Health + Wellness + Safety

child standing on a stool represents children with obesity

A Healthy Heart in Children Starts with Preventing and Treating Obesity

Did you know that excess weight in children can significantly impact their heart health and increase their risk of developing cardiovascular issues later in life? While many assume that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abnormal heart muscle structure are only associated with adults, children with obesity can also suffer from these medical issues. The…

Pediatric Heart Surgery David
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Infant Receives Life-saving Heart Care at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Read about a family’s journey through pediatric heart surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s, where expert care gave baby David a second chance.

BayCare Kids pediatric cardiologists at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital performed a miracle on Baby Adrian
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Heartfelt Gratitude: How BayCare Physicians Perform Daily Miracles for their Tiniest Patients

Learn how pediatric cardiologists at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital deliver support and offer lifelong congenital heart care to their tiniest patients.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Wesley Chapel

Growing For All Children at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital – NEW Wesley Chapel Hospital Coming Soon!

Learn about how the #1 children’s hospital in Florida, Johns Hopkins All Children’s, is expanding to Wesley Chapel with a new 56-bed hospital coming soon!

join the YMCA
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Find Your Spark at the YMCA this New Year

Discover the benefits of joining the Y this year, from childcare to group exercise classes, to personal training to swimming, youth sports and so much more!

Brain Rot
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BRAIN ROT Yes, it’s a thing. And yes, you can do something about it.

Dr. Jennifer Katzensein shares what brain rot is and how it impacts kids today. Learn her tips to help prevent it and encourage healthier habits.

Holiday toy safety Christmas gift safety
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Holiday Toy Safety Guide: Top 10 Dangerous Toys

Discover holiday toy safety tips and avoid dangerous toys that could harm your children by learning how to spot hidden hazards this holiday season.

family goals in the new year mother celebrates with daughter
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10 Tips to Achieving Family Goals in 2025

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is sharing 10 expert tips for setting family goals for the new year and how goal setting helps build lifelong skills and to strengthen family bonds.

pediatric trauma care at TGH Muma Children's Hospital woman placing pinwheels for child abuse

The Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH’s Top-Tier Pediatric Trauma Care Exemplifies National Injury Prevention Day

Learn what sets Tampa General’s pediatric trauma care at Muma Children’s Hospital apart, earning ‘Level 1’ service as one of only three in the state.

Tampa Family Health Centers behavioral health

Tampa Family Health Centers: At the Heart of Nurturing Young Minds Through Behavioral Health Services in Tampa Bay

Learn how Tampa Family Health Centers is here to support parents and their children, offering behavioral health services in a safe space.

coping after a hurricane tips from Johns Hopkins
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How Hurricanes Affect Mental Health and 10 Ways to Help Your Kids

The Center for Behavioral Health at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is sharing their top 10 tips to help your child cope following the stress of hurricanes.

St. Joseph's Women's Hospital exterior building

A Truly Golden Celebration

St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital is turning 50! Take a look back through time celebrating 50 years of the Hospital’s care and impact on the Tampa Bay community.

after-hours pediatric urgent care option in Tampa

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Brings After-Hours Pediatric Urgent Care to Tampa

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital will soon offer a new service — an after-hours pediatric urgent care at the hospital’s outpatient care location in Tampa. The service is expected to open in early 2025, on weekday evenings, weekends and holidays. Sickness or injury can happen at any time and sometimes kids need care outside of…

Preventing Bullying

Standing Up Against Bullying

When Nick DeCastro, a 2024 graduate of Steinbrenner High School, organized a peer-led intervention with the students he observed bullying others, he earned recognition from the school’s resource officer, Deputy Anthony Bennett. He also received Hillsborough County’s Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee’s annual Anti-Bullying Award for his courageous stand against bullying. Recognizing and Preventing Bullying The Situation…

Preventing Cavities this Halloween
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The Ooey Gooey Truth About Cavities!

It’s the season of candy, candy and MORE candy, making it the perfect time to ask … what exactly is the science behind cavities? Will an all-night session of snacking on Halloween candy really cause a cavity? And how long should we actually be brushing our teeth? We’re turning to Dr. Michael McIlwain, with McIlwain…

Safe sleep for babies
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How to Keep Bedtime Safe for Babies

In Hillsborough County and around the country, babies continue to die in unsafe sleeping environments. These tragedies are preventable, and Rebecca Bacon, executive director of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, wants parents and caregivers to know the rights and wrongs of safe sleep.

