Our Blog
News and insight from Franciscan about our philosophy of hope through healthcare and recent issues affecting children’s wellness.
National Oral Health Month
Written by Dr. Siobhian Sprott, Dental Director It is National Oral Health Month and we want to share with you why we celebrate and share some helpful tips. It is… Continue Reading
Better Speech and Hearing Month at Franciscan Children’s
In celebration of Better Hearing and Speech Month, check out the services provided by our Speech-Language and Hearing Department at Franciscan Children’s. “More than forty-eight million people in the U.S…. Continue Reading
Mental Health Support Services
In-Patient Mental Health Programs at Franciscan Children’s
Every year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical… Continue Reading
Occupational Therapy at Franciscan Children’s
Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to the fullest by helping them promote overall health and prevent, or live better with injury, illness, or… Continue Reading
Education Medical Services Support Services
A Day in the Life of a Child Life Specialist
Day In the Life of a Child Life Specialist at Franciscan Children’s At Franciscan Children’s, our Child Life Specialists foster our patients’ emotional, social and cognitive growth during their stay… Continue Reading
Adaptive sports Education Support Services
How Adaptive Sports Can Influence Your Child’s Life
Written by Paul Ward, Director of Adaptive Sports As someone who was born with spina bifida, I know firsthand how beneficial getting involved in adaptive sports can be. Adaptive sports… Continue Reading
Tips to Stay Safe this Halloween
Halloween is around the corner! While COVID-19 vaccines have provided us with the confidence to resume activities, some adults and most children remain unvaccinated. Adhering to the usual, common-sense precautions… Continue Reading
Trick or Treat, Give me something good to eat, but don’t forget to brush your teeth!
Trick or treat, Give me something good to eat, ….but don’t forget to brush your teeth! This year, as we celebrate a socially responsible All Hallows Eve (or Halloween… Continue Reading
Better Speech and Hearing Month: Kennedy Day School
As Better Hearing & Speech Month continues, learn more about speech therapy at Kennedy Day School from Alex Mack and Stacey Swift, Speech-Language Pathologists. If you walk into any classroom… Continue Reading
Better Hearing and Speech Month: Audiology
As Better Hearing & Speech Month continues, learn more about Audiology Coordinator Gayle Flood’s work at FC. Spring into Action: Central Auditory Processing Disorder Following Concussion Spring has arrived! With… Continue Reading
Better Hearing and Speech Month: Speech and Feeding Services on the Medical Units
As Better Hearing and Speech Month continues, learn about the speech therapy team’s work on Units 2 and 3. The speech therapy team on Units 2 and 3 provides services… Continue Reading
Better Hearing and Speech Month: Outpatient Speech Therapy
As Better Hearing and Speech Month continues, learn about Outpatient Speech Therapy and the Augmentative Communication Clinic. The Outpatient Speech Therapy Program at Franciscan Children’s provides services to toddlers, school-aged,… Continue Reading
Franciscan Children’s Project Published in JAMA Pediatrics
Compelling responses from a two-year research study published in JAMA Pediatrics to help physicians better understand and support parents of children with chronic, complex medical conditions.
Review: Speechless Premiere on ABC TV
ABC’s new TV Series, Speechless, follows the adventures of DiMeo family and is one of the first of its kind to offer unique insight into the life of a family with a child who has a disability. It is our privilege to work with incredible children and families who share challenges similar to those of JJ and the DiMeos – so we tuned in to check out the pilot episode. Now, we’re sharing some initial reactions from our Speech-Language Pathologists, Kennedy Day School teachers, and even a few of our Kennedy Day School students!
Franciscan Children’s Pediatric Dentist Wins America’s Greatest Makers Reality TV Challenge
Have you heard of America’s Greatest Makers? Alongside her partners, Dr. Anubha Sacheti, one of the pediatric dentists in our Surgical Services program, competed in and ultimately won the reality show’s pilot season where designers and developers pitch their devices, then defend them against competitors. A practical application of powerful technology, Sacheti and her team pitched the “Grush” – a digital toothbrush that transforms teeth brushing into a fun and interactive activity.
Reflections of a KDS Speech-Language Pathologist
Nimisha Muttiah is leaving Franciscan Children’s to continue her work in Speech-Language Pathology in her home country of Sri Lanka, serving children where resources, therapeutic experts and technology are incredibly limited. We will miss her dearly, but are proud that she will continue to share our unwavering passion for helping each child reach their fullest potential with those families in need. Nimisha wrote the following blog post as a reflection of her time spent as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the Kennedy Day School (KDS) at Franciscan Children’s.
A Day in the Life of a Franciscan Children’s Dietitian
At Franciscan Children’s, our dietitians work in variety of departments including Pediatric Rehabilitation, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Inpatient Mental Health, and outpatient Pediatrics. In honor of the recent National Nutrition Month celebrations, we’ll break down the busy lives of the Franciscan Dietitians!
Heart Health for Kids
Did you know that February is American Heart Month? The entire month is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease which is, unfortunately, the number one cause of death for Americans. With many diet and exercise habits starting in childhood, there are easy ways for families to reduce the risk of heart disease starting at home!
Tiny Breaths, Big Responsibility:
Respiratory Therapy for Premature Babies
With the respiratory system developing in the final weeks of pregnancy, underdeveloped lungs can be a big concern for premature babies. Our Respiratory Therapists are key players on our care team, working each day with our littlest patients to address breathing challenges.
National Rehabilitation Week:
The Rewards of Rehab
In honor of National Rehabilitation Week, we asked a handful of our rehab staff to answer the question, “What is the most rewarding part of working as a rehabilitation professional at Franciscan Hospital for Children?”