert on a panel about the applications of VR in healthcare.
First days remembered: NICU grads, families look back
NICU grads visit Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford to reconnect with doctors and nurses.
Omar’s Dream Keeps Kids Connected
19-year-old patient Nate Dennis-Benford gears up to run the 5th annual Omar’s Dream Foundation 10K Run on October 15.
Coordinated Care Among Many Specialists Helps 4-Year-Old Jack Thrive
Meet the Muñoz family with 4-year old Jack, a patient at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and the Aerodigestive Center.
Magnet technology corrects spinal disorders
Kora has early onset scoliosis (EOS), a severe spinal curvature that occurs when vertebrae develop incorrectly in utero.
Talking to children about gun violence
We’re living in a world of increased mass shootings and 24-7 media coverage – making it harder than ever to shield children from news about gun violence.
Four ways to support families facing childhood cancer
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health observes Child Cancer Awareness Month with advice from Gabriella Medrano-Contreras, the mother of a patient and cancer survivor.
Debunking the myths and finding solutions to morning sickness
We caught up with Zena Kharsa, MD, of the Stanford Medicine Women’s Health practice in Palo Alto and asked her to shed light on the topic of morning sickness.
Eleazer Delgadillo named employee of the year
The occasion recognizes winners of the Grace Awards, Excellence in Leadership, Gold ROSE awards, and employees celebrating milestone anniversaries.
Space for families to stay together
We are adding 149 new patient beds in nearly all private rooms—so that families can stay together in a healing, comfortable space during treatment and recovery.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month brings attention to deadly genetic disease — and a new treatment bringing hope for families.
Giving nature a lift
At every level, the lobby’s main elevator bank in the expanded Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford shows a deep commitment to recycling, sustainability, and the environment.
Get a healthy start to the school year!
Along with getting all those school supplies in order, back to school is also a good time for children to get their annual physical exam, or well-child visit.
Teen cancer patients connect at annual Girls’ Day Out
A day of R&R was just what the doctor ordered this week for teen patients undergoing treatment at the Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases.
San Francisco Giants celebrate “Donate Life Day”
On July 26, the San Francisco Giants held their 20th Annual Organ Donor Awareness Day (now known as Donate Life Day).
Showing our Independence Day spirit in Alameda
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health was proud to take part in the 41st annual 4th of July Parade in Alameda and to serve as the founding sponsor of the inaugural Alameda Coast Guard Festival.
National Cleft and Craniofacial Month
Mathias was born at Packard Children’s eight years ago, and he spent the first month of his life in the NICU receiving treatment for his multiple congenital anomalies.
Stanford coach visits hospital
Tara VanDerveer, head coach of the Stanford women’s basketball team, addressed staff at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, and shared insights on teambuilding and achieving incredible feats.
Thank you for supporting the 7th annual Summer Scamper!
You helped us raise nearly $500,000 for our hospital and the child health programs at Stanford University School of Medicine.
“I share the same heart condition as Jimmy Kimmel’s son”
Christy was born with a type of congenital heart disease known as tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia.
Kids test fun features at the new Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
Recently, a small group of children got a sneak peek of the nearly finished new hospital building.
Children’s health care advocates rally on National Day of Action
#KeepKidsCovered was the hashtag and the goal for the recent Day of Action.
5 questions about your child’s eating habits
Answers provided by Elena Lund, Research Assistant to Shiri Sharvit Sadeh at the Parent Based Prevention Laboratory, Stanford University.
Physician trainees test drive the Stanford Virtual Heart
Stanford University School of Medicine professors provide a unique boot camp for the next generation of cardiac specialists uses VR to teach complex heart anatomy.
Cuddler Volunteers Recognized as Local Heroes
A story this week from KALW public radio is recognizing a special group of volunteers at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford as local heroes: the baby Cuddlers.
A Nurse That Goes Above and Beyond
Many of our nurses at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford volunteer at Camp Heart & Hands — a non-profit that serves children with cancer and their families.
Seamless care from Monterey to Palo Alto saves baby with brain cyst
Karina Barger and her husband David Goldman noticed something unusual with their 2-month-old son Bobby. He was consistently looking to the left and couldn’t bring his eyes to look straight ahead.
June 1–7 marks National CPR-AED Week
Lynda Knight, MSN, RN, CPN shares information about the hospital’s Revive Initiative and the program’s goal to increase awareness of the importance of learning CPR and knowing how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Improvisational comedy program brings laughter and healing support to patients
This week the San Francisco Chronicle highlighted an improvisational comedy program happening within our hospital school, which is fueling patients’ imaginations and bringing laughter and joy to their lives inside the hospital.
