Mayo Clinic Children's

12/19/2025

Since 2016, Hy-Vee annual Balloon Brigade has delivered more than 5,000 balloons to children at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center, including more than 500 this December.

Each December, Hy-Vee invites customers to donate balloons during a two-week period. Hy-Vee teams then inflate and deliver them directly to patient rooms, helping brighten the holidays for pediatric patients and their families.

Thank you to Hy-Vee and to every customer whose donations make this tradition possible. Mayo Clinic

12/16/2025

Food allergy affects an estimated 8% of children under age 5. While there's no cure, some children outgrow their food allergies as they get older.

For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food may be uncomfortable but not severe. For other people, an allergic food reaction can be frightening and even life-threatening. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to 2 hours after eating the offending food. Rarely, symptoms may be delayed for several hours.

The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:

🔹 Tingling or itching in the mouth
🔹 Hives, itching or eczema
🔹 Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body
🔹 Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
🔹 Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
🔹 Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

See your health care provider or allergist if you have food allergy symptoms shortly after eating. If possible, see your provider when the allergic reaction is occurring. This will help your provider make a diagnosis.

12/11/2025

😴 Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?
Summer fun can throw off bedtime routines—but healthy sleep is essential for kids’ growth, learning, and emotional well-being. 🌙✨
✅ Recommended sleep by age:
👶 4–12 months: 12–16 hrs
🧒 1–2 years: 11–14 hrs
👦 3–5 years: 10–13 hrs
👧 6–12 years: 9–12 hrs
🫶 Teens: 8–10 hrs

Signs of sleep deficit include irritability, poor school performance, and trouble concentrating. 🛑
💡 Tips for better sleep:
✔ Stick to consistent bed/wake times
✔ Limit screens before bed
✔ Create calming bedtime routines
✔ Keep bedrooms cool, dark & quiet
👉 Learn more and set your kids up for success: [link]

12/09/2025

👶 Caring for Kids with Airway Issues
Airway emergencies in children are high-risk, low-frequency—and quick, accurate assessment is critical. 🩺
✅ Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Anna DePompolo recommends using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) to rapidly evaluate:
🔹 Appearance
🔹 Circulation to skin
🔹 Work of breathing
💡 If two sides of the PAT are compromised, intervention is needed. If all three? The child is critically ill.
Learn why untreated respiratory compromise is the leading cause of pediatric cardiac arrest and how to stay prepared.
👉 Read more: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/pediatrics/news/caring-for-young-pediatric-patients-experiencing-airway-issues/mac-20589831?vp=mpg-20426280

12/09/2025

The Child Life Program at Mayo Clinic Children’s benefits from the generosity of community donors. If you’re interested in donating to the Child Life Program, please consider viewing our Amazon wish list for current needs. Your generosity directly supports our pediatric patients and their families.

Amazon wish list link: https://amzn.to/4psh5SS

For all donation inquiries, please contact the Child Life program at childlife@mayo.edu

12/04/2025

🎨 Unlock Your Creative Potential!
Creativity isn’t just for the “naturally gifted”—it’s a skill you can learn with time and practice. 🧠✨
💡 Discover the two key types of creative thinking:
🔹 Divergent thinking = brainstorming big ideas
🔹 Convergent thinking = choosing the best one
Want tips to boost your creativity and train your brain? 🏆 Check out insights from Best Brain Ever by Therese Huston, Ph.D.
👉 Read more: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/the-science-of-creativity-and-how-to-boost-yours/

12/02/2025

🩺 What is FSGS?
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a rare kidney condition that causes scarring in the tiny blood vessels that filter waste. It’s not a single disease, but a pattern of injury that can impact kidney function over time.
📊 Only about 7 in 1 million people are estimated to have FSGS. While most common in adults over 45, children can also be affected.
💡 Learn what this means for patients and families, and explore treatment options with Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Fernando Fervenza.
👉 Read more: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/focal-segmental-glomerulosclerosis-understanding-a-rare-kidney-disease/

11/28/2025

Over two years ago, a devastating hip condition and a misdiagnosis threatened to sideline a young high school basketball player for good. But thanks to advanced medical expertise and innovation at Mayo Clinic, the 16-year-old prep star in North Carolina is back in the game — stronger, more determined and inspiring others with his comeback story.

Jason Howland has his story. Click the link below to read more.

Over two years ago, a devastating hip condition and a misdiagnosis threatened to sideline a young high school basketball player for good. But thanks to advan...

11/25/2025

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a mild illness caused by viruses, most often coxsackievirus A16. It’s common in young children, but anyone can get it.⁣
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Symptoms include sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. The illness usually clears in 7 to 10 days. There’s no specific treatment, but medicines can ease pain and discomfort.⁣
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Prevent hand-foot-and-mouth disease by washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.⁣
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Learn more about symptoms and care:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353035
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11/20/2025

It’s tough to watch your child struggle with a cough. But over-the-counter cough medicine may not always be the answer — especially for kids under 4. ⁣
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Read more from Dr. Alexa Jensen, pediatric resident at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, for simple remedies that you can try at home click the link below. ⁣

https://communityhealth.mayoclinic.org/featured-stories/cough-children
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11/18/2025

Mayo Clinic Hospital Gift Shops are teaming up with Mayo Clinic Children's to make the season brighter for Mayo's youngest patients spending time in the hospital.

Purchase a gift item for a child in one of the Gift Shops. The items are donated to the Sharing Tree, Mayo's Child Life team's holiday gift program, from which parents or guardians of patients can select a gift for their child at no cost.

Gift items will be collected by the Gift Shop team until Dec. 19.

Your generosity can make a world of difference. Stop by one of the Hospital Gift Shops today and celebrate the season of giving:

Methodist Gift Shop
Eisenberg Building Lobby Level, Methodist Campus of Mayo Clinic Hospital — Rochester
Sisters Crossing Gift Shop
Joseph Building, Saint Marys Campus of Mayo Clinic Hospital — Rochester

If you are unable to make it in person. Check out our Child Life Amazon donations page: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/25Q5HLO3JBYTC?ref_=wl_share