Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

Keeping Kids Safe & Healthy

At this year’s Park Parties we have some really cool partners who are helping to keep our kids safe and healthy.

The Importance of Dads

Dads play an important role in the lives of our kids.  Our friends from Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital want to empower dads to get involved!

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Care Pages

Technology is playing a big role in keeping patients at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital connected to friends and family.

Pet Therapy for Kids

Therapy dogs are bringing joy to patients at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

Creativity for a great cause

One of my favorite things to do as a kid was color.  I still never pass on the chance to jump in along side Sophia when she gets out her coloring book and crayons.  Whether it’s coloring, drawing or painting, being a little artist is always one of the first things Sophia asks to do on the weekends when we have downtime at home.  That’s why I was excited when my friend Anne over at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital emailed me about this really cool project they’re doing for kids.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has teamed up with LaFontsee Galleries to create artwork for the new children’s hospital opening in January 2011.  Their goal is to generate enough artwork to fill 13 of the new hospitals 14 floors.  That’s a lot of art!  Through out May and June LaFontesee Galleries is holding free artwork making events for kids in the community.  All you do is call to reserve a spot and show up to be part of something big. 

Saturday, May 8 – Sessions at Noon and 2pm
Saturday, May 22 – Sessions at 1pm and 2pm
Saturday, June 5 – Sessions at 11am, Noon, 1pm and 2pm
Saturday, June 12 – Sessions at 11am, Noon, 1pm and 2pm

Everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.  And in most people’s lifetimes, their kids will be treated there for something.  So, why not step up and have your kids be part of something really cool that will brighten kid’s spirits during their hospital stay.  Call 616-451-9820 to reserve your spot!

Taking Care of Your Body

Our friends from Priority Health and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital talked to the girls about making positive choices when it comes to fitness and taking care of their bodies.

Home Alone Safety

If your kids are staying home alone during Spring Break, make sure you talk with them first about staying safe.

Springing Forward

For the past few weeks mornings and bedtime have become more and more difficult in my house.  In previous years I don’t remember Sophia really being affected by daylight savings, but for some reason this year it’s painful!  Each morning around 6:30am I hear a faint voice coming from down the hall, “Mom, is it wake-up time yet?”  Suddenly the days of getting ready without the three year old are over.  Then comes bedtime and the battle begins, “Mom, it’s not dark out yet and I’m not sleepy.”

I emailed my friends over at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital who connected me with Dr. John Schuen, who board certified doctor who specializes in sleep medicine.  Here are some words of advice he gave me and any parent who is dreading springing forward this year.

• It’s natural for kids to impacted by the light outside. We are impacted by light. Light enters the brain and effect hormones that influence wakefulness or tiredness.

• Children can typically adjust to one hour difference fairly easy. It does take preparation.

• Parents should try to get their little one to bed a little earlier on Saturday night. Start by backing up. Could start a day or two before.  Depends on how well your child deals with change, do it earlier and smaller increments of ½ hour at a time.

• The time change backs up everything you ordinarily do to get ready for bed, including bathtime, reading books, etc.  So, playing the Wii isn’t a good idea.

Read all »

Keeping your baby safe

A lot of new parents don’t always think about things around the house that might be dangerous for a newborn.  Here are some things you need to remember when bringing home your baby.

‘Where You Live’ – January 16, 2010

On this weekend’s show we’re showing you how to make the most of winter in West Michigan!