Ronald McDonald House at Stanford celebrates “grand reopening”
Since it opened in 1979, the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford has provided a home-away-from-home for hundreds of families each year who travel outside their communities to access treatment for their critically ill children.
New “makerspace” gives teen cancer patients room to invent
Silicon Valley is a hub for innovation — it’s not only home to the country’s most cutting-edge tech companies, but on a smaller scale, it is the birthplace of many “makerspaces”.
Patients and families dust off their boots for prom night in the Wild West
Teens across the country look forward to prom every year. It is a momentous occasion that marks the end of the school year. But for patients at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, prom night is extra special.
Day in the life of a nurse
As part of National Nurses Week (May 6-12), we are celebrating those who are on the front line every day caring for children. We recently caught up with Kathryn Mikolic, a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford .
Junior high school president saved by school staff after sudden cardiac arrest
Kenyati Thompson Jr. is returning to his life in Bakersfield, California, after recovering from a sudden, nearly fatal cardiac arrest at his school.
The surgery that helped a boy back onto the basketball court
An avid basketball player, Chris loves the Golden State Warriors and can spew out player statistics at any moment. But physiologically, Chris is very unique.
“I just fell in love with the work.”
Sheila Brunner, child life specialist of more than 25 years, is often seen making her way around Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Specialty Services Sunnyvale.
Calm in the midst of the storm
Child life specialists use age-appropriate education, preparation, and supportive activities to help normalize the hospital experience for children.
How Will Health Policy Decisions Impact Your Community?
Lisa Chamberlain, MD, MPH brings a first-hand perspective after working with legislators in Sacramento about the California Children’s Services program.
Celebrating Child Life Services Month
March is Child Life Month. Child Life Services makes a big difference for the smallest of patients at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.
A Family’s Journey
Joey was born with several congenital heart defects, including a large ventricular septal defect (VSD), severe Ebstein’s Anomaly, and a coarctation of his aorta.
Hospital expansion photo wins “2016 Year in Construction” photo contest
Formerly a neonatologist at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Barry Fleisher, MD, has retired from medicine and is now spending his time pursuing another passion — photography.
Q&A with Christine Boyd, MD on Sports Medicine
Growing bones and brains are susceptible to different injury patterns than adults throughout adolescence and young adulthood.
Breaking records and blazing trails: Pediatric Transplant Center
On Friday, November 11, we announced a record month for transplant volume and on the same day, a cover story was published in the Silicon Valley Business Journal exploring the Center’s ascendance as the leading transplant program in the region.
Growing up in a hospital: My 25 years with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
When you are a kid and you’re sick, you go to the pediatrician. If you have a chronic medical condition, as in my case, you establish a team of pediatric specialists who can provide for your health issues on a consistent basis throughout your childhood.
Playground Safety Q&A with Dr. Imler
One consideration parents can take to ensure their children’s playtime is as safe as possible is to be aware of playground injuries and safety measures.
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo visits Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
California 18th District Congresswoman Anna Eshoo got a peek inside the new Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital expansion during a visit to the Palo Alto campus.
Sweet Strategies for a Healthy Halloween
We spoke to Cindy Zedeck, MA, program director at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Pediatric Weight Control Program about how to manage sugar-overload while still having a fun and festive holiday.
Keeping kids connected thanks to one patient’s dream
When young patients move into Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford for treatment for cancer, transplant surgeries, or other acute conditions, their academic and social lives become secondary to their health needs. To bridge that gap, the Omar’s Dream Foundation is working with Packard Children’s to keep kids connected by donating laptops and other electronic devices that enable them to stay in contact with their classrooms and curriculum while in the hospital for extended periods of time.
The Teen Health Van celebrates its 20th anniversary of caring for underserved youth
Dr. Seth Ammerman discusses what he’s seen in mobile health over 20 years, how it has impacted youth in the Bay Area and where the need still lies.
Thriving NICU “graduates” celebrate good health and happiness
For the 34th consecutive year, former Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients and their families, doctors and nurses came together to celebrate Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital’s tiniest former patients at the annual NICU graduation party.
