Category Archives: Pediatric Feature
Biotechnology startups break into pediatric care
Companies looking to bring to market the next great solution to a thorny problem in medical care for children and adolescents are forming across the nation. The market is ripe for disruptive ideas, but to succeed, entrepreneurs have to show investors and clinicians that what they’re selling can truly make a difference.
By Keith Loria and Emily Delzell
Posted in Pediatric Feature, May, 2019
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HHS updates federal physical activity guidelines
The new federal physical activity guidelines include the first-ever recommendations for children aged 3 to 5 years, as well as updated guidelines for older kids. Here, we cover what you need to know about the new advice and offer tips from experts to help kids with lower extremity conditions get and stay active.
By Keith Loria
Posted in Pediatric Feature, December, 2018
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Transitions: Helping kids make the leap to adult care
In healthcare, transition refers to planning for and making the move from child to adult services. When the process isn’t managed well, young adults can fall into gaps in care and declining function, health, and quality of life. Transition takes provider time and energy, but reimbursement is available.
By Emily Delzell
Posted in Pediatric Feature, December, 2018
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Understanding the ‘odd gait’ of autism
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often described as “uncoordinated” or “clumsy” and many have clear motor control impairments. Early intervention to address motor deficits may improve physical skills and the difficulties with social functioning that are the hallmark of the disorder.
By Keith Loria
Posted in Pediatric Feature, August, 2018
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Connecting with patients can improve outcomes
Building bonds with patients and their families, as well as a deeper understanding of their day-to-day lives, gives practitioners insight they can use to create a management plan that everyone can embrace. Experts offer advice on connecting, and weigh in on the management challenges and opportunities of hand-held tech.
By Shalmali Pal
Posted in 2018, Pediatric Feature, August
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Management of Joint Hypermobility
Joint hypermobility, often discovered when clinicians evaluate kids for another lower extremity issue, can cause pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that lead children to avoid exercise and drop out of sports. Hypermobile joints can also increase risk for traumatic injuries and for adult musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis.
By Keith Loria
Posted in Pediatric Feature, May, 2018
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Concussion and lower extremity injury
As in adults, youth athletes who sustain a concussion increase their chances of experiencing a lower extremity injury, and the rise in risk can last for at least a year. Researchers are investigating the reasons underlying the connection, as well as trying to answer the crucial question: when is it safe for athletes to return to play?
By Jill R. Dorson
Posted in Pediatric Feature, May, 2018
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Update: Orthotic care and physical therapy for DMD
Lower extremity interventions can help boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) stay ambulatory for years—and improve outcomes in the condition’s nonambulatory phase. Devices can address contractures and other issues, while stretching programs are key to maintaining flexibility.
By Hank Black
Posted in Pediatric Feature, February, 2018
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Media, toys, and games for kids with disabilities
Children use toys and media characters to spark their imaginations and cast themselves as the star of their own stories. Through play, they connect with other kids and dream about their future. Options are few, however, for kids who wear a device or otherwise look “different” to see themselves reflected during play.
By Jill R. Dorson
Posted in Pediatric Feature, February, 2018
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Cutting edge: Treatment for kids goes high tech
From a skateboard-like motion-sensing device that helps infants with CP learn to crawl to powered exoskeletons that sync with muscles to new advanced-imaging views of motor and sensory processing, technology for pediatric care is on the move. Here are some of the highlights.
By Hank Black
Posted in Pediatric Feature, November, 2017
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