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  • Epilepsy patients: sleeping on your stomach may be associated with sudden death

    New research published in the Journal Neurology brings to light an association between patients with epilepsy who experience sudden unexpected death and their sleep positioning. As researchers reviewed studies pertaining to sudden unexplained death in epileptics, they determined that victims of this tragedy were much more likely to be found lying on their stomachs, especially if they were under 40 years of age.

    What does this study mean? 

    First, it’s important to know what it doesn’t mean. This study cannot and does not tell us that sleeping on your stomach will kill you, whether you suffer from epilepsy or not. When a scientific study shows an association between two things, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one thing causes the other. It means that two things are somehow associated and more work needs to be done to determine exactly what is causing the two to coexist.

  • Is it a speech problem or something much more? Learn about Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

    Many children are diagnosed annually with a developmental speech sound disorder because they can’t say their r’s or say things like “tat” for “cat”. It is reported that the occurrence of speech sound disorders ranges from 2% to 25% of children aged 5 to 7 years old. These speech issues are considered developmental because they follow a typical developmental pattern in the early stages of speech development, but for whatever reason, do not correct themselves by a developmentally appropriate age. Most of these children can improve these issues with traditional therapy services provided by a licensed speech pathologist. However, in approximately 3-4% of those children referred for a speech sound disorder it is a much more complicated issue known as Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).

  • Laundry detergent pods may be convenient, but can pose serious poisoning risk to children

    The convenience of being able to throw a laundry pod into the washer without having to measure out liquid or powder detergent is a time saver, for sure. However, for families with small children, the benefits do not outweigh the potential risks. Because toddlers love to explore their surroundings, and oftentimes find themselves into things they shouldn’t be, laundry pods pose a serious poisoning risk to these curious adventurists. The bright colors of the laundry pods can be easily mistaken for juice or candy, and the soft, pliable texture make it fun for kids to squeeze or play with. What they don’t realize is that this “fun toy” could be detrimental to their health, and it could land them in the emergency room in a matter of seconds.

  • Marching for hope in the fight against childhood cancer: Ethan’s story

    Ethan was a happy and healthy 13-year-old who loved football and soccer. But about a year-and-a-half ago, Ethan’s parents knew something was not right with him. Ethan began to experience incredible pain in his hip, and so they began the daunting search to try and find answers to what was causing his pain. Life quickly became a flurry of emergency room visits, tests, nurses, doctors, needles, ambulance rides - all while their other kids were still at home. Ethan and his parents were sent to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children to meet with the pediatric oncology team.

  • What not to say to an adoptive parent

    I have the good fortune of knowing many families with children who have been adopted, and over the years I’ve been appalled at some of the conversations these friends have endured at the hand of strangers (and even non-strangers). Most adoptive parents will tell you that they know these offenses are not intentional, and they give a lot of grace as they try to educate the public on adoption one awkward conversation at a time. Many would probably tell you, though, that they wish they didn’t have to be blindsided by these uncomfortable and sometimes hurtful exchanges. So, if you know families with adopted children or if you happen to meet a mom at the park that appears to be an adoptive mother, here are some things NOT to say:

  • Why the outbreak of measles at Disneyland is important to your family

    Over the Christmas holiday, a person who was carrying the measles virus visited Disneyland. Five park employees and dozens of visitors then became ill. The outbreak has ballooned to include not only people who visited Disneyland but also people who came into contact with those individuals. So far this year, 84 people in 14 states have been infected with measles, and this number continues to rise.

  • Facing the challenges of living with Type 1 Diabetes: JJ’s story

    At 7 years old, JJ is a fun-loving, adventurous little boy. He is also living with type 1 diabetes, but he isn’t letting that hold him back from anything.

  • Fun is the name of the game! Learn about the benefits of Aquatic Therapy for your child.

    One of the things I love about being an occupational therapist is using unique tools to help a child reach their full potential. One of those tools that may be a bit unexpected is a swimming pool. The properties of water offer unique benefits, are familiar to children and inherently add the unquestionable element of fun. As therapists we know that when a child is having fun, they will try harder and risk failure to reach their goals. When we treat your child, our pursuit is to build on their strengths and challenge their weaknesses while engaging them in motivating ways. Fun is the ultimate motivator! Children who have faced physical disabilities, learning difficulties or traumatic injury certainly know how fun can turn a daunting challenge into an achievable one.

  • Get to know Dr. Mark Weatherly, pediatric pulmonologist at Arnold Palmer Hospital

    The Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital cares for infants, children and young adults with chronic and acute respiratory disorders. Our practice provides comprehensive care for a wide variety of disorders associated with the lungs including, but not limited to, everything from asthma and chronic cough to restrictive, interstitial lung diseases and sleep disorders. Our interdisciplinary team consists of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory care practitioners, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, medical assistants, front office staff and medical residents. We recently interviewed Dr. Weatherly, pediatric pulmonologist, to get to know him outside of the exam room and to learn more about the Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Center.

    Where did you grow up?

    In Michigan.

    Where did you go to medical school?

    Michigan State University

    What was your first job?

    I was a camp counselor in high school.

    What are your hobbies?

    Reading, travel, medical missions volunteer

    If you could meet anyone, who could it be?

    The Pope because I think he would have a great perspective on suffering and the love of God in our lives.

    Did you always know you wanted to go into the field of medicine?

    No. I wanted to be a veterinarian but discovered an allergy to cats, so that was not a viable career!

    Why did you choose to go into pediatric pulmonology?

    I had a mentor and role model who was a pediatric pulmonologist. I loved the way he helped families of children with Cystic Fibrosis, as well as how he balanced his career and family time.

    How long have you worked at Arnold Palmer Hospital?

    I have admitted patients here for 17 years and have actually worked for the hospital for 6 years.

    What do you love most about working at the Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital?

    We have an awesome multidisciplinary team that works well together and provides excellent comprehensive care to patients.

    Has there been a specific patient or family that has impacted you as a physician?

    There have been many. Each family brings their own perspective to a chronic illness, and it is an honor (though sometimes a challenge) to work with them through the process of medical therapy for their child.

    What is one thing that most of your patients don’t know about you?

    I am crazy about dogs, and I feel a little guilty telling some patients who have pet allergies they cannot have a pet when I have one myself!

    In honor of Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, what key pieces of advice do you give to families whose child has been diagnosed with asthma?

    Take your preventive medication as prescribed, and do not let anyone tell you not to be physically active because of your asthma. Go for it!

    Click here to learn more about the Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital

  • Helping your child say farewell to preschool, hello to kindergarten

    In a few short months, I will be the parent of a kindergartener. That boggles my mind a little bit. Gone is the chunky toddler who yells, “Nack! Nack!” when she wants an afternoon snack. No more diapers to change or pacifiers or naptime stories. She has officially moved on from baby to toddler and now little girl. As we make this change from preschool to kindergarten, it feels important to me to transition well- for her sake and mine- and to embark on this next challenge with enthusiasm.