Tag Archives: pediatrics

Tampa Bay Area Pediatricians Urge Parents to Act Now for Back-to-School Readiness

TAMPA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Doctor Bou Pediatrics Inc today urged parents to immediately schedule school health examinations for their children as the August 12 school start date approaches in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties. The pediatric practice warns that students may be barred from attending school if required health forms and vaccinations are not completed on time, as mandated by Florida law to protect public health.

The Florida Department of Health requires all students entering Florida schools for the first time to present a school entry health exam completed within the last year. This requirement applies to children in prekindergarten through 12th grade.

Sal H. Bou, chief operating officer of Dr. Bou Pediatrics, emphasizes the necessity of strategic scheduling: "Despite October traditionally being our busiest month due to flu season, the August rush requires special planning to ensure we have the capacity to meet everyone's needs. This is why we particularly urge families to book their appointments early, ensuring all necessary health requirements are met before the school year commences."

According to reports from WUSF and KFF Health News, nearly 600,000 children in Florida have lost Medicaid coverage in the past year due to policy changes. This loss of coverage may create additional challenges for families trying to schedule required school physicals and vaccinations, further increasing the risk of delayed school entry if not addressed promptly.

Key age groups often requiring updated vaccinations or school forms include children ages 4-5 entering VPK or Kindergarten, ages 11-12 entering middle school, and ages 15-16 in high school. Parents should consult the Florida Department of Health's website for detailed immunization schedules by age. Parents should consult the Florida Department of Health's website for detailed immunization schedules by age.

To ensure your child is ready for the upcoming school year and can start on time, take these steps immediately: Schedule your child's school physical examination. Check with your pediatrician about required vaccinations for your child's age group. If you've recently lost Medicaid coverage, inquire about self-pay options to cover necessary school physicals and vaccinations. Obtain and complete necessary school health forms in advance of your appointment.

For more information about school entry health requirements, visit the Florida Department of Health's website or contact your local pediatrician.

Learn more about Dr. Bou Pediatrics at: https://www.drbou.com/

Doctor Bou Pediatrics Inc today urged parents to immediately schedule school health examinations for their children as the August 12 school start date approaches in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties. The pediatric practice warns that students may be barred from attending school if required health forms and vaccinations are not completed on time, as mandated by Florida law to protect public health.

Related link: https://www.drbou.com/

Stride Autism Centers and Blank Children’s Hospital Host Successful Free Workshop Series for Autism Caregivers

DES MOINES, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- On March 22, 2023, Stride Autism Centers and Blank Children's Hospital co-hosted a free workshop to help caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The "Orientation to Autism Diagnosis and Treatment" event was designed to provide essential information for parents and other caregivers, with the aim of helping them navigate the challenges of caring for a child with ASD. The workshop was held both in-person and online to ensure optimal accessibility for attendees.

During the event, ASD experts from Stride and Blank Children's Hospital shared their knowledge on key areas, including navigating autism diagnostic assessments, the post-diagnosis applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy assessment and treatment process, and strategies to implement at home while on a waitlist. The content was tailored for caregivers in the early stages of navigating an ASD diagnosis or suspected autism.

This workshop was the first in a series of planned events between Stride Autism Centers and Blank Children's Hospital. Both organizations are committed to providing ongoing resources and care for children with ASD and their caregivers throughout Iowa.

"We are proud to work alongside Blank Children's Hospital to support families navigating an ASD diagnosis," said Brad Zellinger, CEO & Founder of Stride Autism Centers. "By offering these workshops, we hope to empower caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to provide the best possible care for their child."

Stride Autism Centers is a mission-driven organization that provides evidence-based ABA therapy to children with autism ages 2 to 6. With numerous locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska, Stride's full-day program combines structured one-on-one therapy with naturalistic group activities to assist with communication, emotional regulation, school readiness, social skills, self-care, play and leisure, and transitioning skills.

To learn more about Stride Autism Centers and its services, interested families can contact Stride at 312-554-5578 (Illinois) or 515-207-5251 (Iowa and Nebraska), or visit stridecenters.com.

