We understand how stressful it can be to navigate life as a new parent. With the added anxiety brought on by COVID-19, we want to share trusted information to breastfeeding mothers who are COVID-19 positive or suspected positive, on whether their milk is still safe and beneficial for their baby. COVID-19 is a new disease … continue reading
Understanding the role of cultural stigma on seeking mental health services
By Dr. Sheila Modir, pediatric psychologist; Baleska Alfaro, licensed marriage and family therapist; and Dr. Ava Casados and Dr. Sarah Ruiz, post-doctoral fellows at CHOC Children’s For some people, making an appointment with a mental health provider may be a personal and independent decision. For others, the decision to seek therapy services may be influenced … continue reading
Long distance grandparenting a child with autism
Grandparents play a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren. They can provide patience, understanding and unconditional love. A grandparent figure can play many different roles in a child’s life – everything from mentor or nurturer to hero or playmate. Their role is equally important for grandchildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In many … continue reading
Navigating summertime while living with IBD
Anyone living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) knows that many different environmental factors can influence their disease – summertime included. Here are some tips from the gastroenterology team at CHOC Children’s for navigating the season. Vitamin D is so important for IBD. Many people living with IBD have low vitamin D levels, so the summer … continue reading
How donating plasma after COVID-19 can help others
For Steve Emfinger, donating his blood plasma at CHOC Children’s was fast, painless and a way to give meaning to his battle with COVID-19. “It was very simple,” he said. “And to know it’s helping kids is very cool.” Registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the CHOC Children’s Blood Bank is available to … continue reading
CHOC teen advisers encourage peers to wear masks during COVID-19
Months into the COVID-19 pandemic, some teens are struggling with staying home more than usual, disappointment over canceled events, and wearing masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of cloth face coverings in public for those over age 2. The governor of California has mandated that face coverings be worn by … continue reading