Stanford’s Bass Center Shines a Light on Pediatric Cancer in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
The Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases has organized activities to observe Childhood Cancer Awareness month. The Bass Center is a leading pediatric cancer center dedicated to helping children of all ages who have cancer and blood diseases to manage or overcome their conditions.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford ranked as one of the healthiest employers in the Bay Area
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital ranked #2 healthiest employer in the large category, with 2,000 or more workers, according to the list released Friday.
San Francisco Giants “Donate Life” Day
On August 31st, the San Francisco Giants held their 19th Annual Organ Donor Awareness Day (now known as Donate Life Day).
Local families address new mental health report by Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing
A new report from the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing revealed insights from local families on perceptions of mental health resources and interventions for youth who may be struggling with depression and other mental health issues.
Trading cancer treatments for spa treatments – Packard Children’s teens get pampered at Girls’ Day Out
Laughter sounded through the hallways of the Tova Day Spa at the Fairmont San Jose hotel, and on the other side a group of patients from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford were being pampered while discussing Netflix shows, playing games and brainstorming what to wear to prom this year. These may be normal topics of conversation for teens, but for girls undergoing cancer treatment, this day of fun, relaxation and spa treatments was a very welcome respite from their typical routines.
A weekend workshop shows patients and clinicians a new approach to think about solutions to their everyday issues
Nine clinicians and ten teen patients along with their siblings opted to spend this past weekend trying out some new skills.
“We’re all in this together”: Supporting adolescent mental wellness
The message was clear: “No one can do this alone.” Laura Roberts, MD, MA, chair of Stanford University School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences kicked off the first annual Adolescent Mental Wellness Conference by addressing a diverse crowd of advocates who are passionate about improving access to care and resources for mental health. “We’re all in this together,” she emphasized.
Training for safer patient transport
“We see tremendous value in using simulation training to enhance our skills and improve patient safety during critical care transports.” Andrew Palmquist, RN Patient Care Manager for Medical Transport.
Patient Update: Hana’s busy being a happy toddler with her new heart
We introduced Hana Yago a few months ago when she was awaiting a heart transplant. Today, the Yago family of San Francisco are one step closer home and leaps and bounds closer to their “new normal.”
Breaking down stigma: 5 things to know about our Adolescent Mental Wellness Conference
In response to the growing need for mental health resources for Bay Area adolescents and children, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford is joining the Stanford School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services and Pediatrics Division of Adolescent Medicine to host the first annual Adolescent Mental Wellness Conference on August 5 and 6 at the South San Francisco Conference Center.
New technology used at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Ear Clinic brings back hearing for 9-year-old boy
“This is awesome!” Exclaimed nine-year-old Joshua Gomez, as he listened to his favorite song at his appointment at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Ear Clinic in Palo Alto on July 21. “Awesome” because he is now able to hear it more clearly than ever before.
“Fun Helps Us Heal” – Time for Transplant Camp
Fifty Stanford Medicine Children’s Health transplant patients are spending the week at camp having fun while still getting the medcial care they need. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford is a national leader in pediatric organ transplantation. We sponsor this camp to give kids who have received a transplant a chance to enjoy being children and to connect with other kids like them.
Packard Children’s patient visits Capitol Hill to advocate for kids with complex medical conditions
On the heels of his preschool graduation, 4-year-old Tyler Briend kicked off his summer vacation by traveling to Washington D.C. to speak with lawmakers about improving health care access for kids like him – patients living with complex medical conditions. Tyler, a patient at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, and his parents made the trip as part of Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day, sponsored by the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA).
Watson the Narcoleptic Chihuahua
Watson, doggy ambassador of narcolepsy, helps kids understand and cope with the disease.
Summer Sports Safety and Injury Prevention Tips
With the increased outdoor fun comes increased risk of injury. It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers in summer sports and to take steps to stay safe while having fun.
Jungle-themed prom at Packard Children’s Hospital marked the near close of the school year: Patients, friends and families came out for an unforgettable evening
People tend to think of prom as a high school event, but at the K–12 school at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, it’s a special night for patients and families of all ages.
BERT to the rescue: Bedside theater reduces anxiety for patients going into surgery
BERT (Bedside Entertainment and Relaxation Theater) rolled out in the hospital’s perioperative unit. It’s purpose is to reduce the use of oral anxiety medications before operations and improving patient and family satisfaction levels.
Implantable defibrillators treat irregular heart rhythms in kids
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator can help prevent the heart’s electrical system from malfunctioning — and help kids get their lives back.
Robot bridges the gap between young patients on isolation and hospital school peers
The Hospital School now has a new tool to help patients stay engaged — both in their lessons and with their peers.