Sidewalk Safety child walking to school with Dad
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Rules of the Sidewalk: How to ensure that your little ones walk and bike safely

Anyone whose community participates in National/International Walk to School Day knows what a wholesome sight that morning presents, with little and big kids, parents and entire families strolling down neighborhood sidewalks like a scene from an old-fashioned movie. And it is a wonderful thing, until someone stops paying attention, and something bad happens. BayCare Kids…

halloween safety
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12 Halloween Safety Tips from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Don’t be ghoulish and practice these Halloween safety tips from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and how to prevent common injuries.

Target's Car Seat Trade-in Program
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Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Program Returns Sept. 15-28!

Target’s Car Seat Trade-In program returns September 15-28, 2024. You can trade in your old car seats in exchange for a Target Circle Bonus.

baby safety tips baby sleeping

Safety First: For Baby Safety Month, Check Out These Tips From a BayCare Kids Expert

The experts from BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety are sharing the best ways to keep your baby safe: while sleeping, on the road and at home.

PInk eye treatment and prevention

Understanding and Managing Pink Eye in Your Child

As we head back to school, the experts at After Hours Pediatrics are helping us get familiar with the causes, symptoms, and treatments for pink eye.

pediatric cancer awareness month at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Pete

Bead-azzled During Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month

Read about Tayler Ellison’s touching journey with pediatric cancer and The Beads of Courage program which includes reminders of each treatment.

TGH’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program

A Beacon of Hope: Tampa General’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program

Get to know The Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program which provides top-notch care and cutting-edge treatments for its patients.

Rendering of the entrance of new Ronald McDonald House at St. Joseph's Women's Hospital.

Ronald McDonald House Charities to add 5th house in Tampa Bay at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is partnering with St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital to open a new house in June 2025 on the hospital’s third floor, expanding its ability to serve even more families in the Tampa Bay area.

women's health services at TGH in Tampa a mom with her baby

Women’s Institute at Tampa General Hospital: The Gold Standard of Care

A wave of impressive honors underscores why the Women’s Institute at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) provides the gold standard of care for a full range of women’s health services. Consider that the institute recently received the highest honor from a national accrediting body, earning Level IV maternal care designation from The Joint Commission—literally the gold…

Top 5 Breastfeeding Questions and Answers
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Preparing to Pump? Here are 5 Common Breastfeeding Questions Answered by a Pro

Breastfeeding provides many bonding and health benefits for both mom and baby, and many moms may choose to pump, whether it be exclusively or times when they are away from the baby. August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month which aims at educating and celebrating breastfeeding moms. Lactation consultants are a great resource and can help…

BayCare Mobile Medical Clinic is a bus with purpose

A Bus with a Purpose: BayCare’s Mobile Medical Clinic celebrates 20 years of serving area children and families

In the early 2000s, there was a national push to increase immunization rates for children. In 2004 in Tampa, Florida, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital responded to the call by putting together the Mobile Medical Clinic (MMC)—a bus with a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner and a program coordinator that drove around to underserved areas. That…

girl wearing backpack shows the importance of Backpack Safety Tips

Backpack Safety Tips: How to Choose, Load and Wear a Backpack

Carrying too much weight in a backpack or wearing it the wrong way can lead to unnecessary pain and strain for your child. When shopping for your child’s school backpack this month and helping them load it for school, take these steps to avoid potential health problems.   Choosing a Backpack Choose a backpack with…

family splashing in pool knows the 5 layers of water safety

The 5 Layers of Water Safety: Tips from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Florida unfortunately leads the nation in child drownings under the age of 5, most of which happen in a residential pool, but there are steps parents can take to avoid a drowning tragedy.

the power of sleep why sleep is important a boy in bed

The Power of Sleep: Why sleep is important and how to make sure your children get enough

Your children may fight bedtime as strenuously as they can, but here’s the real truth from the mouth of babes: Sixty percent of middle schoolers and 70 percent of high schoolers admit that they do not get adequate sleep. And that’s just awful, according to Dr. Luis Ortiz, a physician at the Sleep Center of…

car seat safety refresher from BayCare Kids

On the Road Again… But are you using your child’s car seat correctly?

The research is out there, friends. Many parents and caregivers are not using their children’s car seats correctly. We’re turning to the experts to find out how to correct common mistakes.

