The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 53 COVID patients today, 51 Thursday. Other significant numbers:
- 27 with the active virus today, 26 Thursday
- 8 in ICU, 7 Thursday
- 4 on a ventilator, 4 Thursday
Key points from today’s guests:
Morning Rounds – Summary of Recent Headlines
Danielle Johnson, Ph. D., child psychologist, The University of Kansas Health System
- According to the recent CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 57 percent of girls feel persistent sadness, up from 36 percent in 2011, and 30 percent have seriously considered suicide, up from 19 percent in 2011.
- Have an open dialogue with your children so they can tell you if they have any concerns.
- If you're concerned about your kid’s safety, ask them if they feel like dying. We often don't use the word dying or death or killing themselves, because we fear we might implant that into their head. If your kid is struggling, they're already thinking about it. You're not implanting anything. You're opening the doors having an honest conversation.
- Collaborating with your child’s school to provide the right support is vitally important.
Focus Topic – Down Syndrome
Moya Peterson, Ph. D., family nurse practitioner and founder, Adults with Down Syndrome Specialty Clinic, The University of Kansas Health System
- She found out there was no specialty clinic in the Midwest that focuses on adults with Down syndrome, so she founded this clinic.
- The current life expectancy of the average adult with Down syndrome is 61, but in 1985, the life expectancy was only 25.
- We have made a lot of progress in knowing how to handle their heart problems and other health issues, but we have a long way to go.
- Adults with Down syndrome are more prone to congenital heart disease and autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease and hyperthyroidism.
- Her goal is to facilitate with families of people with Down syndrome and help them live normal lives.
Rachel Mast, patient greeter, The University of Kansas Hospital
- Loves being a patient greeter and seeing people coming in and making them feel good.
- Likes to bring her high energy to the hospital.
- Cares about her health and loves Dr. Peterson for everything she does.
- Believes it is important to treat people with Down syndrome the same way you want to be treated.
Jawanda Mast, Rachel’s mom
- Great to live in community that has a specialty clinic that caters to adults with Down syndrome.
- It's reassuring to have someone like Dr. Peterson who is an expert on Down syndrome to help guide our healthcare as these adult years are a bit of an unknown and new charted territory for all.
- Jawanda is an advocate with the National Down Syndrome Congress, where she is working on legislation that changes laws to help people with disabilities.
Lucy Wagner, dining services cashier, The University of Kansas Health System
- Works as a dining room host at the hospital and takes care of cleaning tables and restocking supplies for people.
- She takes great pride in helping people and even has an ice cream named after her at the hospital.
- Feeling included is a big deal for people with Down syndrome.
COVID Update
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control, The University of Kansas Health System
- According to a recent New York Times article, most COVID hospitalizations are from patients over 70.
- The second category is those in the 60 to 69 age range, so obviously this disease continues to affect our most vulnerable populations.
- According to a Science article, a universal flu vaccine is being studied, but it is an early study.
- Ideally, it is good to have a vaccine that covers multiple flu strains.
Monday, February 20 is the next Morning Medical Update. Clinical trials are the way advances in medicine are developed and they depend on people taking part to be successful. Now there’s an app to make it easier to sign up and to help insure more diverse participation.
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