2019 CALENDAR News, Knowledge & Healthy Fun - Children's Hospital of ...
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2019
CALENDAR
News, Knowledge
Charlotte, 2
& Healthy Fun
IMPORTANT FAMILY
CONTACT INFORMATION
EMERGENCY: 911 MEDICAL INFORMATION FOR Date of birth
POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222 Allergies or other medical conditions
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF RICHMOND AT VCU
Pediatric Emergency Room Pediatrician Pediatrician phone number
1213 East Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
Appointments: 804-828-CHOR (2467) Specialty doctors, medications and other important info
Toll-Free: 1-844-828-CHOR (2467)
TDD: 1-800-828-1120
FAMILY CONTACTS/HOME INFORMATION
Parent/guardian names
MEDICAL INFORMATION FOR Date of birth
Home address
Allergies or other medical conditions
Pediatrician Pediatrician phone number
Home phone number
Specialty doctors, medications and other important info
Cell phone number
Work phone number
Other emergency contact name
MEDICAL INFORMATION FOR Date of birth
Other emergency contact phone number
Allergies or other medical conditions
The fire extinguisher is located
Pediatrician Pediatrician phone number
The first aid kit is located
Specialty doctors, medications and other important info
We changed our smoke detector batteries on
YOUR FULL- SERVICE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is ranked among the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News
& World Report and is Virginia’s first Level 1 pediatric trauma center. We care for nearly every pediatric
health care need with the tenacity and smiles to take on the world. As part of VCU Health, CHoR is
committed to compassionate, expert clinical care, training future pediatric caregivers and making new
discoveries that improve the understanding and treatment of childhood diseases.
MEDICAL/SURGICAL SERVICES Poison Center Recreation Therapy
Acute Care Psychiatry Safe Kids
Adolescent Medicine Psychology Sibling Center
Allergy and Immunology Pulmonary Medicine Social Work
Anesthesiology Radiology
Audiology Rheumatology
Burn Care Surgery (General)
Cardiology Toxicology Beckett, 5
Cardiothoracic Surgery Transplant Surgery
Child Protection Trauma
Concussion Urology
Craniofacial Care Weight Management
Critical Care Medicine We hope the information featured in this calendar inspires fun
Dentistry INPATIENT UNITS and good health for your family throughout the year. Check
Dermatology Acute Care Units out our blog each month for more information on the month’s
Developmental Pediatrics Bone Marrow Transplant Unit featured topic. You’ll also find stories about our calendar kids,
Emergency Medicine Epilepsy Monitoring Unit hospital news and articles on other important health topics from
Endocrinology and Metabolism Evans-Haynes Burn Center our specialists. Subscribe today at advancingchildrenshealth.org
Feeding Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to get the latest news, knowledge and healthy fun sent straight
Fetal Cardiology Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to your inbox!
Gastroenterology and Nutrition Transitional Care Unit
General Pediatrics Virginia Treatment Center for Special thanks to the children and families featured in our 2019
Genetics Children/Mental Health TidBits calendar, to our team members who contributed articles
Hematology and Oncology and to our CHoR Family Advisory Network for sharing article
Hospital Medicine THERAPY SERVICES topic ideas.
Infectious Diseases Assistive Technology TidBits ADVISORY BOARD
International Adoption Medical Nutrition Services Dr. Clifton C. Lee, Hospital Medicine
Program Occupational Therapy Chris Gardner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Corri Miller-Hobbs, Registered Nurse and Safe Kids Virginia Program Coordinator
Long -Term Care Physical Therapy Kate Marino, Public Relations and Marketing Rep., Sr.
