13 Year Old’s Family Fights for Her Life

Jahi McMath’s Family Continues to Hope and Fight for her Life

by Mina Frannea

Can you imagine having to face turning off life support for your child?  That’s what Jahi McMath’s family have been dealing with for the last couple of weeks. Jahi, a vibrant 13-year-old went in for ‘routine’ tonsil surgery at Children’s Hospital Oakland to treat sleep apnea issues. Shortly after the surgery, Jahi suffered severe complications that left the teen brain dead and on a ventilator.

On Dec 12, Doctor’s at the hospital declared Jahi legally dead and were planning to remove her from the ventilator. Jahi’s family took legal measures to stop this action and and received a restraining order from a judge that stops the hospital from turning off life support. This ruling gives Jahi’s family until 5 p.m. Jan. 7, 2014 to appeal to a higher court and find a new facility to which they can transfer the 13-year-old.

Drinking During Pregnancy Could Cause Birth Defects

Pregnant Woman Stomach

Expectant mothers who drink could put babies at risk for birth defects

 

Each year, nearly 40,000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disorders are caused by mothers’ alcohol consumption during pregnancy and range in severity. Some infants with the most severe form of FASDs have serious physical, psychological and developmental conditions that continue into adulthood. Leigh Tenkku, associate research professor in the School of Social Work, says no amount and no type of alcohol is safe for women to drink during pregnancy.

Tips About Managing Asthma in School

Tips for Managing Asthma at School

American Lung Association Recognizes Asthma-Friendly Schools and Offers Checklist for Students with Asthma

As summer winds down, families in Texas are beginning to prepare for the new school year. A new school environment can sometimes be difficult for children with asthma. This back to school season, the American Lung Association highlights tips for families of children with asthma and stresses the importance of crafting a plan to properly manage asthma in a school environment.