A parent’s guide to healthy weight loss in children

Posted on by Jenny Fernandez
Posted in Ask the Expert, Health & Wellness
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A parent's guide to healthy weight loss in children.

Today, up to 30 percent of children and adolescents are considered to be overweight or obese. This “obesity epidemic” is a source of great concern to parents and caregivers alike, as these kids face an increased risk of a host of serious medical and behavioral health complications, including type 2 diabetes.

We sat down with Dr. Robert Markowitz and dietitian Sharon Weston of the Boston Children’s Hospital Optimal Weight for Life (OWL) Program to help parents support their children in maintaining an optimal weight. …

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Taking my own advice: When the professional becomes a parent

Posted on by Jennifer Ryan
Posted in Diseases & Conditions, Our Patients’ Stories
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Treatment of Robin sequence.

As a disability expert, my whole career has been spent giving parents advice. I’ve given advice on parenting, doctors, child development, school and resources to support them. I was confident working with families and helping them navigate the often crazy and overwhelming world of special needs. But when I was 34 weeks pregnant with my own child, I found myself on the other side of the situation. …

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Nathaniel’s heart: One for the record books

Posted on by Jessica Cerretani
Posted in Diseases & Conditions, Our Patients’ Stories
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care for congenital heart defect

As 3-year-old Nathaniel Wesley nervously watched the big machine move toward his chest, he spotted a familiar face: It was the cartoon character Barney — in sticker form. “Give Barney a kiss!” his parents urged, and he smiled at the friendly purple dinosaur while the scanner took images of blood flow in his lungs. …

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Seven lessons I’ve learned from Rett syndrome

Posted on by Joanne Gryniewicz
Posted in Our Patients’ Stories
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Mom and AvaAs a mother of a child with Rett syndrome, a disability that affects the brain’s ability to plan or coordinate motor skills, the phrase “take for granted” takes on a whole new meaning. I cannot take for granted that Ava can recite her A, B, C’s or feed herself a snack or go to the bathroom on her own. Quite the opposite. Every day, I strive to properly appreciate the effort it takes for Ava to perform the most mundane tasks. I am the one being “schooled” on Rett syndrome. …

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