About Stride Autism Centers:

Stride Autism Centers is a mission-driven organization that provides evidence-based ABA therapy to children with autism ages 2 to 6. Stride has numerous locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Stride's full-day program combines structured one-on-one therapy with naturalistic group activities. It is designed to assist with communication, emotional regulation, school readiness, social skills, self-care, play and leisure, and transitioning skills. Families interested in learning more can contact Stride Autism Centers at 312-554-5578 (Illinois) or 515-207-5251 (Iowa and Nebraska).

Learn more at https://stridecenters.com/

On March 22, 2023, Stride Autism Centers and Blank Children's Hospital co-hosted a free workshop to help caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The "Orientation to Autism Diagnosis and Treatment" event was designed to provide essential information for parents and other caregivers, with the aim of helping them navigate the challenges of caring for a child with ASD.

Related link: https://stridecenters.com/

BabyLiveAdvice Announces $1.1M Seed Investment to Improve Maternal-Infant Health Outcomes

CALABASAS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- BabyLiveAdvice™, the leading virtual maternal telehealth provider, announced the completion of a $1.1 million seed investment led by Venn Ventures and Synergen Technology Labs. BabyLiveAdvice, founded by CEO Sigi Marmorstein, RN, PHN, MSN, FNP-BC, partners with healthcare providers and health systems to support coordinated, comprehensive prenatal, postpartum, and infant care anywhere by closing the care gaps experienced by expecting and new parents. The result is reduced complications and better outcomes for parents and babies.

Participating strategic investors span the healthcare ecosystem, including

* Venn Ventures, venture capital group,

* Synergen Technology Labs, technology innovators,

* Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG) the nation's largest and only dedicated OB hospitalist provider,

* CareFirst BCBS, payer organization, and

* LifeBridge Health, hospital system.

"Providing safe and timely care to pregnant people and infants has always been a tremendous challenge," said Marmorstein. "Now, with decreasing outpatient and inpatient care capacities, related to provider burnout and shortage, maternal-infant care gaps are growing, resulting in worsening outcomes for parents and babies.

"BabyLiveAdvice's unique approach enables it to reduce these gaps and improve outcomes to enhance, not replace, the current standard of care."

BabyLiveAdvice had served over 40,000 parents, including Hispanic, Black, Navajo Nation, and other historically underserved populations. Through research and pilots, BabyLiveAdvice has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes, decreased emergency room use, reduced readmissions, and fewer postpartum complications.

Marmorstein explained how BabyLiveAdvice, "provides services that support marginalized, remote communities at a fraction of the cost with improved outcomes. We are the only company on the market that can support the entire pregnancy journey in one place from the comfort of the user's home without increasing the provider burden. With BabyLiveAdvice, babies now come with instructions."

Users have access to a network of resources and support for their journey to parenthood, including nurses, nurse-practitioners, doulas, lactation specialists, socialworkers, mental health providers, nutritional specialists, care coordinators, diabetic specialists, and virtual group education classes.

BLA provides users with virtual, live maternal education classes that support self-care and self-advocacy. Users receive significantly improved maternal-infant education in lactation, proper nutrition, mental health, weight management, blood pressure and blood sugar control, and other benefits.

"Maternal health is often overlooked and is an area of healthcare ripe for innovation benefitting both parents and children," said Melissa Larson Youngblood, BabyLiveAdvice Board Member and Co-Founder and Partner at Venn Ventures, which co-led the investment round. "It was easy to invest in BabyLiveAdvice and Sigi as a women entrepreneur. The company is mature, has a strong pipeline, and has tens of thousands of users across the nation."

BabyLiveAdvice leverages a VSee-built, customized telehealth solution that is HIPAA-compliant, featuring EHR integration, telemonitoring capabilities, chat functionality, and group or one-on-one consultations. All consultations are documented, and notes are shared with the patient's medical provider through seamless EHR integration to assure medical and supportive care are well aligned.

"Through our BabyLiveAdvice partnership, we look forward to providing new maternal care resources to our patients and hospital partners," said Dr. Amy VanBlaricom, OBHG's Chief Clinical Officer and BabyLiveAdvice board member. "We are especially excited about BabyLiveAdvice's potential to positively impact patients with access to care challenges and the minority populations we serve. BabyLiveAdvice aligns with OBHG's mission of saving the lives of mothers and babies regardless of location, race, or economic status. Supporting patients throughout all phases of pregnancy, including the prenatal and postpartum stages, is so important in closing gaps in care."