Summer safety in tampa bay
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How to Avoid Common Summer Injuries: Top Tips from Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH

From swim safety to beach hazards and travel reminders, Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH has a few reminders to keep kids safe this summer.

Meditation for Kids podcast
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Tampa mom expands podcast network to include meditations just for kids

Tampa Mom and Women’s Meditation Network founder, Katie Krimitsos, is sharing her new podcasts supporting meditation for kids!

Imagine Orthodontic Studio Tampa

Fast, Fun, Affordable Smiles at Imagine Orthodontic Studio

Led by an elite team of board-certified orthodontists, Imagine Orthodontic Studio strives to provide our patients with a fast, fun and affordable experience in an energetic, boutique-style environment. Imagine serves patients in Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, Lakeland and Orlando, and we’re dedicated to providing exceptional care and beautiful results. We cater to each patient’s unique…

St. Joseph's Women's Hospital Maternal Care

A+ for Mama and Baby at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital

St Joseph’s Women’s Hospital Proves its Commitment to Top-Notch Care for Mothers-to-Be For the expert doctors, nurses, technicians and all the other unsung heroes who deliver babies at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, this news did not come as a surprise: The facility just attained the highest level of certification in Maternal Care by The Joint…

Dr. Jamie Decker and his family
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Meet Dr. Decker: Father of 5 and Cardiologist

Dr. Jamie Decker is a dedicated father of five who juggles the demands of his medical career with the joys of fatherhood. Decker is passionate about both of the hats that he wears as a dad and a cardiologist in the Heart Institute at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, where he specializes in electrophysiology. “It’s…

High 5, Inc. swim lessons Hillsborough county

INSIDE LOOK: Free Swim Lessons with High 5 for Swim Safety

Dive into the world of water safety with High 5, Inc.’s Water Warriors program. Empowering Hillsborough County’s youth with life-saving skills, this initiative offers free swimming lessons and crucial safety education for families, ensuring every splash leads to a safer tomorrow.

Perinatal Mental Health for pregnant and postpartum moms

Supporting Pregnant and Postpartum Moms: Mental Health Matters

Navigating the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum life can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Understanding perinatal mental health is crucial for both moms and their families, offering a pathway to support, healing, and stronger connections with your little one.

Evan Kansorka RN

Five Questions for a Pediatric Critical Care Nurse

National Nurses Week is recognized each year on May 6th–12th to illuminate nurses’ critically important role in our communities.  Evan Kansorka, R.N., is a dedicated clinical team leader in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. He leads the nursing team in the daily operations of the CVICU, providing care…

watermelon swim school water safety with Shaq Barrett group photo
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Watermelon Swim and Shaq Barrett team up to offer swim lessons to more kids in Tampa Bay

In the wake of unimaginable loss, the Barrett family transforms their tragedy into a beacon of hope, partnering with Watermelon Swim to offer life-saving swim lessons to children in Tampa Bay.

ewg best sunscreens for kids

EWG’s 2024 Guide to Sunscreens and Best Sunscreens for Kids

The Environmental Working Group has released its 2024 Guide to the best sunscreens. See if yours made the list!

cancer prevention for parents woman with doctor
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Prioritizing Preventive Care: A Radiation Oncologist’s Perspective

Dr. Jessica Frakes, radiation oncologist from Moffitt Cancer Cener, shares how early screenings can safeguard your future with your children, highlighting the importance of listening to your body and advocating for timely healthcare decisions.

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Pagidipati Family donation
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St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation Receives Historic $50 Million Gift from the Pagidipati Family of Tampa

From humble beginnings to a monumental $50 million donation, the Pagidipati family’s gift to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation is a heartwarming testament to their commitment to children’s health and the Tampa community’s future.

TGH offers support for Momss
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From Birth to Breastfeeding: Tampa General Hospital delivers the best start possible to Moms and Newborns

Tampa General Hospital understands the unique journey of each new mother. From personalized birthing experiences to comprehensive breastfeeding support, our top-ranked team will ensure you and your baby receive the best start possible.

pediatric emergency center

Top 5 Reasons to Visit a Pediatric Emergency Center

When your child faces an emergency, knowing where to turn is crucial. Discover the top 5 reasons why a pediatric emergency center, with its specialized care and child-friendly approach, can make all the difference during those critical moments.

Strengthening Families: The Role of Community Collaboration cover

Strengthening Families: The Role of Community Collaboration

Discover how the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County uses community collaboration to get families the help they need to create strong communities where every child can flourish.

