Articles tagged with 'FEATURED' | Checkup Newsroom

By Ashley AntleWhen the Ray family embarked on a cruise in April to celebrate Caleb Ray’s 18th birthday, their focus was on celebrating a milestone, not the sickle cell disease Caleb has lived with since being diagnosed shortly after birth. Towards t...

Note: This story was featured on Good Morning America. View it here.By Heather DugeValerie Shorten, BSN, RN, and her son, Marquis Shorten, are no strangers to overcoming obstacles. Each one has led them to where they are today.Marquis faced a life-ch...

Note: If your child is a danger to themselves or someone else, do not delay. Take your child to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you cannot transport your child safely.  If you feel your child needs support, please click here to find a Cook ...

If your child is a danger to themselves or someone else, do not delay. Take your child to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you cannot transport your child safely.September is National Suicide Prevention Month. If you are concerned about a ch...

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. We salute Rebekah Tate and celebrate the evolving research that makes today’s medical options more promising than ever for pediatric oncology patients. #EraseKidCancer...

Listen to Episode 51 of the Raising Joy podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. The podcast is part of the JOY Campaign, which launched in April 2022 as a suicide prevention communication initiative, and aims to reach parents through ...

By Ashley Pagenkopf, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist at Cook Children'sWe’ve all bought the desired backpack or lunch box, purchased the needed clothes and shoes, and reviewed class schedules and lists with a fine-toothed comb. As parents and caregiv...

Story by Sydney HanesCook Children’s employees Ashley Pagenkopf and Danny Peltier were in for a big surprise Tuesday when Kidd’s Kids announced their families are going on an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World!Every year, Kidd’s Kids takes 3...

By Eline WigginsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a new antibody shot to help prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in all infants.RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization for infants. The use of nirse...

Cook Children’s and the Aim for Safety program supported a proclamation Tuesday evening at Fort Worth City Council that designated August as “Gun Safety Awareness Month.” This proclamation, set forth by councilwoman Jeanette Martinez of District 11, ...

By Hilary Pearson, M.D., pediatric sleep specialist, medical director of the Sleep Laboratory at Cook Children’sSummertime is the best time of year (in my opinion!). Schedules can sometimes be looser, we can be outside more and it’s great to have a b...

By Heather  DugeShalyn Coulombe, RN, of Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper says spreading joy is one of her favorite things to do.“I like to add a little happiness and smiles wherever I can,” Coulombe said. Lately, that place has been the windo...

By Jean YaegerBefore leaving your infant with a friend, grandparent, other relative or babysitter, it’s important to make sure the caregiver practices the basics of safe sleep. It might feel like an awkward or unnecessary topic to bring up with your ...

Santa! We know him! Cook Children's patients and families experienced a little Christmas cheer on Tuesday with our annual “Christmas in July” festivities in the Atrium of the Medical Center.Patients picked out toys and created crafts, like Christmas ...

By Ashley Pagenkopf, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist at Cook Children'sOur Child Life teams utilize in-kind donations every day, all day. From stocking playrooms, celebrating birthdays, offering comfort, providing distraction, and meeting basic needs...

By Eline deBruijn WigginsIt’s a big milestone for parents of young children to turn their car seats to face forward. Some may wonder, when is the appropriate time to do so? Is it when the child wants to look out the window? Is it when the parent want...

By Jean YaegerA new school year is just around the corner and it’s time for incoming kindergarteners and seventh-graders to get caught up on their routine immunizations. Vaccines to protect against certain contagious diseases – including measles, pol...

By Jean YaegerFluffy pillows, soft blankets and stuffed toys look cozy and cute in a crib. But they can be hazardous for a sleeping infant.Safety experts say the only bedding to use is a tight fitted sheet around the mattress. Extra objects such as l...

By Ashley AntleSunshine, outdoor adventure, new experiences, camaraderie and memories — it’s the stuff summer camp is made of.Each summer, more than 14 million kids and adults attend a camp. Doing so can contribute to a child’s love for nature, their...

Listen to Episode 50 of the Raising Joy podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. The podcast is part of the JOY Campaign, which launched in April 2021 as a suicide prevention communication initiative, and aims to reach parents through ...

By Eline WigginsA case of measles was confirmed in a pediatric patient last week in Texas, according to Texas Health and Human Services. The last confirmed measles case in Texas was in 2019. Cook Children’s is sharing what parents and caregivers shou...

By Ashley AntleAngel Alderete and Yolanda Orduno, of Odessa, know the challenges of navigating the health care system for a child with medically complex needs, especially when living hundreds of miles from the care their baby requires.Alderete and Or...

Listen to Episode 49 of the Raising Joy podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. The podcast is part of the JOY Campaign, which launched in April 2021 as a suicide prevention communication initiative, and aims to reach parents through ...

By Heather DugeAs families start their summer traveling, water safety vigilance is key at all ages and no matter where your family might be. Swimming pools, lakes and beaches all pose risks but with the right preparation, you can avoid tragic outcome...

The Center for Community Health led by Cook Children's joins many community events for parents and families to share safety and parenting information. The Center for Community Health provides education and resources to reduce injuries and share great...

 In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Cook Children’s Health Care System and JPS Health Network are joining forces to bring critical health care services to children and families in the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood. Leaders from both organizations are...

Child Life Series: This series will discuss the pillars of Child Life  – emotional safety, family-centered care, and play - within the hospital environment and how Child Life specialists at Cook Children's serve patients and families.By Ashley Pagenk...

Three children were among the eight people killed in a mass shooting Saturday at the Allen Premium Outlets, according to news reports. This tragedy was close to home – it was a place that many people in North Texas frequent. The community of Allen is...

By Heather DugeCook Children’s has treated nine drownings so far this year, one of which was fatal. As the weather warms up, parents and caregivers should take time to review how to keep their young children safe around water. With the recent news of...

Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.  If you believe that your child is having a mental or physical health emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis L...