BabyLiveAdvice partners include March of Dimes, Johnson and Johnson, The National Black Doulas Association, LifeBridge Health Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Huntington Health, AltaMed, among others.

For media queries and BLA partnerships contact David Marmorstein: david@babyliveadvice.com.

About BabyLiveAdvice:

BabyLiveAdvice is a woman and nurse-founded company with the mission to close the care gaps in maternal childcare and reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality around the world. BabyLiveAdvice has helped tens of thousands of parents to get one-on-one support and education from a caring provider in their language. Its mission is to help parents and improve the statistics surrounding pregnancy, births, and maternal wellbeing.

Learn more: https://babyliveadvice.com/

RELATED LINKS:

https://vsee.com/

https://vennventures.com/

https://www.synergentl.com/

BabyLiveAdvice, the leading virtual maternal telehealth provider, announced the completion of a $1.1 million seed investment led by Venn Ventures and Synergen Technology Labs. BabyLiveAdvice, founded by CEO Sigi Marmorstein, RN, PHN, MSN, FNP-BC, partners with healthcare providers and health systems to support coordinated, comprehensive prenatal, postpartum, and infant care.

Related link: https://www.babyliveadvice.com/

26 State Proclamations Kick Off Awareness Month for Unexplained Childhood Deaths

ROSELAND, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation thanks Arkansas, Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin for making statewide proclamations declaring March 2022 SUDC Awareness Month.

These are the first U.S. states to join a nationwide effort led by the SUDC Foundation to raise awareness of one of the most under-recognized medical tragedies of our time, marking the beginning of a month-long worldwide campaign.

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is a category of death in children over the age of 1 year which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation, including an autopsy. Most often, a seemingly healthy child goes to sleep and never wakes up.

"Even though SUDC affects approximately 400 children in the United States annually, many physicians and medical professionals are unaware of it," says Dr. Erin Bowen, Vice President of the SUDC Foundation and pediatrician, "Increased awareness can lead to further research initiatives to help uncover causes and risk factors for these deaths, with the ultimate goal of preventing them, leading to a future free of SUDC."

Recent research at NYU Langone health discovered the first genetic underpinnings of SUDC.

Awareness is key to identifying cases of SUDC for research. Recent research funded by the SUDC Foundation and published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" analyzed the DNA codes of 124 children who were lost to SUDC as well as their biological parents. The researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that nearly 9 percent-or 11 of the 124 children-had DNA code changes in genes that regulate calcium function and attributed these changes to contributing to their deaths. Additional research by the group, also funded by the SUDC Foundation, found disagreements in 40% of cause of death opinions among 100 cases sudden unexpected pediatric deaths reviewed suggesting the SUDC rate by the U.S. Centers for Death Control and Prevention (CDC) may be an underestimation.

"Each March, we try to make incredible strides to raise awareness throughout SUDC Awareness month," said Laura Gould, President and Co-founder of the SUDC Foundation. "We see every day how critical awareness is to identify families affected as well as advocating for crucial research."

The SUDC Foundation is advocating for SUDC Awareness Month proclamations in all 50 U.S. states this March. In 2021, 43 U.S. states participated. This nationwide effort began in 2016, inspired by Drew Joseph Boswell and the Boswell family. The Boswell family successfully advocated for the first statewide proclamation declaring March 2015 as SUDC Awareness Month in the State of Louisiana.

To see a full list of previous efforts as well as additional states who have joined, please visit: https://sudc.org/legislation-and-policy/sudc-awareness-proclamations/

The SUDC Foundation will once again mark SUDC Awareness Month by hosting weekly activities to raise awareness of SUDC and remember the children gone far too soon. To learn more, please visit: https://sudc.org/sudc-awareness-month/

RELATED LINKS
https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2115140118

The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation thanks Arkansas, Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin for making statewide proclamations declaring March 2022 SUDC Awareness Month.

Related link: https://sudc.org/

New Children’s Book Entitled ‘Adventure Zone’ Excites Experts with Its Fun Format to Explain Pediatric Therapies

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Authors Allison Klimowicz and Veronica Stanley-Hooper have written a children's book entitled "Adventure Zone" (ISBN: 979-8524737199). This book, written for parents and children from the ages of 6 to 12 years old, explains pediatric therapies in a fun, informative way.