Neonatal Medicine Speech-Language Pathology Shira Pollard, Public Relations and Marketing Manager
Kristin Stemhagen, Editor
Nephrology
Neurology SUPPORT SERVICES ©2019 Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Richmond, Virginia
To opt out of future mailings, visit chrichmond.org/optout. For more information on hospital services
Neurosurgery Art Therapy or content, call 804-628-9752. All rights reserved. Reproduction or redistribution in any form without
Ophthalmology Care Connection for Children the prior permission of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Richmond, Virginia, is expressly
prohibited. This information is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, either
Orthopaedic Surgery Child Life
express or implied. This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does
Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) Hospital Education not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a
Palliative Care Medical-Legal Partnership health care professional for personal medical advice. Photos by Doug Buerlein.
Pharmacology Music Therapy
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pastoral Care
Plastic Surgery Pet Therapy
ARE THEY GETTING
ENOUGH EXERCISE?
Four out of five parents overestimate the amount of
physical activity their children get and nearly that many also
overestimate the intensity level. This means many kids may
not be getting the exercise they need to keep their bodies
healthy and ready for their next adventure.
At least 60 minutes of physical activity is recommended for
children and teens every day. Most should be moderate or
vigorous in intensity. Moderate activities such as walking
briskly, lifting weights and swimming cause heart rate and
breathing to increase to the point that it can be difficult to
sing along to a song. With vigorous activities like sprinting or
climbing stairs, the heart beats much faster than normal, and
breathing is so quick it’s difficult to talk.
How do we know they’re getting what they need?
First, just like you’d ask what they learned in math class, ask
what physical activity or exercise they did that day. Check in
about intensity too: How did you feel during the activity? Was
it difficult? Did it cause your heart to race?
Give ’em a boost if needed. Plan family physical activities like
going hiking or to the gym together, provide toys/equipment
that encourage being active and be a role model. Kids are
much more likely to engage in physical activity when they see
adults in their lives make it a priority. Read more from exercise
physiologist Sarah Farthing on our blog.
Alyssa, 16
JANUARY
SUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
804-828-CHOR (2467)
W E D N E S DAY T H U R S DAY F RIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5
New Year’s Day
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
27 28 29 30 31 DECEMBER 2018
S M T W T F S
FEBRUARY 2019
S M T W T F S
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30 31
Alyssa works hard every day to balance homework and hours of breathing treatments. Future goal: To be a nurse practitioner
Learn about how she manages life with cystic fibrosis and her hopes to educate others Favorite subject: Science
ALYSSA, 16 about the chronic condition: “Sometimes my situation seems out of this world to Favorite hobbies: Shopping, photography, traveling
someone when they find out.” Read her story at chrichmond.org/blog. Favorite activity: Young Life
CHOOSING A
PEDIATRICIAN
It’s important to find a doctor and practice that can meet
your family’s needs. There are several things to consider
when finding the right fit for your family.
Practical matters
• What are the practice’s hours and locations?
• How are appointments scheduled?
• Does the team answer questions by phone, online portal
or both?
• Does the practice offer breastfeeding support or other
services for families?
• How easy is it for the doctor to coordinate care with
pediatric subspecialists?
Topics to discuss
• What is their approach regarding vaccinations?
• What is their approach to antibiotics and “watchful
waiting” for conditions such as ear infections?
Provider characteristics
• Are they friendly and approachable?
• Do they have a strong pediatric knowledge base?
• Can they explain complex topics in understandable terms?
Some families begin the process of choosing a pediatrician
during the third trimester of pregnancy. Selecting a
pediatrician and scheduling a visit before a child is born is
recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics,
especially for mothers-to-be who have a high-risk condition
or are expecting multiples.
While you can’t always be completely prepared for
everything a new child will bring, knowing who’s on your
team can be a huge help and get your family off to a good
start. Read more from Dr. Elizabeth Wolf on our blog.
