More than 5 million children undergo surgery every year. A majority of pediatric patients experience what child life specialists call “Frozen Fear”, intense preoperative anxiety that can persist through sedation. This response can spike cortisol levels, lengthen recovery time, and even cause long-term trauma. A study published in the Journal of Child Life confirmed that […]
“There was fun 80s music playing and the doctor and I talked the whole time that he was doing my surgery,” Stephanie Delorm of Vernon Hills says cheerfully about her recent hand surgery. When given the choice between general and local anesthesia, Delorm opted for the local, which meant she would be awake throughout the […]
Since the August/September issue of Make It Better is highlighting ways to age well, I’m here to add some fantastic options regarding one of the most common medical issues that, ironically, is also one of the most overlooked: chronic vein disease. Most of my patients have dealt with nagging, aggravating spider and varicose veins for […]
Losing a sister to a heart defect inspired Estrella Rosenberg to provide life-saving surgeries to children with heart defects in developing countries. A former jury consultant, she left the business world to start her own nonprofit, Big Love Little Hearts, which has saved more than 300 lives in the past year and a half. […]