The narrator is the main character and an explorer. She leads the reader through a day at Adventure Zone, a pediatric therapy office. The children in the story meet new friends and work with leaders (therapists) through various therapies to develop the skills they need to be successful in their everyday lives. This colorfully illustrated book is designed in parts and can be read as a story alone or as a story and a resource with definitions that explain terms that parents and children may experience when entering a pediatric therapy office.

Pediatric speech, physical, social, and occupational therapies are featured within the storyline. Adventure Zone is an excellent resource for children, parents, teachers, therapists, and doctors to explain pediatric therapies and to introduce discussions of varying abilities and acceptance.

Adventure Zone can be found on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats at the following link: https://amzn.to/3xxelsa

Quoted from the section about speech therapy-

Hazel felt different than the other kids at school and she didn't have many friends. ...Hazel knew this place (Adventure Zone) was different. Miss Mia spoke to Hazel as she would speak to any seven year old. Hazel had so much to say, but could not find the words. ...As Hazel left the treatment room, she passed a little girl in a wheelchair. Miss Mia said the girl's name was Lilly. Excited to talk to someone new, Hazel pushed a button. Her machine (AAC Device) said, "Hello." Both Lilly and Hazel smiled when Lilly replied, "Hello!"

From the authors:

"My entire goal is to demystify what children's therapy is. We want it (pediatric therapy) to become more of a daily language for everyone. We want every child to operate to the best of their abilities and everybody's ability is just a little bit different, and that's okay," says Author, Allison Klimowicz (30+ years in the medical field and owner of Kidz Therapy Zone, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania). Learn more: https://www.ktherapyzone.com/

"The 'Adventure Zone' book can be used to educate everyone about the benefits of pediatric therapies. I see it (the 'Adventure Zone' book) as a tool for parents, teachers, and therapists. Every child should hear this story to develop and understanding for these exceptional children," says Author, Veronica Stanley-Hooper (BS in education and over 30 years' experience in education and child development). Learn more: https://www.veronica-stanley-hooper.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/KVIIX8KnIhI

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0715s2p-adventure-zone-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Book cover, "Adventure Zone" by Allison Klimowicz and Veronica Stanley-Hooper.

Authors Allison Klimowicz and Veronica Stanley-Hooper have written a children's book entitled "Adventure Zone" (ISBN: 979-8524737199). This book, written for parents and children from the ages of 6 to 12 years old, explains pediatric therapies in a fun, informative way.

Related link: https://www.veronica-stanley-hooper.com/

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware Contributes $250,000 to Exceptional Care for Children’s Future Young Adult Center

NEWARK, Del. /ScoopCloud/ -- Exceptional Care for Children (ECC), Delaware's first and only residential, pediatric skilled nursing facility, recently received a $250,000 contribution from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware towards its future young adult center to provide specialized care for youth aging out of pediatric care.

BluePrints for the Community, the donor-advised fund of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware at the Delaware Community Foundation, has contributed over $21 million to the community since its inception in 2007. It was established to serve Delawareans, with emphasis on, but not limited to, the needs of the uninsured and underserved, and to reduce health care disparities in minority population and address social determinants of health.

"Exceptional Care for Children is unique in its purpose, mission, and resident population as a whole, which sets us apart from other healthcare providers. In order to continue to meet the unique needs of our children as they age, our organization plans to construct a contiguous building on our campus that will eventually be home to our adolescents and young adults. A gift of this size is transformational for our organization and we are grateful that Highmark Delaware recognizes the growing needs of medically-fragile children and their families in our community," said John L. White, LNHA, Executive Director of Exceptional Care for Children.

Presently, the residents of Exceptional Care for Children must transfer out of ECC prior to their 21st birthday. To fill the healthcare gap that exists between adolescent and adulthood for medically complex individuals, ECC has launched a capital campaign to construct a 22-bed skilled nursing building on their property called the "Bridge Unit". This building will work to ensure that there is a deliberate transition and not transfer of care for Delaware's most fragile citizens.

"Exceptional Care for Children has long provided quality skilled nursing for some of our most vulnerable children. We are proud to be part of their new bridge unit to continue caring for youth with unique needs and circumstances," said Nick Moriello, President of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware.

