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tips for tackling back-to-school tummy troubles

a young boy sits at a desk at school

As you start the school season, you may notice your child is having more trouble pooping. You’re not alone. Here are some tips to help your child feel more comfortable, whether at school or in other settings

why won’t my child poop at school?

Your child could be nervous about pooping at school for these reasons:

  • Bathroom anxiety – Public or shared bathrooms can feel overwhelming. Lack of privacy, noise or fear of teasing can make kids nervous to poop during school.
  • Not enough time – Rushed schedules, short bathroom breaks or limited teacher permission mean kids often do not have enough time to relax and go.
  • Lack of routine – Pooping is often tied to home routines – after breakfast, after sitting on the toilet. School disrupts that natural rhythm.
  • Poor bathroom conditions – Dirty stalls, lack of toilet paper or automatic flushers that startle kids are common reasons for avoiding the school bathrooms.

how are my child’s brain and body connected?

It’s important to know what can trigger the body’s stress response. We often talk about stress in terms of how we think and feel emotionally, but the body makes sense of it more broadly. Being worried about pooping at school can trigger a stress response, which can lead to physical problems. When we think about controlling the stress response in the body, we want to think about healthy habits the body needs to work well, as well as taking care of our emotional and social stress.

how can I help my child feel more comfortable pooping?

  • Normalize pooping – Let your child know that everyone poops, including teachers and classmates.
  • Problem solve – Help them determine the cleanest or least busy bathrooms.
  • Set up a morning poop – Give a cup of warm liquid, then 5-10 minutes of relaxed toilet time before leaving for school.
  • Pack fiber and hydration into lunch – Send a water bottle and remind your child to drink throughout the day. Dehydration can cause pooping to be harder. Pack things like fruits and whole grain bread to help keep poop soft.
  • Talk to the teacher – If your child is struggling, ask the teacher to allow flexible bathroom breaks. Many teachers understand once they know it is a medical issue not a behavioral issue.

when do I need to seek medical help for my child?

In rare cases, constipation can be caused by a larger physical problem. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, call your primary care provider. If they are not available, consider a visit to the urgent care or the emergency department:

  • Fever (constant high fever)
  • Blood in the stool
  • Vomiting blood or dark green fluid – this may need an emergency department visit
  • Swollen stomach
  • Pain when the stomach is touched
  • Pain in groin or testicles
  • Pain or burning with urinating
learn more about constipation in kids
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starting college with a chronic condition: tips for a healthy start

Teen talks with specialist and parent about mental health resources

Starting college is a big transition! New classes, potentially a new place to live and a lot more independence! If you’re managing a chronic condition like diabetes, epilepsy, a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder or a mental health condition, you might also be wondering how you’ll stay on top of your health while being away from home.  

The good news is that a little planning can help you feel more prepared and confident before move-in day. 

start planning before classes start

A few months before college starts, make a checklist of your health needs. Having a plan in place can help reduce stress once classes begin. Make a simple checklist that includes: 

  • Medications and prescriptions  
  • Doctor appointments  
  • Medical supplies  
  • Insurance coverage  
  • Emergency contacts  
  • School accommodations  

make sure you can get your prescriptions filled

One of the most important steps is figuring out how you’ll get your medications while at school. 

Before leaving for college: 

  • Ask your doctor for enough refills to last through the semester if possible  
  • Set reminders so you don’t run out of medication 
  • Find a pharmacy near campus and learn how to transfer prescriptions if needed 
  • Check if your insurance works in your college town  

This is especially important for students managing conditions like: 

  • Diabetes that requires insulin or glucose monitoring supplies  
  • Epilepsy medications that need to be taken consistently  
  • GI conditions that require daily medications  
  • Mental health medications that should not be stopped suddenly  

If you use specialty medications, ask your care team how deliveries will work at school.

know where to go for medical care

Before classes start, learn about the healthcare options near campus. 

Find out: 

  • Where the student health center is located  
  • Which urgent care or emergency room is closest  
  • Whether there are pediatric or adult specialists nearby  

Some students may continue seeing their pediatric specialist during college breaks or through virtual visits. Others may need help transitioning to an adult care provider closer to campus. 

