An Asthma Discharge Kit will now be offered to parents of asthmatic children who are treated in the pediatric emergency room. The kit contains items that parents need to monitor asthma symptoms at home, educational materials about asthma, and a Medic-Alert bracelet. The education of staff, patients and families is an important tool in caring for sick children. The Pediatric Care Center received funding to purchase a video camera, an overhead projector,and a laminator to be used for educational presentations and materials. The educational needs of housestaff will also be met with the development of a pediatric resuscitation reference card displaying vital information on drug dosages and equipment.
Adolescence is a very difficult time in life.
It can be even more difficult for children suffering from chronic kidney and liver disease who may have physical limitations and appearance changes that set them apart from peers. The Liver and Renal Transplant Teen Support Group provides a social setting for teens in similar situations to share in activities outside the hospital environment, such as trips to Great America, Skate on State and sporting events. Educating parents and caregivers about the importance of immunizations is crucial to protect children from diseases. The Pediatric Immunization Program provides outreach workers who assess the immunization status of children in the Robert Taylor Homes and inform parents about necessary immunizations, often linking them with health care providers and social service agencies in their neighborhood. Babies born to teenage mothers are at a higher risk for low birth weight and more likely to suffer from complications associated with this risk.