About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware serves approximately 441,000 members through the company's health care benefits business. It is an influential company in the market generating an economic impact of $135 million and supporting more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit https://www.highmarkbcbsde.com/.

About Exceptional Care for Children

Exceptional Care for Children improves the lives of medically-fragile children and their families through skilled nursing, transitional services, and palliative care. We are a haven for healing fragile bodies when improvement is possible, and a refuge for nurturing vulnerable spirits when a cure is unattainable. For more information, visit https://exceptionalcare.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kyle Conner
Director of Development
kconner@exceptionalcare.org
302-444-6108
www.exceptionalcare.org

Exceptional Care for Children (ECC), Delaware's first and only residential, pediatric skilled nursing facility, recently received a $250,000 contribution from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware towards its future young adult center to provide specialized care for youth aging out of pediatric care.

Related link: https://exceptionalcare.org/

California IVF Fertility Center to Offer 5 Free Infertility Treatments

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California IVF Fertility Center, a full-service infertility treatment center based in Northern California announced the second annual infertility awareness campaign. The center will accept video applications from now through April 17, 2021. The 5 selected recipients will receive free fertility services that may include IVF, a tubal ligation reversal surgery, and a donor egg IVF cycle.

"As fertility treatments become more common and more acceptable to the 1 in 8 couples affected, there is still a lack of understanding and overall awareness about what causes infertility and what options are available," said Dr. Ernest Zeringue, founder and medical director, who is determined to change that. "We want to follow the journey of more patients from start to finish and share their experience."

California IVF offered a similar opportunity last year. Several participants have achieved a pregnancy while the journey for others will continue. Their story is being prepared for public viewing. The doctors and staff are excited to continue the awareness campaign and extend the opportunity for more people to share their journey and experiences with fertility treatment through the California IVF Fertility Awareness 2021 campaign. #CIVFAwareness2021

More information: https://www.californiaivf.com/awareness2021/

About California IVF

Founded in 2004, California IVF Fertility Center is a local fertility clinic of choice for many infertility and LGBTQ patients in the Greater Sacramento, Roseville, San Francisco Bay Area and from other states and countries. Advanced infertility services such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), donor sperm and donor eggs, egg freezing or cryopreservation, ICSI, and other treatments for both male and female infertility are offered at its Northern California fertility center.

The California Conceptions Donor Embryo program ( californiaconceptions.com ) provides an egg donor and adoption alternative to patients from around the world who have failed IVF. Tubal ligation reversal surgeries are performed on location in a fully accredited operating room. The staff includes a team of Sacramento fertility doctors and experienced embryologists who are skilled at performing pre-implantation genetic diagnosis testing of embryos (PGT-A, PGS, PGD).

For more information about infertility and California IVF, please visit https://www.californiaivf.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (Vimeo): https://vimeo.com/522686309

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0402s2p-cal-ivf-logo-300dpi.jpg

California IVF Fertility Center, a full-service infertility treatment center based in Northern California announced the second annual infertility awareness campaign. The center will accept video applications from now through April 17, 2021. The 5 selected recipients will receive free fertility services that may include IVF, a tubal ligation reversal surgery, and a donor egg IVF cycle.

Related link: https://www.californiaivf.com/

Apology and Truth and Reconciliation Resolution from the American College of Nurse-Midwives Board of Directors

SILVER SPRING, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Board of Directors (BOD) of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is committed to creating a future that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion and supports the continuing process to become an anti-racist organization. As part of this process, the BOD tasked the ACNM Ethics Committee to develop a resolution on truth and reconciliation and make recommendations to the BOD for next steps in the process. The Ethics Committee convened a Truth & Reconciliation Task Force (T&R TF) to meet this charge.

The Truth and Reconciliation Resolution document developed by the BOD is based upon the extensive information and recommendations submitted to the BOD by the T&R TF. The document can be found at https://www.midwife.org/truth-and-reconciliation.

The BOD of ACNM would like to sincerely apologize for the systemic racism that has existed and continued in our organization since it incorporated in 1954. We recognize that the BOD, through many presidencies and CEOs, perpetuated actions that were racist, exclusive, discriminatory, and harmful to individual members of ACNM. Systemic racism is among the greatest long-term threats to our nation, the profession of midwifery, and the people we serve. For ACNM to be an organization to which everyone can feel they belong and can thrive, the BOD and our organization must hold ourselves accountable for our contributions to systemic racism.