Sleep Disorders in Kids

The Top 5 Sleep Disorders in Kids

Dr. Ortiz with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Sleep Center shares 5 common pediatric sleep disorders and what you can do about them.

Smoothie Garden Recipe
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From Garden to Glass: Simple Steps to Start Your Smoothie Garden

Imagine stepping into your backyard and plucking fresh ingredients for your morning smoothie. That dream can become a reality, even for beginner gardeners!

Mono

Understanding Mononucleosis: A Comprehensive Guide

Mononucleosis, often known as ‘mono,’ is a contagious disease primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Commonly affecting teenagers and young adults, mono is notorious for its fatigue-inducing capabilities, alongside other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and occasionally, an enlarged spleen. Understanding mono’s transmission methods, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures…

swim lessons at the Tampa Y family in the pool
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Join the wave of swim programs at the Tampa Y

Learn more about all of the different swim programs available at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA for everyone in the family to have fun and learn to stay safe in the water.

Supporting Developmental Disabilities

Embracing Unique Abilities: Supporting Developmental Growth for Every Child

As we dive into March, we embark on a journey of awareness and understanding, shining a light on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It’s a time when we come together to celebrate every child’s unique abilities and talents and to ensure that families have the support they need to navigate any challenges along the way. At…

Child Life specialists help care for the whole family

Care for the Whole Family: Child Life Specialists

When Ashlyn Strathman had surgery as a high schooler, it was a member of the hospital’s Child Life team who eased her nerves by giving the teen a hospital tour and teaching her relaxation techniques. Today, with a master’s degree in Child Life Studies, Strathman works at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in a role that…

New ZooTampa walking trail
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ZooTampa debuts NEW Walking Trail with Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH

There’s a new way to get your steps in at ZooTampa and it’s wild!

Complex medical needs Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

Meet Levi, the ‘mayor’ of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Dubbed “the mayor” for his outgoing personality and winning ways, Levi, 7, has spent more time in the hospital than many people do in a lifetime. While you might think that experience would lead to a dislike of medical facilities, in Levi’s case it’s just the opposite. “He loves Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital,” says his…

congenital heart defect Dr. Courtney Wein

Evan’s Fight to a Healthy Heart

Patricia and Chris were ecstatic to tell family and friends that they were expecting. What they did not expect however, were concerns after their baby’s 18-week anatomy scan. “When they came in and told us something was wrong with his heart, we were just completely shocked,” Patricia recalls. Doctors referred Patricia to Courtney Wein, D.O., a pediatric…

Hustle Sanely Jess Massey
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Say goodbye to burnout with help from local mama, Jess Massey, founder of Hustle Sanely

As we get ready to step into a new year, a time when many of us look to reset, we’re introducing you to a local mom who has been right where you are—smack dab in the middle of burnout. Jess Massey not only found her way out, but she developed a planner and system to help other women find their path to a more “peacefully productive” life.

InBody fitness testing at Tampa YMCA
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See Yourself at the Y in the New Year – Start Now!

How about a New Year’s resolution you can actually keep? How about the first step to leading a healthy life as a habit? As we approach the new year, the Tampa YMCA is excited to announce the introduction of our state-of-the-art InBody machines. The InBody Fitness Test: A Complete Body Composition Analysis The InBody test…

Home Fire Safety

Fire Drill: How to Prep Your Family to Prevent and Escape Home Fires

As we welcome 2024, many of us are filled with exciting new resolutions: To eat healthy, to save money, to exercise. BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialist Michelle Sterling has one other resolution that each one of us can make. The good news is that it’s quick, inexpensive, and can potentially save your life: to change the…

gastroschisis patient Andres

Andres’ Birth Defect and Battle with Gastroschisis 

Pediatric surgeon Paul Danielson, M.D., at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, has often been called in the middle of the night to perform lifesaving surgery. But when Andres was born in 2022, it was a surgical scenario that Danielson had never experienced in his medical career. Andres had gastroschisis, a birth defect that occurs when…

Give Back Alex Kulzer
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Alex’s Touching ‘Give Back’ Project After Years of Hospital Care

Alex Kulzer stacks hundreds of toys in bins and pushes them proudly through the entrance of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “I’m giving back to my community in a place that I grew up in,” says lifelong patient, 18-year-old Alex. “You never want to say, ‘I grew up in a hospital getting tests done,’ but…