Talk with your specialist before college about: 

  • How often you need follow-up visits  
  • What symptoms mean it’s time to schedule an appointment  
  • What to do if you have a flare-up or emergency 

take charge of your health

College is often the first time students manage healthcare on their own. Practice skills like: 

  • Scheduling appointments  
  • Calling in prescription refills  
  • Tracking symptoms  
  • Understanding your medications  

Keeping important medical information in your phone can also help in an emergency. Include your diagnosis, medications, allergies and emergency contacts. 

teen girl hydrates after playing soccer

don’t ignore mental health

Changes in sleep, routines and stress can affect both physical and mental health. If you already manage anxiety, depression or another mental health condition, stick to your treatment plan and know how to access counseling services on campus. 

Even students without a diagnosed mental health condition may struggle during the transition to college. Reaching out for support early can make a big difference. 

build healthy habits

Healthy routines can help you manage symptoms and feel your best. Try to: 

  • Get enough sleep  
  • Eat regular meals  
  • Stay hydrated  
  • Use reminders for medications and appointments  

Students with chronic conditions may also qualify for accommodations through their college’s disability services office. This could include things like flexible attendance or housing needs. Ask your doctor about any paperwork you may need before school starts. 

you don’t have to figure it out alone

Starting college with a chronic condition may take extra preparation, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Consider talking with your roommate and close friends about your health needs. Many chronic conditions are “invisible,” so others may not know when you need help unless you share it with them. Letting someone know what to watch for and how to help in an emergency can help you feel safer and more supported on campus.  

Starting college can feel overwhelming, especially with a chronic condition, but support is available. Your healthcare team, family and school resources are there to support you along the way. 

With preparation and the right support, you can spend less time worrying about your condition and more time enjoying your college experience. 

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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tips for transitioning from pediatric to adult care

teen poses with parent

Turning 18 comes with a lot of “firsts,” including taking more responsibility for your health. Along with more independence comes new responsibility, like managing appointments, understanding your insurance and speaking up about your care. For many teens and families, the move from pediatric to adult healthcare can feel overwhelming at first.  

The good news? Preparing early can make the transition much smoother. 

Whether your teen has a chronic condition or just visits the doctor once a year, learning how adult healthcare works is something they’ll use for the rest of their life. Here’s what families should know about transitioning to adult care and how to prepare now.

what changes when you turn 18?

At age 18, you become a legal adult. This means: 

  • You make your own medical decisions  
  • Healthcare providers will speak directly to you  
  • Your medical records become private  
  • Parents or caregivers can no longer access your information without permission  
  • Medical bills will be in your name 

Even if you stay on a parent’s insurance plan, these responsibilities will shift to you. 

why transitioning to adult healthcare matters

Learning how to manage your health helps build confidence over time. It also prepares teens for college, work, sports and everyday adult life.  

For teens with chronic conditions or ongoing medical needs, planning ahead is especially important. 

tips for teens preparing for adult care

The best time to prepare for adult healthcare is before turning 18. Small steps now can help teens feel more confident later. 

1. Start taking part in appointments

Practice answering questions during doctor visits instead of letting a parent answer everything. Try asking at least one question during each appointment. 

2. Learn about your health history

Teens should know: 

  • Current medications  
  • Allergies  
  • Past surgeries or medical conditions  
  • Family health history  
  • Vaccine history  

Keeping this information organized can make appointments much easier. 

3. Practice real-life healthcare tasks

Begin practicing skills like: 

  • Scheduling appointments  
  • Checking in at visits 
  • Refilling prescriptions  
  • Logging into MyChart  
  • Calling the doctor’s office with questions  

These are small steps that build confidence over time. 

4. Understand HIPAA and medical privacy

HIPAA is a law that protects private health information. Once a teen turns 18, healthcare providers can’t share medical information with parents or caregivers without permission. 

Teens can choose to share access by signing a release of information form. 

mother talks to teen son about mental health

tips for parents supporting the transition

For parents and caregivers, this transition can feel emotional. It may be hard stepping back after years of managing everything. The goal is to move from managing care to supporting independence.