Speaking the truth on our history and the harm caused by it through ACNM's denial, gaslighting, censorship, and exclusion is the first step in long-overdue restorative measures for our community of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), allowing us to promote inclusion, belonging, and a safe space for all midwives. For these reasons, ACNM is issuing its Truth and Reconciliation Resolution that acknowledges the harms caused by its previous actions and establishes a set of resolutions in response.

ACNM acknowledges that it can no longer continue to attribute the white washing of midwifery to a lack of qualifications or interest by Black and Indigenous people. This fails to acknowledge that white supremacy acted as suppressor, then law enforcer and "teacher", then eliminator and replacer of Black and Indigenous traditional midwives with white midwives.

ACNM leadership acknowledges and apologizes for past and present harms to BIPOC midwives and the organization's role in perpetuating and maintaining systemic racism in midwifery and healthcare. Historical facts clearly illustrate that the exclusion of Black and Indigenous midwives was intentional and by design, with the resulting whiteness of the profession of midwifery as the intended outcome. Unless efforts at inclusion are explicit, tailored, continuous, and well resourced, the result is exclusion. In the coming months, the BOD and ACNM is undertaking a full audit of actions and history and making changes to web pages, documents, and processes to ensure they are anti-racist and inclusive.

About ACNM

With over 6,500 members, ACNM is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. ACNM promotes excellence in midwifery education, clinical practice, and research. With roots dating to 1929, our members are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. ACNM provides research, administers, and promotes continuing education programs, establishes education and clinical practice standards, and creates liaisons with state and federal agencies and members of Congress to increase the visibility and recognition of midwifery care. Learn more at https://www.midwife.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT
ACNM Membership & Communications
240.485.1813; membership@acnm.org

The Board of Directors (BOD) of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is committed to creating a future that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion and supports the continuing process to become an anti-racist organization.

Related link: https://www.midwife.org/

Midwives for an Equitable and Sustainable Future: ACNM Extends Year of Nurse and Midwife, Begins Decade of the Midwife

SILVER SPRING, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization extended the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife into 2021 in Europe, to celebrate and recognize the hard work of nurses and midwives fighting the pandemic. The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) supports this decision and hereby extends this recognition to the United States.

The COVID-19 pandemic has showcased the critical role midwives play in keeping people healthy across the lifespan. It has also exposed the weaknesses in our healthcare systems and the enormous challenges midwives face every day, as well as shined a light on their incredible commitment and courage. Finally, it has given us the opportunity to reconsider and explore models of care that center midwifery care. As the world's oldest profession, midwives must play an integral part in the future of the world's healthcare.

2021 also kicks off the "Decade of the Midwife" (2021-2030), an initiative led by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). We are at a pivotal point in history, and the actions we take over the next ten years will determine the future direction of healthcare. This initiative will aim to highlight the role of midwives as gender champions in their communities and disseminate evidence about the vital need for midwives to transform quality sexual and reproductive healthcare for a sustainable future.

"We are thrilled to extend the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife and kick off the Decade of the Midwife," stated ACNM President, Cathy Collins-Fulea, DNP, CNM, FACNM. "Given the critical roles midwives have played in the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever there is a need to celebrate, uplift, and center midwives in the conversation about improved healthcare."

ACNM's goals for the Decade of the Midwife center around four categories: practice, education, research, and policy. This initiative will integrate seamlessly with our strategic goals, mission, campaigns, and contributions over the next ten years. By focusing on how we can center the midwife in the fight for equitable and sustainable global healthcare, we can work to achieve sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.

About ACNM

With over 6,500 members, ACNM is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. ACNM promotes excellence in midwifery education, clinical practice, and research. With roots dating to 1929, our members are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. ACNM provides research, administers, and promotes continuing education programs, establishes education and clinical practice standards, and creates liaisons with state and federal agencies and members of Congress to increase the visibility and recognition of midwifery care.

Learn more at https://www.midwife.org/.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization extended the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife into 2021 in Europe, to celebrate and recognize the hard work of nurses and midwives fighting the pandemic. The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) supports this decision and hereby extends this recognition to the United States.

