Tagged With "COVID19"

How can we reduce ACEs and toxic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic? Many of us are concerned that increased stress might increase the risk for ACEs. For example, most child abuse happens when adults reach their breaking point. However, we are not powerless in the face of these challenges. Using HOPE ( Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences ) as a guide, here are 10 suggestions to reduce ACEs now: Think about social connection and physical distance , not social distance. Continuing to...

As children grow and develop, engaging with the larger community around them provides a sense of “mattering” — a sense that their participation in the community really does matter. The emergency conditions now in effect provide numerous opportunities to children and teens to pitch in. Here are a few ideas . . .

How can health care providers take care of themselves, their colleagues and their patients during this COVID-19 pandemic? First and foremost is recognizing how the pandemic can stir up trauma from the past, said Dr. Alicia Lieberman, a psychologist specializing in trauma. “COVID19 is reawakening traumatic reminders in many of us and in the families we work with. And that often makes it difficult for parents to protect themselves and their children,” she noted. Lieberman, the director of the...

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers everywhere are changing how they care for their patients. I asked a few members of the ACEs in Pediatrics community what they’re doing differently. Dr. R.J Gillespie, pediatrician at The Children’s Clinic in Portland, OR. Dr. R.J. Gillespie Gillespie says that, as much as possible, they’re switching to virtual visits, which allows them “to comfort and reassure our patients face-to-face as much as possible without risking their...

I am continuously inspired by the generosity of spirit that is being shared during this complicated and unprecedented time. There are artists, musicians, storytellers, and teachers creating opportunities for families to bring some structure to our very unstructured day. You can find a variety of classes, concerts, and virtual gatherings through social media. One shining example that I wanted to share is the story of 'Kids Yoga with Nurse G'. I am continuously inspired by the generosity of...

'We're Going to Be O.K.' is a children's book written by Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton and Dr. Leigh-Ann Webb to encourage children and families to stay "safe, healthy, and optimistic during the COVID19 pandemic." The book is beautifully illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin Webb. I found this special book through an article celebrating Drs. Hilton and Webb's recognition for “We’re Going to Be O.K,” as one of the top five entries in Emory Global Health Institute’s COVID-19 Children’s eBook Competition .

Really appreciate the reframe on social distancing to social connection and physical distancing!

Thank you so much! I am really concerned about how families are coping right now. I especially worry about children at risk for abuse/neglect, away from any eyes or supports who might protect them.

Hi Patricia, I likely will be organizing a brainstorming session for health care providers. I'm also going to be doing a story looking at the issues of prevention tools, workaround for vulnerable families -- those at risk for child abuse or intimate partner violence. Please let me know what other information I can gather in order to support you in your work. In the meantime, I'll be posting here and cloning other articles I think may be helpful.

Thanks Elizabeth for your comment!. I agree with you about the reframe. Physical distancing feels more accurate and less daunting to me!

For almost thirty years, our family hosted Thanksgiving that included extended family and friends. My kids would laugh at me when I insisted on setting the Thanksgiving table a week before the holiday. It was a joyful time in our household and evokes the sweetest memories for me of our close-knit family that has now grown up. I began hosting Thanksgiving when I was in college. The tradition started one year when my parents and younger sister headed to Florida for a long Thanksgiving weekend,...

In a recent article titled, " Adverse Childhood Experiences: Breaking the Cycle in a Time of COVID-19 ," the Medical Board of California newsletter highlighted the work being done by the American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 3 , Dr. Wendy Pavlovich and Dr. Pradeep Gidwani.