Here are ways parents can help: 

  • Talking about medical forms like release of information or healthcare power of attorney if needed   
  • Encouraging teens to practice healthcare tasks  
  • Review insurance information together  
  • Talking about how involved they want to be after age 18  

transitioning to adult care for teens with chronic conditions

Teens with chronic illnesses, complex medical needs or disabilities may need extra support during this transition. 

Some conditions require ongoing care into adulthood. These conditions may include: 

  • Diabetes  
  • Epilepsy  
  • Asthma  
  • Heart conditions  
  • Gastrointestinal disorders  
  • Mental health conditions  

Families should start talking with their healthcare team early about transition planning, adult specialists and long-term care needs. 

a simple healthcare transition checklist 

Before turning 18, teens should try to: 

  • Know their medications and allergies  
  • Carry an insurance card  
  • Schedule an appointment on their own 
  • Refill a prescription  
  • Log into MyChart  
  • Ask questions during appointments  
  • Understand who has access to their health information  

growing into independence

Transitioning to adult care does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that takes practice, patience and support from both teens and caregivers. 

With preparation and guidance, teens can feel more confident taking charge of their health and future. 

If you have questions about transitioning to adult healthcare, talk with your child’s primary care provider for additional support and resources. 

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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5 heart-healthy add-ins to support kids’ growing hearts 

Mother figure makes heart hands with young girl in a park

If you have a young child, heart health is probably not at the top of your list to think or even worry about. But the habits kids build early can shape their health for years to come. How children move, eat, sleep and handle stress all play a role in keeping their hearts strong.

Caring for your child’s heart doesn’t mean changing everything or giving up foods and activities they love. At Dayton Children’s Hospital, our heart experts recommend adding small, positive habits into your every day life to help kids have healthy hearts as they grow! 

“Heart health is built little by little,” says Smita Mehta, MD, pediatric cardiologist at Dayton Children’s. “Research shows that adding positive habits, rather than trying to stop negative habits, can help the changes stick over time.” 

Here are five easy, family-friendly add-ins you can start today! 

1. Add small moments of movement in your day 

Kids don’t need long workouts to help their hearts. Short bursts of movement through the day can help boost heart health and energy. Activities like these help kids stay active and build healthy movement habits in a fun, simple way.  

  • Jumping jacks between doing homework
  • A short family walk after dinner 
  • Dancing or stretching between commercial breaks 
  • 15 minutes of activity for every 15 minutes of screen time  

2. Add more whole foods and plant-based foods

Instead of taking away your favorite foods, focus on adding healthier ones. These foods support heart health and overall wellness while keeping meals enjoyable.

  • Add fruit to breakfast or after-school snacks
  • Add vegetables to meals your child already enjoys
  • Add beans, nuts, or seeds to lunches or snacks

Families can find even more healthy eating tips here.

3. Add better sleep by turning off screens 

Sleep is important for your child’s heart, mood and energy. One helpful habit is turning off screens an hour before bedtime. Reading, listening to music or gentle stretching are great adds for a screen-free bedtime routine. Have your child pick their favorite screen-free option, so they can relax and get the rest they need. Better sleep can: 

  • Reduce sugar cravings 
  • Improve focus and behavior 
  • Support healthy growth

Discover more practical tips for helping kids get better sleep here.

4. Add calm with mindfulness and relaxation 

Kids and teens feel stressed, too. Learning simple ways to slow down can help their hearts and emotions. These small moments can help kids feel calmer, more focused, and more connected. Dr. Mehta suggests: 

  • A few minutes of calm breathing or stretching twice a day
  • Adding three positive thoughts for every negative thought 
  • Adding mindfulness activities that you can practice together and do in moments of stress

5. Ask important questions at medical visits

Heart health also means helping kids make safe choices as they grow. One simple step is to ask your child’s doctor questions like, “Can we talk about how to avoid tobacco, alcohol or vaping?” These conversations give kids clear, honest information and support healthy choices now and later. 

