Pediatrics – Here for Life

A conversation on healthy relationships with your teen

May 18, 2023

It might be more common that we sit down with our teens when we see an unhealthy relationship they have, whether with a sibling, friend, or romantic partner. This doesn’t have to be the case. A discussion on healthy relationships can be had without strife. Think about how your child views themselves – are they overly critical? Can they self-regulate their emotions? Are they open to others sharing their space and expressing emotion? How do they treat themselves in good and bad times?

Having healthy relationships is not just about romantic attachments. Children first learn how to have healthy relationships through those they have with family and friends. Additionally, a large part of having good relationships with others comes from having a healthy relationship with themselves. These are aspects of healthy relationships that are important for all relationships. (more…)

National Adolescent Health Month themes highlight ways to support youth

May 18, 2023

Each May, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs (OPA) hosts the National Adolescent Health Month™ (NAHM). This annual observance has emphasized the importance of building on young people’s strengths and potential, encouraging meaningful youth engagement in adolescent health activities, and highlighting key topics in adolescent health.

Adolescent health encompasses changing transitions within multiple physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and intellectual domains. The fast-paced development of these different domains can lead to phenomenal growth during this period. This growth can also occur at different rates, putting adolescents at a higher risk for risk-taking behaviors and emerging mental health issues. It is important to understand adolescent development, environmental influences, and the risk and protective factors that can affect adolescent health so that organizations and individuals who work with youth can support the health and healthy development of all adolescents. (more…)

Speech and language disorders common in children, but families often don’t know the early signs

April 30, 2023

As the nation recognizes Better Hearing and Speech Month this May, pediatric based speech-language pathologists at Hennepin Healthcare encourage families and colleagues to learn the signs of communication and feeding disorders. The Hennepin Healthcare Speech-Language Pathology Clinic is located in the Clinic & Specialty Center.

Eleven percent of children 3–6 years of age experience a voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorder. Yet, many families do not know the early signs to look for—a factor that can result in delayed care. Unaddressed, speech and language disorders can affect a child’s success academically and socially. (more…)

Windows open opportunities for falls

April 20, 2023

After an excruciatingly long winter, Minnesotans are anxious to embrace spring weather. The warm temperatures have many turning off the heat and opening windows to let in the fresh air. Unfortunately, these open windows also open the opportunity for a child to fall out of a window and experience serious – and sometimes fatal – injuries.

To keep this season positive, pediatric specialists at Hennepin Healthcare want to remind families of the importance of window safety so curious kids are safe when they’re enjoying the great weather, too. Children from cruising age through three years are at the highest risk, though Hennepin Healthcare has treated kids as old as 17 with injuries related to window falls. (more…)

Teen pregnancy and mental health

March 29, 2023

For many, pregnancy is usually a time of emotional well-being. For those who are teens, pregnancy can impact their mental health in drastic ways that differ from older pregnancy experiences. It is estimated 20% of pregnant people suffer from mood or anxiety disorders during pregnancy. However, researchers found that teens ranging from 15 to 19 years old experienced postpartum depression at a rate that was twice as high as people aged 25 and older. As a teen or parent of a teen, understanding some of the emotional stages that pregnant teens go through is important. Understanding and offering support can significantly alleviate stress experienced throughout the pregnancy. (more…)

Masks are down, colds are up

November 9, 2022

Now that the masks are down we’re finally sharing those smiles we all missed, but unfortunately those germs are also seizing the opportunity they’ve missed for the past few years. Germs (mostly in the form of viruses thanks to effective vaccinations) – are currently wreaking havoc on our little ones.

Hennepin Healthcare pediatric infectious disease specialist Stacene Maroushek, MD emphasizes the importance of vaccinating children to avoid some of the common childhood illnesses, including influenza, that can add to the surplus of infections that are widespread right now. (more…)

Help your child cope with pokes!

September 30, 2022

With the new school year and flu season soon to arrive, caregivers are looking for ways to support their children for positive immunization experiences. As child life specialists, it is our job to help children and families cope with scary, painful and potentially traumatic experiences—especially at the hospital or clinic.

There are many ways that families can partner with the medical team to assist with anxiety about pokes. (more…)

A back-to-school plan to support your teen

September 2, 2022

Going back to school after summer break can be a very difficult time for teens. Even though they’ve done this many times before, each new school year can bring new anxiety and other challenges for your teen. As their parent, you play a key role in supporting them through the transition to ensure they have the best year possible. Here are some helpful tips to consider as you plan for back-to-school season: (more…)