Danielle, 5
FEBRUARY
SUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
804-828-CHOR (2467)
W E D N E S DAY T H U R S DAY F RIDAY SATURDAY
JANUARY 2019
S M T W T F S
MARCH 2019
S M T W T F S
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1 2 3 4 5 1 2
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Groundhog Day
31
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Chinese New Year
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Valentine’s Day
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Presidents’ Day
24 25 26 27 28
Danielle had no vocabulary at all just three years ago, but with cochlear implants, speech Favorite activity: Karaoke
therapy and a great attitude, this bubbly kindergartener now has lots to say about how Favorite hobby: Homework
DANIELLE, 5 much she loves school, her favorite Paw Patrol characters and so much more. Favorite food: Spaghetti
Read her story at chrichmond.org/blog. Favorite character: Skye from Paw Patrol
GROWING BONES,
GROWING CONCERNS James, 8
with Zoey
When a child has a broken bone or overuse injury, growth
plates need to be part of the conversation.
What’s a growth plate? A growth plate is an area at the end
of long bones (legs, arms, wrists, etc.) that contains cells that
are dividing and maturing to become bone. The bone grows
in length and width at these areas until the plates harden, or
close, when a child stops growing. Girls’ growth plates close
when they’re about 14 to 15 years old on average; boys’ by
around 16 to 17. Until then, growth plates are more prone
to injury because they’re not yet as strong as other parts of
the bone.
Why are growth plate injuries a concern? If an entire growth
plate is injured, it can cause growth to stop. If part is affected,
the bone can grow in the wrong direction (angular deformity).
Growth plate injuries mainly occur with fractures that move
the plate out of its normal position, but they can occasionally
occur with more minor injuries or injuries to the nearby area.
If your child is experiencing an injury that could affect a growth
plate, seek care promptly and be sure growth plates are being
considered. A child should be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon
or specialist within a week in case further treatment is needed
to prevent additional harm. Read more from orthopaedic
surgeon Dr. Victoria Kuester on our blog.
MARCH SUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
804-828-CHOR (2467)
W E D N E S DAY T H U R S DAY F RIDAY SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 2019
S M T W T F S
APRIL 2019
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3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Daylight Saving Time begins
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
St. Patrick’s Day First Day of Spring
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 National Doctors’ Day
James loves monster trucks and music. His very first concert was Luke Bryan with Favorite activity: Singing country music
his mom on Mother’s Day. He comes to us for services related to spina bifida and is Loves: Monster trucks (especially Grave Digger)
JAMES, 8 pictured with his therapy-dog-in-training, Zoey. Read his story at chrichmond.org/blog. Favorite subject: Math
Favorite food: BBQ chicken wings
EXTRA COMFORT
BEFORE SURGERY
A little extra comfort goes a long way for a child facing
surgery.
• Many children benefit from talking about what’s going to
happen — what to expect at check-in, for example, and
how there’ll be lots of people in scrubs asking questions.
Walk them through in steps: “You’ll get in your gown, then
we’ll play or read until the doctors come, then I’ll kiss you
on the cheek and the nurses will take you to the room for
surgery. They’ll put a mask on your face with medicine to
help you fall asleep. When you wake up, I’ll be here and
you’ll be done.”
• If you think your child will be nervous about the anesthesia
mask, ask for one to practice with. Have your child put the
mask on a stuffed animal or on you, then hold it gently
Beckett, 5 over your child’s nose and mouth and have them sing or
count and take deep breaths.
• On the ride in, play their favorite songs to boost them up.
• Come up with a special sign like a handshake or saying
(“See ya soon!”) for just before things start.
• Offer extra cuddles, compliments and reassurances, and
affirm your child’s feelings. Surgery IS scary, no matter
how old you are. Let them know it’s OK to be nervous and
remind them there’s a whole team dedicated to keeping
them safe. Read more from child life specialist Siri Garrett
on our blog.APRIL
SUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
804-828-CHOR (2467)
W E D N E S DAY T H U R S DAY F RIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Good Friday,
Passover begins (at sunset)
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Easter Earth Day Passover ends (at sunset)
28 29 30 MARCH 2019
S M T W T F S
MAY 2019
S M T W T F S
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Beckett loves dress-up, play makeup and anything that makes her pretty. She’s strong Favorite color: All colors in the rainbow
and spunky too, and shows this with our hematology/oncology specialists. They help Favorite book: Pinkalicious
BECKETT, 5 Beckett’s family manage her blood disorder so she can continue grinning, dancing and Future goal: To be a princess
doing what she loves. Read Beckett’s story at chrichmond.org/blog. Loves to: Dance to Disney princess songsFIRST AID FOR
MENTAL HEALTH
Just like you’d be there to provide first aid for a cut or scrape,
there are important steps to take when a child experiences a
rough patch or crisis in their emotional life.