Supporting heart health doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With small, steady add-ins and guidance from pediatric experts, families can build healthy habits that last.  If you have questions about your child’s heart health or notice symptoms that concern you, our pediatric cardiology team is here to help.

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pediatric heart care you can count on

Dayton Children’s offers expert heart care designed especially for infants, children and teens. Schedule an appointment with our pediatric cardiology specialists today to support your child’s heart health—now and for the future.

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Pediatric cardiologist poses with patient and smiles

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Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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is your child’s backpack too heavy? 6 tips for choosing the right backpack

child poses with a backpack on the first day of school

Back to school shopping is exciting – especially when your child gets to pick out a cool new backpack. But while they’re focused on colors and characters, you’ll want to keep safety in mind.  

A backpack that’s too heavy or worn incorrectly can lead to back pain, neck strain and even injuries from falling. Heavy backpacks can cause children to roll their shoulders forward, which also causes the head to move forward triggering headaches. The effects of a heavy backpack may not show up right away, and can start a couple months after school starts.  

why backpack safety matters

  • Too heavy? It can strain your child’s lower back and neck.  
  • Poor posture? Heavy backpacks cause kids to hunch forward, leading to tension and headaches.  
  • Off balance? A shifting center of gravity increases the risk of falls.  
  • Missed fun? Chronic pain can keep kids from playing sports and social time.  

6 smart backpack tips for parents

  1. Keep it light – A full backpack should weigh no more than 15% of your child’s body weight.  Example: 100 lbs x 0.15 = 15 lbs max  
  2. Pick the right style – Choose a two-strap backpack over a messenger or shoulder bag for better weight distribution.  
  3. Check the fit – The bottom of the backpack should rest at the arch of the back – not below the belt line.  
  4. Pack it smart – Place the heaviest items closest to the back. Lighter items go farther out.  
  5. Clean it out regularly – Help your child empty and weigh their backpack at every seasonal break.  
  6. Lift with care – Teach your child to bend their knees and place the backpack on a desk or chair before putting it on.  

Experts also urge parents to stray away from rolling backpacks. Rolling backpacks can also become very heavy, causing the child to bend forward or to the side, resulting in pain. Children may also lift rolling backpacks up steps which can lead to injury.  

Picking your child’s backpack can still be a fun experience! Use these tips to determine what backpacks are safe and functional, then let them choose the style and color that expresses their personality. You will be one step closer to an excellent and safe school year.

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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celebrating 5 Years of the Montgomery County Imagination Library

In December 2024, the Montgomery County Imagination Library celebrates an incredible milestone—5 years of delivering the joy of reading to children across our community! Since 2019, the program has partnered with Dayton Children’s Hospital as its affiliate, providing access to high-quality, age-appropriate books to children ages 0-5, completely free of charge. 

our journey of literacy and community impact

Mother and daughter read a book before bed

What began as a vision to improve early childhood literacy has blossomed into a community-wide effort, reaching thousands of families. In the last five years, we’ve seen firsthand how the simple act of receiving a book in the mail can spark a lifelong love of reading in children. 

The excitement of opening the mailbox and discovering a new story to share at bedtime is more than just a routine—it’s an opportunity for families to bond, create lasting memories and build a foundation for future learning success.

the power of books for kids

The impact of the Imagination Library is undeniable. Research has shown that early exposure to books helps develop critical language and cognitive skills in young children, preparing them for kindergarten and beyond.

For many families, this program has made books more accessible, bridging the gap for children who might not have easy access to reading materials at home. 

Over the past five years, our program has distributed thousands of books, helping children grow their home libraries, one book at a time. Families like Andrew Spoon’s have expressed how much the program has enriched their lives.  

“Receiving books from the Imagination Library program has been such a blessing to my little family,” shares Andrew.

“My son, Odin, loves checking the mailbox for his Dolly books, and the countless memories we’ve shared reading together at bedtime are truly priceless.” 

looking ahead as a community

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also excited for what the future holds. Our goal is to continue expanding our reach, ensuring that every eligible child in Montgomery County has the chance to participate in the Imagination Library.

