When Antoinette Fitzgerald first heard about Akron Children’s Career Launch program from her mother, she thought it sounded too good to be true. “She sent me an article she found about the program from the news,” said Antoinette. “Although I was very skeptical because it sounded too good to be true, I applied the […]
Archives for 2023
Sister dedicates book to older brother, shares tips on befriending a child with autism
From the moment she was born, Tara Johnston, of Canal Fulton, was in a unique situation to learn how to befriend a child with autism. Now, 19 years later she shares all the knowledge she has learned in a self-published book, “Tara’s Tips for Friends with Autism,” which is dedicated to her older brother, […]
Nutritionist-approved tips to help teens adopt healthier eating habits
Teenagers are on the go, whether it’s off to sports practice, hanging with friends or heading to a study group. So when it comes to food, they are looking for fast and convenient—and they typically don’t have health on their minds. “As teens become more independent, spending time outside the home and away from parents, […]
Kids and vaping: What every parent should know
Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, are increasingly popular amongst teenagers. Unlike adults who may use vapes to wean themselves off cigarettes, it is many teenagers’ first entryway into using tobacco products. Dr. Crystal Cole, an adolescent medicine specialist at Akron Children’s, shares her insight on three myths related to vaping. Myth #1: […]
Living her best life – robotic arm helps girl with transverse myelitis gain independence
Emmie Wanzer, age 11, likes to do things for herself. Paralyzed at age 2 with transverse myelitis, Emmie hasn’t let that stop her from living her life to the fullest. A quadriplegic, with no feeling from the neck down, Emmie operates her motorized wheelchair with a tilt of her head. “Independence is a big deal […]
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of the red blood cells. It can cause anemia, episodes of severe pain and other symptoms. Here’s what you should know about sickle cell disease. What is sickle cell disease? Sickle cell disease affects the red blood cells in your body. Healthy red blood cells are round, flexible […]