When 5-year-old Vinny DeMando left Akron Children’s on Aug. 4, he left with a newly FDA-approved gene therapy making its way through his body. His parents left with hope and gratitude for a brighter, healthier future for him. Vincent (Vinny), of Massillon, was diagnosed in July 2021 with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare and […]
Archives for August 2023
8 tips for safe backpack use
Backpacks are a great way for kids to carry all the essential items they need for a busy school day. But between books, homework, gym clothes and lunch, the load can get heavy pretty quickly. Many parents have questions about backpack safety and often wonder whether carrying a heavy backpack can lead to spinal problems, […]
College prep: How can parents manage their own separation anxiety?
You’ve spent the summer helping your teen gear up for college — purchasing dorm necessities, registering for classes and buying books. Your teen is ready for the next chapter of their life, but are you ready for this life-altering change? It’s perfectly natural for parents to feel anxiety as kids prepare to leave the nest […]
Hazing and Sports: What it is and ways to prevent it
Many teens mistakenly believe they must earn their spot on the team and prove themselves worthy of the jersey by participating in hazing. What they view as a bonding activity to make the team more close-knit is often the opposite. “Instead of the intended team building, hazing creates an environment where dignity and respect are […]
Teens and sleep: 7 tips to help your teen sleep better at night
Sleep often takes a back seat to teenagers’ busy activity and social calendars. But what they may not realize is just like exercise and nutrition are important for healthy bodies, so too is a good night’s rest. “Teens are going through puberty and rapid body changes, and still growing and developing in a lot of […]
8 tips for heading back to school for kids with food allergies
If your child has a food allergy, especially one that’s been recently diagnosed, it’s easy to worry about keeping them safe away from home. “Because food allergies are on the rise, many school systems are now well equipped to accommodate them,” said Sally Phillips, a registered dietitian at Akron Children’s. Depending on the severity of […]