But we can’t do it alone. As a community, we rely on the generous support of donors, volunteers and partners who believe in the power of books to shape a child’s future. To help us mark this special occasion, we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Your donation to the program through the Dayton Foundation helps us deliver books to more children for years to come. For just $66, you can provide a child with books for 5 years—an investment that will spark a lifelong love of reading and learning. 

Donate today through the Dayton Foundation to support the Montgomery County Imagination Library. Click the link and use fund name: 1614 Montgomery County Imagination Library. 

join us in celebrating this milestone

As we reflect on the past five years, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the families, community partners and donors who have made this journey possible. Together, we’ve helped build a brighter future for the children of Montgomery County, one book at a time. 

Here’s to many more years of fostering a love of reading and making a lasting impact in our community. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey! 

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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conditions we treat

bad night’s sleep? how sleep impacts blood sugar in patients with diabetes

young child sleeping heavily

Did you know that diabetes can impact sleep? Or that poor sleep can affect blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes? Understanding the links between diabetes and sleep is one way you can support your child and help them feel their best!

sleep and unstable blood sugar levels

Children with blood sugar levels that are too high or too low may have a hard time sleeping through the night. Unstable blood sugar levels trigger other changes in the body that can cause your child to wake up.

If blood sugars are low, the body releases adrenaline. This causes an increased heart rate, sweating and possibly panic. These symptoms will usually awake the child from their sleep.

Sometimes, children will wake up because of a nightmare, but are actually hypoglycemic (have low blood sugar). In these cases, treat their low blood sugar. Make sure it climbs above 100mg/dl before your child goes back to bed.

If a child’s blood sugar is too high, they may wake up more often saying they’re thirsty or need to go to the bathroom. For some children, this change in nighttime routine is an early symptom that leads to an initial diabetes diagnosis.

poor sleep, hormones and blood sugar

Poor sleep, like less than six hours, has been linked to higher blood sugar levels the next day in patients with diabetes. This can lead to low energy, less activity and maybe more snacking.

When we don’t sleep well, our hormone levels change. Poor sleep can cause:

  • A rise in cortisol, the stress hormone, which can impact insulin and insulin resistance
  • Feeling hungrier than normal
  • A rise in ghrelin, the “hunger hormone” which makes us hungrier
  • Lower levels of leptin, a hormone that makes us feel full

All these changes may cause children to eat more after a bad night of sleep. That can lead to higher blood sugar.

managing blood sugar and sleep

How can you manage blood sugar changes the day after a bad night of sleep? It all comes down to close monitoring and planning.

close monitoring to keep balanced sugars

Keep an eye on blood sugars with frequent finger pokes or with a continuous blood glucose sensor. This close monitoring can help you catch any spikes or lows, and quickly treat them to keep your child’s levels balanced. With balanced blood sugar levels, sleep should be no problem!

stay active

It’s also important to stay active! Exercise can help lower blood sugars and increase energy, even after a bad night of sleep. If your child is feeling tired, suggest they be active rather than take a nap. Napping may affect your child’s sleep schedule and make maintaining their blood sugar levels harder.

eat mindfully

We’ve talked about how poor sleep can impact hunger. So, sticking to a specific diet plan can help manage your child’s blood sugar levels. Encourage your child to eat healthy foods from all food groups. Help them avoid unhealthy snacking or overeating that can cause blood sugar spikes.

If your child still has a hard time sleeping and keeping their blood sugar levels in check, it is time to visit their pediatrician/primary care provider or endocrinologist. These experts can help you learn more ways to manage your child’s diabetes and keep them happy and healthy!

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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4 tips to prepare your kiddo for the upcoming time change

Time change with clock on blue background

The time change is notorious for messing with everyone’s sleep schedule, but it really messes with our kiddos because they can’t adjust to a new schedule in just one night.

The time change can cause kids to be cranky because their sleep cycle will be slightly “off” for a little bit of time. To help prepare for the upcoming time change, Khalid Safi, MD, chief of sleep medicine at Dayton Children’s Hospital, is providing tips for parents to get their kiddo ready for the extra hour.

tips to prepare for the time change

1. Start the transition early.

  • For falling back an hour, start putting your little one to bed 10 to 15 minutes later every night starting a week before the time change.
  • For springing forward an hour, starting putting your little one to bed 10 to 15 minutes earlier every night starting a week before the time change. 
  • The extra 10-15 minutes each night will get them prepared for the hour difference they will have the night of the time change.

