Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures that disrupt communication between brain cells. Though it is treatable through surgery, diet, and medications; epilepsy can have a lasting, life-altering impact on those who suffer from it. 25 million Americans will have at least one seizure over the course of their (more…)

Emergency rooms in the United States are incredibly busy. Last year, there were over 130 million emergency room visits. That means, on average, one out of every two American went to the emergency room. One-fifth of those ER visits were patients under the age of 18. As more people use ERs as their first choice in health care, ERs around the country are (more…)

When reading health insurance materials or listening to all the talk about “Obamacare,” it is easy to get confused very quickly. Yet, in order to receive the best healthcare possible and to know what one will be paying, one must understand what all the terminology means. Unfortunately, this is not typically something they teach in school.

This entry (more…)

In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control estimated one in fifty children had been diagnosed with some autism spectrum disorder (ASD.) ASD occurs in all cultures and ethnic, socioeconomic, and racial groups. It is also five times more likely to occur in boys.

ASDs are characterized by a restricted range of interest, repetitive behavior, delayed language, (more…)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects six to seven percent of all children according to the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition). This is a disorder that will continue into adulthood for at least a third of the children diagnosed. It is a neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder (more…)

Whether it is school lunch programs considering pizza to be a vegetable or meat made of “pink slime,” school lunches may not be the best alternative for children’s health. Government subsidized school lunches are great for low income families. It is also an easy alternative for a lot of time-strapped parents, who may still have to pay. But, are school (more…)

Emergency rooms in the United States are incredibly busy. Last year, there were over 130 million emergency room visits. That means, on average, one out of every two American went to the emergency room. One-fifth of those ER visits were patients under the age of 18. As more people use ERs as their first choice in health care, ERs around the country are (more…)

One of the most important factors in neonatal health is whether the infant is breastfed. Breastfeeding is associated with a laundry list of health benefits to both the baby and the mother. It is endorsed by prominent health organization in the United States and throughout the world. Yet, there are still negative stigmas associated with the practice.

Breastfeeding (more…)

Cultural competency is a set of beliefs, policies, systems, and practices that come together to make a health care organization effective in treating patients from any culture or background. On any given day, a health care facility may see patients who only speak Russian, Mandarin, Spanish, French, etc. These differences in language may reflect a background (more…)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offers federal assistance to children less than five years of age, low-income pregnant women, and breastfeeding women. WIC is a healthcare and nutrition program of the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.

A group of physicians told (more…)