Some health problems can make it harder for babies to breastfeed, however breastfeeding is often still possible. Human breast milk (HBM) contains a fine balance of immunoglobulins (antibodies), proteins, fat, and carbohydrates – a valuable combination of nutrients to nourish and protect your growing infant. Dense with nutrients and antibodies, breastmilk helps protect the newborn… Continue reading Breastfeeding Your Baby with a Health Challenge

If you are unable to meet your nutritional needs by mouth, a feeding tube provides a way to obtain life-saving nutrients. Your doctor may have prescribed this method of feeding to deliver formula and water into your stomach by way of your feeding tube. See the answers below to a few common questions about bolus/syringe feeding.… Continue reading Common Questions about Bolus/Syringe Feeding

Congratulations to Runner-up Betty A. from Texas. As a caregiver of five years, I recall the day I realized I was going to be the only person that could provide care for my elderly mother. My mother, bless her heart is nearing the young age of 94. For several years after her stroke, she lived… Continue reading 21st Annual Caregiver Story Contest Runner-up – Betty A.

Congratulations to Runner-up Guadalupe A. from Texas. When I first read this year’s 21st Annual Caregiver Story Contest question by Shield HealthCare, I must admit I was initially stumped.  When I think of the word “Inspired”, I think of acts of bravery, kindness, risk taking, exploration, creativity, and discovery, but on a grander scale than… Continue reading 21st Annual Caregiver Story Contest Runner-up – Guadalupe A.

Congratulations to Runner-up Elizabeth N. from California. In July 2019, we received a call to pick up our kiddo Miracle from another family who had found her challenges too great to care for on a day-to-day basis. The name Miracle perfectly suited her. She was 18 months old and had been through quite a great… Continue reading 21st Annual Caregiver Story Contest Runner-up – Elizabeth N.

Congratulations to Runner-up Lily S. from California. One of the most inspiring and rewarding aspects of being a caregiver is being able to bond with another, especially through time spent conversing and sharing life experiences. People needing care usually feel sad or lonely and may not have the best of attitudes so caring for them… Continue reading 21st Annual Caregiver Story Contest Runner-up – Lily S.

Congratulations to Runner-up Joseph G. from Colorado. When I was a young child, my mother made me promise to never put her in a nursing home. We were hearing horror stories of people being abused and neglected by staff while being at an assisted living facility all the time. It was the early 90’s, right… Continue reading 21st Annual Caregiver Story Contest Runner-up – Joseph G.

Carrie Lester looks forward to the phone call every Thursday from her doctors’ medical assistant, who asks how she’s doing and if she needs prescription refills. The assistant counsels her on dealing with anxiety and her other health issues. Lester credits the chats for keeping her out of the hospital and reducing the need for… Continue reading Medicare’s Push to Improve Chronic Care

GER vs. GERD Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when your stomach contents come back up into your esophagus. People of all ages have GER once in a while, and GER often happens without causing symptoms. In both adults and children, GER may cause heartburn, also called acid indigestion. In infants – babies under 12 months old… Continue reading Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Infants and Children

I Think my Child is Dyslexic – Now What? First things first: if you suspect your child has dyslexia, consult with a professional with specialized knowledge in language development to request an assessment. A speech-language pathologist who is certified by the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA), and who has training in reading disorders,… Continue reading Dyslexia Assessment: A Parent Guide