2. Maintain routines. Even though you’re moving your sleep schedule 10-15 minutes, it’s important to maintain your normal bedtime routine. Whether it’s a bath before bed, reading a book together, or snuggling, just make sure that your child’s routine remains intact.

3. Use “okay to wake” systems. Okay to wake alarm clocks and night lights provide your child with a time when it’s okay to wake up or come out of their room. Start setting the time 10-15 min later each day for a week leading up to the time change.

4. Limit screen time before bed. Children should stop using electronics at least 30 minutes before their bedtime routine starts. Electronics mess with the brains ability to produce melatonin which can make falling asleep harder.

By following these four steps your child should adjust to the time change within a week or so. If your child is taking longer than that, talk with their pediatrician about possibly seeing a pediatric sleep specialist.

To learn more about sleep medicine at Dayton Children’s, or to schedule an appointment online click here.

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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from Ohio roots to hospital heights

Dayton Children’s celebrates graduate of hospital medicine fellowship

At Dayton Children’s, every staff milestone matters! Dr. Samantha Neumeier is taking the next big step in her Dayton Children’s career, graduating from our pediatric hospital medicine fellowship. Congratulations, Dr. Neumeier!

Ohio roots, big dreams

Born and raised in Troy, Ohio, Dr. Neumeier has deep roots in the Miami Valley. When she wasn’t waterskiing, playing euchre or cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes, Dr. Neumeier was studying at Northeast Ohio Medical University to fulfill her dream of becoming a pediatrician.

“I have always loved working with kids and their families. Being able to interact with them when they are sick as well as when they are recovering is such a rewarding experience,” said Dr. Neumeier.

Samantha Neumeier high fives a patient

In 2019, she matched with Dayton Children’s for her pediatric residency, where she explored all aspects of pediatrics, including outpatient care, inpatient care, research and quality improvement. Upon graduation, she was well prepared for a career in pediatrics or the pursuit of a subspecialty fellowship.

For Dr. Neumeier, becoming an expert in hospital care mattered.

“I enjoyed being involved in transitions of care,” she explained. “I knew hospital medicine would offer me the opportunity to be present for patients and their families during a challenging time of life. I love being able to explain what is going on with their child, next steps and help them be prepared to go home when they are ready.” 

a perfect match

Only 50% of doctors who want a fellowship in pediatric hospital medicine get into one of 74 United States programs – it’s a coin toss chance. For Dr. Neumeier, it was perfect timing.

Dayton Children’s noticed the gap in available programs and launched a pediatric hospital medicine fellowship in 2022. She matched and became one of our first-ever fellows.

“The people at Dayton Children’s make it such a unique and special place,” said Dr. Neumeier. “All over the hospital, I have found that we have such empathetic coworkers who go above and beyond for their patients and each other.”

During her fellowship, Dr. Neumeier researched “problem list utilization,” a quick reference guide that lists a patient’s most important health problems, helping clinicians make decisions about treatment. Her success in quality improvement led Dayton Children’s to establish a policy around using such lists.

new beginnings with familiar roots

After graduating this summer, Dr. Neumeier will continue her career at Dayton Children’s as a hospitalist and physician advisor, helping the next generation of doctors for tomorrow’s patients – right where she began her journey.

“My biggest advice is to ‘say yes’ to opportunities to challenge yourself and learn,” she said. “You never know what interests and skills you may uncover in the process!”

Congratulations Dr. Neumeier!

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let your career take flight at Dayton Children’s!

Dayton Children’s careers offer rewarding opportunities in health care, support services and more, all with one mission: going above and beyond. Learn more about career opportunities at Dayton Children’s and the hospital’s commitment to employee growth here.

