Cases documented during last year’s flu season were the lowest in recorded history — by a wide margin. Medical professionals alike have never seen anything like it. Last winter, mandates were enforced to help stop the spread of COVID-19: from masks and social distancing to virtual school to cancelled large events. An unforeseen positive side […]
5 Tips for managing kids’ COVID-related anxiety when re-entering public spaces
As young people return to public spaces and social situations, an Akron Children’s child psychiatrist cautions parents and caregivers to be mindful of new stressors that trigger anxiety-related responses. “With any age child, the anxiety can present with undesired behaviors, including significant tantrums,” said Dr. Laura Markley, medical director, Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry. “It is important to […]
How parents can help kids build resilience in uncertain times
This past year has been anything but easy for parents and families alike. With an ongoing pandemic, there’s no better time than now to begin practicing self-care and wellness strategies to promote resilience in children. Resilience teaches kids the skills to cope, how to recover from hardships with confidence and optimism, and better prepares them […]
Gun safety: Keeping guns out of children’s hands
Today, nearly 2 million kids nationwide live in homes with unlocked, loaded guns, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Not to mention, gun sales have increased amid the recent COVID-19 pandemic. There’s no doubt gun safety is paramount — perhaps now more than ever. Parents may not realize the risk of serious injury […]
Marci Matthews endows telehealth chair with $1 million gift
When crisis hits, one truth stands firm at Akron Children’s: Our patients still need us. As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic reached the community, Akron Children’s immediately went into action to expand the hospital’s current telehealth efforts, increasing remote access to health care for patients and their families. Now through the generosity of hospital […]