Know the signs. Significant changes in a child’s mood or
behavior, withdrawal from family and friends or deterioration in
self-care (like not eating or neglecting hygiene) may be cause
for concern.
Let them know you’ve noticed a change and are concerned.
It’s important to clearly convey this is caring, not criticism. Ask
if there’s something going on that’s worrying them at school,
home or elsewhere. Is anyone hurting or mistreating them?
Note: You can and should ask directly if they’re having
thoughts of hurting or killing themselves. Threats of self-injury
or suicidal urges warrant immediate intervention, and you
should call 911 or bring the child to an emergency room for
evaluation.
Bandage, brace or professional help? If there’s an
identifiable problem — difficulties in school, problems with
friends or a romantic relationship, bullying, worries about
family, etc. — there may be a clear solution, such as meeting
with teachers or changing a schedule or household routine.
If not, or if these strategies don’t resolve the problem, seek
professional help. A primary care provider, school counselor,
pastor/religious leader or family navigator can recommend
trusted mental health professionals who can guide next steps.
Read more from psychiatrist Dr. Dorothy O’Keefe on our blog.
Our Children’s Mental Health Resource Center has family navigators who can access a database
of therapists and psychiatrists and recommend appropriate providers. Call 804-828-9897 to learn
more about this free service.
Nick, 10MAY SUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
804-828-CHOR (2467)
W E D N E S DAY T H U R S DAY F RIDAY SATURDAY
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APRIL 2019
S M T W T F S
JUNE 2019
S M T W T F S
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30
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Ramadan begins (at sunset)
Cinco de Mayo National Week of the Nurse (May 6-12) National Bike to School Day
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Mother’s Day
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
Memorial Day
Nick loves sports — whether he’s on the soccer field, on the basketball court or in Favorite hobbies: Sports, drawing comics
the pool. He also enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures with his family. Favorite subject: Science (especially experiments)
NICK, 10 Luckily, Nick didn’t need to travel far for comprehensive care as a newborn with Favorite movie: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
craniosynostosis. Read more about Nick at chrichmond.org/blog. Favorite book: The Colossus Rises by Peter LerangisPOTTY TRAINING:
READY! OR NOT?
“Shouldn’t my child be potty-trained by now?” is a question
parents sometimes ask, but a child's readiness for potty
training isn’t based on a specific age. It’s whether the child is
showing signs of being ready developmentally.
Time to try? Most children are able to stay dry for several
hours or wake up dry after a nap by 2 to 4 years old, which
is a good starting point. A child should also be able to follow
instructions, pull their clothes up and down, walk to the
toilet and safely sit there.
Charlotte, 2
Find a good time for you too. At least one parent should
have the time and energy, emotionally speaking, to devote
to training. Reminders to slow down and take potty breaks,
along with positive reinforcement when things happen as
they should (“Let’s add a sticker to your chart!”), help with
the day-to-day.
Set the stage. Select easy-to-remove clothing (no buttons or
snaps), have more than one potty chair for quick access and
keep an extra set of clothes on hand. Accidents will happen,
and this can make these moments less stressful for all.
Potty training typically takes about six months, and setbacks
are not uncommon. Although potty training may not be the
most glamorous milestone, it's a big step. Soon your child
will be on to the next big thing with their newfound freedom.