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

find a provider
schedule appointment
conditions we treat
A smiling young girl in a pink top sits in a bright clinic space, representing a happy patient at Dayton Children’s.

empathy in action: the role of community health workers in asthma treatment

woman helps young child with asthma inhaler

Asthma is a significant challenge for more than 4.5 million children under 18, impacting their daily lives, aspirations and dreams. At Dayton Children’s, we are dedicated not only to treating asthma but also to enhancing the overall wellness of every child living with this condition. 

Our Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a pivotal role in this mission, serving as important links between our patients and the resources that can transform their lives. By reaching out to families after a diagnosis, CHWs empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to manage asthma comprehensively, fostering resilience and a brighter, healthier future. 

CHW’s like Precious Brown have a unique connection to our community which impacts the way they carry out their job.  

Precious’ path: making a difference as a Community Health Worker

“I always wanted to give back to the community in which I grew up and helped mold me into the woman I am today. The only issue was I was unsure of how to fulfill that passion.” 

Precious Brown, community health worker, has been serious about her mission to make a difference in this community.  

When the opportunity was presented to join the team at Dayton Children’s, she was excited to be supported in pursuing her Masters in Public Health while also fulfilling her lifelong dream of helping others.  

“Being in this position, the impact that we are able to make for the families we serve is inexplicably rewarding,” shares Precious. “I remember when I was growing up I would watch my mom do things for people around her. Whether it was just a conversation or a gesture, I would see a sense of relief present on their faces and in their body. It was like a language that brought a calmness to everyone who was there to witness.” 

For Tabitha Miller, when her 8-year-old son Mason was diagnosed with asthma at Dayton Children’s, the presence of a CHW made her feel instant relief.  

“I started crying when she called me and she shared how she could help,” explained Tabitha. “I thought this was a blessing to have that extra help instead of just going to the doctor.” 

above and beyond support for asthma patients

So what exactly is the role of a CHW? It may be hard to label but easy to tell that it makes a big impact.  

“Sometimes we are therapists, educators, advisories, mediators and the lists can continue,” says Precious. “But of most importance we are advocators. As asthma Community Health Workers, we strive to help patients and their families healthily manage their asthma. This can look many ways, such as providing education to the patients about medication, environmental triggers, the importance of making office visits and what to do when symptoms are present and threatening.” 

Beyond education, CHW’s may also provide allergen bedding, swifter dusters, green cleaning buckets as an alternative to using harmful and asthma triggering chemicals, HEPA vacuums, spacers and more. All to limit the patient’s exposure to triggers that could cause irritation to the airways and provoke their asthma symptoms. 

Of course our CHWs also go above and beyond like Mekayla Pullins, who is the CHW for the Miller family.

A Community Health worker poses with an asthma patient

“She goes with us to doctors’ appointments. She’s always messaging to see how Mason is doing. She met up with us last minute because my son does not like taking his steroid inhaler to help with his asthma and he was going to have to start taking shots once a week and she printed off some papers and explained everything to us and he’s been doing his breathing better since!” 

By holistically helping the family to improve factors, stressors and triggers, it can make outcomes for the child patient much better! 

“What I think most are unaware of when it comes to asthma, is that it can be deadly. Asthma is a life-threatening disease and should be treated as such. Therefore, if you are unfamiliar with the effects of asthma and you help asthmatic families at any capacity try and find time to research do that you are best equipped to help these families.” 

the importance of asthma awareness

By raising awareness, people are more likely to recognize the signs of asthma, seek appropriate medical care, and understand how to manage the condition effectively. Additionally, increased awareness can lead to advocacy for policies and resources that support asthma prevention, research, and access to quality healthcare for asthma sufferers. Ultimately, the purpose of raising awareness is to enhance the quality of life for people living with asthma and reduce the burden of the disease on society. 

Today, Mason is an active kid who is excited to start playing football this year! Thanks to support and guidance from CHWs, this is possible and our hope for all kids!

 “I find it important to not assume that everyone around you, including the families, are as knowledgeable. So, educate profusely but not with the absence of compassion. Extend grace and patience and make sure that you are serving each case uniquely because it will be most beneficial,” shares Precious.  

To learn more about our CHW program and our hospital’s commitment to health equity, click here.  

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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