Related link: https://www.midwife.org/

Twenty-Nine States Proclaim March SUDC Awareness Month for Unexplained Childhood Deaths

ROSELAND, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation thanks Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming for making statewide proclamations declaring March 2021 as SUDC Awareness Month. The SUDC Foundation also applauds the California State Legislature for recognizing SUDC Awareness Month in House Resolution 24.

These are the first states to join a nationwide effort led by the SUDC Foundation to raise awareness of one of the most under-recognized medical tragedies of our time, marking the beginning of a month-long campaign all over the world.

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is a category of death in children over the age of 1 year which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation, including an autopsy. Most often, a seemingly healthy child goes to sleep and never wakes up. Approximately 400 children are lost to SUDC in the United States every year.

"As we enter another March, we are energized to have another successful month of raising SUDC awareness," said Laura Gould Crandall, President and Co-founder of the SUDC Foundation. "Awareness is crucial for funding critical research and supporting those affected by sudden unexpected or unexplained death in childhood. SUDC is the fifth leading category of death in children ages 1 to 4, yet SUDC receives no targeted public funding. The SUDC Foundation provides all services at no cost to bereaved families. Awareness helps families find us when they need us most and awareness launches us toward a world free of SUDC."

"Throughout March, we will continue to focus efforts around increasing awareness within the medical community as well," added Dr. Erin Bowen, SUDC Foundation Vice President and pediatrician. "Despite the fact that SUDC affects approximately 400 children annually, many physicians and medical professionals are unaware of it. Currently the understanding of SUDC eludes the medical community. Increased awareness can lead to further research initiatives to help uncover causes and risk factors for these deaths, with the ultimate goal of preventing them, leading to a future free of SUDC. As we work toward a deeper understanding of SUDC, we can ensure that families are adequately supported when these tragedies occur.

"If even one new family is connected to the SUDC Foundation as a result of our community's awareness efforts, then we can consider this month a success. Many bereaved parents will tell you their biggest fear is their child will be forgotten. SUDC Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to share the stories of these families, to honor the children affected and to say their names. SUDC awareness gives families a voice."

The SUDC Foundation will once again mark SUDC Awareness Month by hosting weekly awareness activities for all supporters to participate. To learn more, please visit: https://sudc.org/get-involved/sudc-awareness-month.

The SUDC Foundation is advocating for SUDC Awareness Month proclamations in all 50 U.S. states this March. In 2020, 41 participated. This nationwide effort began in 2016, inspired by Drew Joseph Boswell and the Boswell family. The Boswell family successfully advocated for the first statewide proclamation declaring March 2015 as SUDC Awareness Month in the State of Louisiana.

To see a list of previous efforts as well as additional states who have joined, please visit: https://sudc.org/get-involved/legislative-advocacy/sudc-awareness-proclamations.

About the SUDC Foundation:

The SUDC Foundation's mission is to promote awareness, advocate for research and support those affected by SUDC. The SUDC Foundation provides all services at no cost to families.

The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation thanks Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming for making statewide proclamations declaring March 2021 as SUDC Awareness Month.

Related link: https://sudc.org/

Rahoo Baby allows all parents to feel confident about their baby’s developmental milestones with new virtual offerings via ‘Rahoo U’

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Boston startup Rahoo Baby, a baby product company made up by a team of physicians and pediatric therapists, is launching "Rahoo U," an online classroom for parents. Launching January 25, Rahoo U teaches parents the most effective techniques for helping babies master the skills they need at each stage of development, and offers guidance on how parents can incorporate these techniques into their daily routines.

Courses, which cost only $49.99 are led by a team of licensed pediatric therapists with experience from the most competitive hospitals and clinics in the Boston area.

As developmental delays become increasingly more common, today's parents know the importance of learning and overall brain development during a child's first year of life. Unfortunately, though, 90% of parents still don't receive support from qualified healthcare professionals who know how to provide the most developmentally rich early learning experiences for infants.

In the course "Mastering Baby Milestones," parents are taught specific, clinically-validated activities and techniques that help babies master the skills they most often struggle to develop on their own. Topics covered include skills such as crawling, independent sitting, and tummy-time (which 75% of parents report as a stressor at home). Mastering Baby Milestones also contains discussions about the subjects parents don't learn about until it's too late, such as how to prevent flat-head syndrome, and why it's so important that babies learn to move!