Read more from Leigh Hamm, urology nurse practitioner, on
our blog.JUNE SUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
804-828-CHOR (2467)
W E D N E S DAY T H U R S DAY F RIDAY SATURDAY
MAY 2019
S M T W T F S
JULY 2019
S M T W T F S
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26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Ramadan ends
Eid-Ul-Fitr
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Flag Day
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Father’s Day First Day of Summer
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
At birth, Charlotte’s mom was told her daughter likely wouldn't make it, but today she's Favorite activities: Coloring, playing with her kitten
a happy, vivacious 2-year-old prone to squeals of delight. Charlotte came to us when she Favorite game: Hide-and-seek
CHARLOTTE, 2 was less than 24 hours old, and our neonatal intensive care team was by her side right Favorite book: Goodnight Moon
away to help her through a rocky start in life. Read her story at chrichmond.org/blog. Favorite song: "Baby Shark"ALL ABOUT AQUATIC THERAPY A pool offers a unique environment for developing physical skills. The body’s tendency to float or rise when in water (buoyancy) provides weightlessness. When there’s less weight to carry, joints and muscles tend to move more easily. In aquatic therapy, the properties of water and the gentle resistance being in water provides are used in activities that develop strength, motion and related skills. For a child with limited movement, with muscle weakness Christian, 9 or who’s regaining movement after an injury, aquatic therapy techniques can improve motion and movement when the child is in the water with the goal of transferring improved skills to what they’re doing on land. Sessions take place in a heated pool, as warm water can be relaxing and help joints and muscles move with less pain. Aquatic therapy is another way we bring playful fun to a challenging situation. The fun of being in the pool is a great motivator, and by just moving around in water, kids build strength and endurance. Activities such as riding the horse, where a child sits on a pool noodle and uses their legs to propel forward through the water, can further many skills, including things like coordination (“No bouncing! Try to move like you’re riding a bike.”) and balance (“Try to stay upright as you move your legs.”). Read more from occupational therapist Lauren Champion and physical therapist Jennifer Hawley on our blog. Note: Aquatic therapy is not intended to teach a child how to swim, but may provide foundational skills needed for swimming.
JULY
SUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
804-828-CHOR (2467)
W E D N E S DAY T H U R S DAY F RIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6
Independence Day
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31 JUNE 2019
S M T W T F S
AUGUST 2019
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Christian started with a walker, graduated to crutches and is proud to say he now gets Favorite hobby: Reading comic books
around without assistive gear. Find out how this independent, determined superhero fan Favorite superhero: Spiderman
CHRISTIAN, 9 achieved mobility with our cerebral palsy team. Favorite foods: Pizza and chicken
Read Christian’s story at chrichmond.org/blog. Future goal: Become a therapistCONCUSSION
CONSIDERATIONS
Kids want to get back to living (and playing) as soon as
possible after a concussion. It’s relatively well known
that time and rest for the brain are needed to safely
recover. What may be less well known are the effects a
concussion can have on a child’s overall health and wellness.
RJ, 16 Acknowledging and addressing these concerns is crucial to a
timely recovery. Here’s what to watch for and consider:
Sleep disruption: Changes in sleep quality and quantity
often occur and need to be a treatment consideration.
Appetite changes: Not feeling well post-concussion can
lead to a decreased appetite. Also, foods that are higher
in sugar or caffeine may be sought out more in an effort
to “feel more awake” or “increase focus.” Both can be
concerning.
Emotional effects: Mood changes often occur with a
concussive injury. Being familiar with a child’s typical
emotional state can help parents and professionals identify
these changes and the type of support needed.
Lack of exercise: Physical activity connects to overall
wellness and concussion recovery. Light activity and
exercise should be incorporated early on in the concussion-
recovery process, guided closely by concussion/brain injury
specialists. Activities that encourage the body’s need for
movement have important overall health benefits and can
also help maintain physical skills. Read more from sports
medicine specialist Dr. Katherine Dec on our blog.AUGUSTSUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
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W E D N E S DAY T H U R S DAY F RIDAY SATURDAY
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JULY 2019
S M T W T F S
SEPTEMBER 2019
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11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Eid-Ul-Adha
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Showing concern for others is one of the things RJ is known for. Another is his Favorite activities: Dancing, video games
strong observation skills — he has a great sense of direction and a knack for always Favorite subjects: Math and PE
RJ, 16 remembering people he’s met. RJ has overcome many medical challenges in his life, Loves: Music, especially Bruno Mars
always with a smile. Read RJ’s story at chrichmond.org/blog. Favorite food: Pork chopsTURNING CURIOSITY
INTO FRIENDSHIP
Children are curious by nature and can be quick to point out
when others have visible differences. While you can’t always
control what a child may do or say, it’s comforting to know that
your example and actions can shape how a child may approach
these situations.
Focus on similarities. If a child questions something like
another child’s use of a wheelchair, it’s OK to say “yes,
that’s different from how you move,” but then encourage a
conversation between the children about what’s the same
about them. Maybe both like to paint, listen to music, play
video games or search for bugs. Maybe both love ice cream.
Discourage pointing and staring. Talk about how this can
make someone feel uncomfortable.
Be friendly first. Smile at others, greet those you encounter
around your neighborhood and show kindness when
interacting. These concepts seem like common sense, but
with our busy lives, we sometimes avoid these interactions.
Also demonstrate how to start a conversation. Introduce
yourself and your child, and then shine a light on what the kids
have in common to break the ice: “I see your wheelchair is
pink. That’s Sara’s favorite color too.”
Finding similarities helps us relate to each other and often
leads to more conversation and, most important, new
friendships. Always let your actions be a positive example
of being open and accepting. Read more from occupational
therapist Katie Bobbitt and physical therapist Mandy Butler on
our blog.
Austin, 12 and ArielleSEPTEMBERSUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
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W E D N E S DAY T H U R S DAY F RIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Labor Day
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
First Day of Autumn
29 30 AUGUST 2019
S M T W T F S
OCTOBER 2019
S M T W T F S
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4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31
Rosh Hashanah begins (at sunset)
Known as a speed demon in his wheelchair, Austin is active and hardworking and gives Favorite hobbies: Throwing a baseball, sports
his all during weekly physical therapy sessions focused on strengthening, stretching and Favorite food: Shrimp
AUSTIN, 12 balance to keep his body strong. Learn about Austin’s fight against muscular dystrophy Favorite subject: Math
and the specialized team by his side. Read his story at chrichmond.org/blog. Future goal: A Marine like his dadA CONVERSATION
ABOUT CONSTIPATION
Soleil, 4
Parents typically discourage “potty talk,” but if you’re
concerned about constipation, it may be time to do the
opposite. Not having regular bowel movements or going
two or more days without a bowel movement is a common
childhood problem that can become difficult to manage if it
goes unrecognized too long.
What to watch for: Abdominal pain, bloating, lots of gas
and loss of appetite are associated with constipation, as
are stools that are hard and dry, shaped like small pebbles
or liquid (which may lead to accidents/smears in clothing).
A child may also have excessive straining or complain that
going to the bathroom hurts. In many cases, constipation
starts with a child holding in their stool because they don’t
want to use the restroom, are afraid to ask to go or don’t
want to stop what they’re doing. The behaviors they may
display — hiding in the corner, crossing legs, grunting or
crying — may seem like what they’d do if trying to “go”
but are likely signs they’re holding it in.