"As pediatric therapists, we've spent nearly a decade working hands-on with infants, and coaching parents on how to get the most out of their baby's first months of development," says Co-founder and CEO Matt Breen. "We're focused on bringing this information to parents from all walks of life."

As Americans spend more of their lives online in new ways, the team saw an opportunity to create Rahoo U. "The best part is being able to reach more families without having to leave their homes. Our goal is to make sure that access to early childhood development tools becomes more equitable, and this is just a starting point," Breen adds.

About Rahoo Baby

Rahoo Baby is on a mission to ensure that all parents have access to the tools and information that spark infant development. Rahoo Baby provides uniquely designed, meaningful baby products that have a lasting impact on early childhood development. Founded in 2018 by pediatric occupational therapists Matthew Breen and Erica Costa along with Physician Thomas Quinn, the group of healthcare professionals came together to play their role in making sure babies can have the best possible start in life.

The award-winning Rahoo Baby Learn & Lounge can be found online at Buy Buy Baby, and launches with Target in March 2021. Rahoo Baby plans to launch their second and third products in the Summer of 2021.

Learn more at https://rahoobaby.com/ or on Instagram at @RahooBaby. We also encourage you to reach out directly to Matt, our CEO at matt@rahoobaby.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0114s2p-rahoo-baby-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Pediatric occupational therapists Matt and Erica leading the "Mastering Baby Milestones" course at Rahoo U.

Boston startup Rahoo Baby, a baby product company made up by a team of physicians and pediatric therapists, is launching "Rahoo U," an online classroom for parents. Launching January 25, Rahoo U teaches parents the most effective techniques for helping babies master the skills they need at each stage of development, and offers guidance on how parents can incorporate these techniques into their daily routines.

Related link: https://rahoobaby.com/

Local Pediatric Clinic Set to Inspire, Educate and Entertain Families During Their 6th Annual Family Festival in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Premier Pediatrics of Houston will host the 6th Annual Family Festival on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 411 Lantern Bend Dr., Suite 235, Houston, TX. This year's theme is, "Your Family, Your Community, Your Responsibility."

With over 500 children and families in attendance during the 2018 festival, Premier Pediatrics has established the event as a community tradition for patients and non-patients interested in learning about preventive healthcare practices and other tools for healthy living.

The festival will be comprised of over 30 informational and interactive booths, food and fun activities such as live entertainment, face painting, relay races for children and adults, dance, hula hoop and watermelon eating competitions, multiple games and hundreds of prizes and give-a-ways.

"We are excited to continue to serve the North Houston community and we welcome children and parents to join us at our annual event," said clinic owner and nurse practitioner, Dr. Tamecka Knight. "This is a great opportunity to learn about available community resources and introduce kids and families to ways to maintain a healthy and safe lifestyle. It is also a day to just have good 'ole family fun."

Festival attendees will have access to local community-based organizations who will provide invaluable information on various topics that affect children and their families which include, but are not limited to, health and wellness, safety, financial security and planning, and educational resources.

For more information contact Premier Pediatrics of Houston at 281-997-2112 or visit their website at http://www.premierpediatricshouston.com/.

About Premier Pediatrics:

Premier Pediatrics of Houston has served the North Houston community for over six years. Since opening its doors in 2013, the clinic has provided healthcare to over 7,500 children. With an emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, and early intervention, the clinic plays an important role in advocating for the health and well-being of children.

Owned and operated by Dr. Tamecka Knight, a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with 16 years of experience, the clinic strives to meet the needs of every family by providing up-to-date, compassionate pediatric care in a comfortable and respectful environment. The office is committed to providing a wide array of services ranging from routine care such as well child exams and immunizations to minor emergency care, as well as offering in-office labs, and ear piercing.

Media Contact:
Michelle Jackson
Premier Pediatrics Media Liaison
t. (678) 548-2461
e. events@prsolutionsllc.org

Premier Pediatrics of Houston will host the 6th Annual Family Festival on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 411 Lantern Bend Dr., Suite 235, Houston, TX. This year's theme is, "Your Family, Your Community, Your Responsibility."

Related link: http://www.premierpediatricshouston.com/