What can help: Depending on the degree and what’s
causing it, changes in diet (more fiber and fluid) and exercise
habits (regular physical activity) may do the trick. Talk with
your child’s doctor if your child has continued constipation
problems or constipation lasting two to three weeks. If it
relates to an underlying condition, medication, treatment or
surgery may be needed. For more from gastroenterologist
Dr. Flora Szabo, visit our blog.OCTOBER
SUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
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W E D N E S DAY T H U R S DAY F RIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5
International Walk to School Day
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Yom Kippur begins (at sunset)
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Columbus Day
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31 S
SEPTEMBER 2019
M T W T F S
NOVEMBER 2019
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Halloween
Soleil is just 4 years old, but if you ask how old she’ll be on her next birthday she’ll tell Favorite activity: Dancing
you “14.” With her sweet smile and great sense of style, she makes quite an impression Favorite song: Any song by Bruno Mars
SOLEIL, 4 on those she meets, including the many specialists she works with here to help with Future goals: Mommy and teacher
digestive issues. Read Soleil’s story at chrichmond.org/blog. Favorite foods: Cheese/crackers, vanilla cake, carrotsSPEAKING OF
GENDER…
Traditional models of gender identity offer just two choices:
male or female. Yet there are many individuals who do not feel
they fit into either category, and in recent years, the medical
community updated its approach to gender identity. The newer
approach defines it as a line, with male at one end, female at
the other, and many points in between.
The gender a person is assigned at birth is largely defined by
their external reproductive organs. Society’s views on what
behaviors are appropriate for each gender are considered
stereotypical gender roles.
Gender expansive: When a person’s gender identity or
behavior is broader than the commonly held definitions of
male/female gender and the expected ways for gender to be
expressed.
Gender dysphoric: When a person's experienced gender
identity and biological body differ and that difference causes
them psychological distress.
Transgender: When a person identifies as the opposite
gender of their gender assigned at birth.
It’s important to approach everyone with a gender-affirming
perspective. This centers on recognizing that individuals
know their own gender identity and need to be accepted for
who they are. Acceptance and support from family, friends
and peers is so important for mental health and for helping
children and teens develop to their fullest potential. Read
more from Dr. Susan Jones, psychiatrist specializing in gender-
expansive care, on our blog.
Emile, 16NOVEMBER
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chrichmond.org
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Charismatic and passionate, Emile shares his artistic talents by helping design and build Favorite book: Love, Simon
sets for his high school plays and taking photos of his friends in urban settings. Learn Favorite game: Tetris
EMILE, 16 how our transgender team and support from family and friends helped Emile become Favorite hobby: Photography
who he was meant to be. Read his story at chrichmond.org/blog. Future goal: Technical theater or criminal justiceFLAT HEAD? POSITION
FOR PREVENTION
Many parents have concerns about the shape of their
infant’s head. More often than not, it relates to flatness
caused by sleep position. Babies need to sleep on their back
— it’s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
for important safety reasons — but if a child lies mainly on
one side, a flattened head may result.
With positional plagiocephaly (the medical term for this
condition), one side of the back of the head will typically
be flat. The forehead and ear on “the flat side” may be
positioned further forward than the other side. This can be
visible as early as six to eight weeks.
Luckily, flat head shape does not affect brain growth and can
be corrected — or prevented — with some maneuvering.
Alternate the side of the head a baby sleeps or lies on.
This is especially important from birth to three months when
the skull is soft. Switching arms during feeding helps too.
Start supervised tummy time within the first three
months. Aim for at least three 30-minute sessions each day.
Change the position of toys in the stroller, car seat, etc.,
Caiden, 3 and the hip the infant is carried on to encourage them to
look both ways. Move the crib around so they’ll need to turn
their head to a different side to see the window or door.
Read more from neurosurgeon Dr. Ann Ritter on our blog.
Note: Always place baby on their back to sleep.DECEMBER
SUNDAY M O N DAY T U E S DAY
chrichmond.org
804-828-CHOR (2467)
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Caiden loves learning about other countries. He already knows how to say hello in six Favorite hobby: Cooking with mom
languages and can identify 25 national flags. Caiden has come to us for physical therapy Favorite activity: Swimming
CAIDEN, 3 since he was just five weeks old, and we’re so glad to be here to help this inquisitive Loves: Dinosaurs, animals, reading
3-year-old discover the world. Read Caiden’s story at chrichmond.org/blog. Happiest: Playing with his little sisterNONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
RICHMOND, VA
PERMIT 869
P.O. BOX 980646 RICHMOND, VA 23298-0646
Appointments: 804-828-CHOR | chrichmond.org
James, 8
with Zoey
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