Latest news with #Children's
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Announce Multi-Year Contract
Children's to remain in-network for Anthem members across Georgia ATLANTA, June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced today a new, multi-year provider network agreement with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia's leading pediatric healthcare provider with three hospitals and multiple neighborhood locations. This partnership will continue to provide access to 2,300 pediatric physicians and allied health practitioners across more than 60 pediatric programs. "We are pleased to continue our valuable alliance with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta to provide specialized care for our youngest members across Georgia," said Robert Bunch, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. "We are fortunate to have the Southeast's top pediatric hospital right here in our backyard to make sure access to quality care is not an issue for our children and teens." As part of the agreement, the two organizations will continue to concentrate on the integration of clinical data and digital connectivity to optimize processes, lessen administrative burdens, and enable efficient, patient-focused care. These efforts aim to drive improved health outcomes, benefiting Children's patients covered by Anthem health plans, including employer-sponsored, individual, and Medicaid. "As Georgia's only freestanding pediatric healthcare system, we are happy that this agreement will maintain access to the specialized pediatric care that Georgia's families depend on," said Donna Hyland, CEO, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. "We believe every child deserves the care that only Children's can provide." About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue ShieldAnthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is available at Also, follow us at @anthemBCBS on X or on LinkedIn. About Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAs the only freestanding pediatric healthcare system in Georgia, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is the trusted leader in caring for kids. The not-for-profit organization's mission is to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow through more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs, top healthcare professionals, and leading research and technology. Children's is one of the largest pediatric clinical care providers in the country, managing more than one million patient visits annually at three hospitals (Arthur M. Blank, Hughes Spalding and Scottish Rite), Marcus Autism Center, the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, the Zalik Behavioral and Mental Health Center, urgent care centers and neighborhood locations. Consistently ranked among the top children's hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has impacted the lives of kids in Georgia, across the United States and around the world for more than 100 years thanks to generous support from the community. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Kersha Cartwright
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Internet Obsessed With Dog's Response to Giant Bounce House
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The internet is obsessed with a dog showing its love for a bounce house in a chaotic video which has gone viral online. In a clip shared on May 26 to Cogger's Family Funfairs' TikTok account, @coggersfamilyfunfa, a small dog sprints from the top of a tall bounce house, sliding all the way to the bottom. On the side of the bounce house are tall inflatable stairs, meant to be used by children to climb to the top and slide back down. But in this case, the dog has the whole bounce house to itself, and as soon as it's barely touched the bottom of the slide, it hurries up the stairs without breaking a sweat, ready to go again. A fairground is visible in the background, but without any family or customers, and the rides appear to be closed down, the dog appears to have not just the bounce house, but the entire fair to itself. TikTok users loved the sweet video, awarding it more than 1.3 million views in just over a day, as one commenter wrote: "This is probably his best day ever," and another said the dog was "really having the time of his life." Another pointed out how the dog was "not even finished the slide and he's back on the ladder," as another described it: "He was already on the way up while on the way down." One pet owner joked they had "something new to add to my shopping list," as yet another predicted: "I just know this doggo had the best sleep of their life after this." And one, writing from an account dedicated to their own dog, wrote: "Please give me the details I would so like to come and play too!" The dog sprints up the inflatable stairs after sliding down the bounce house. The dog sprints up the inflatable stairs after sliding down the bounce house. TikTok @coggersfamilyfunfa Bounce houses are popular choices for children's parties or other celebrations, but come with rules to keep people safe. For proper safety, only children aged six and older should be allowed on the bounce house, and only when an adult is present. Only one child should be allowed on at a time, but if more children are present, they should be around the same age, size and weight, according to Nationwide Children's. While bounce houses are usually for children only, some companies offer dog-friendly bounce houses for private hire. Newsweek has contacted @coggersfamilyfunfa on TikTok for comment on this story. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Make-A-Wish: MaKya's story
RUSSELLVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Ahead of News 19's telethon benefiting Make-A-Wish Alabama, we want to introduce you to just a few of the 78 children in North Alabama who are Wish Kids. They can't wait to see their wishes get granted, but it takes donations to make it happen. One of those children waiting for her wish is MaKya. The eight-year-old is always on the move. 'She's playing softball, she does baton, and she does the cheerleading clinics in school,' Mom ReShanga Baker said. When she's not doing extracurriculars, her family said she is always getting into something at home. She loves playing outside too. Not only is she a young athlete, but she excels in school. Her favorite subject is Math. After class, after-school activities, and homework, it's time for bed. Before she sleeps, however, she must be hooked up to her TPN machine for a nine-hour run. It's connected through a central line in her chest. 'It's like a catheter. It gives her nutrients she doesn't get by mouth with her small intestine,' ReShanga said. 'Her digestive system is different from ours.' MaKya was born with only 10% of her small intestine. ReShanga said before she was born, doctors believed she had a cyst. When she entered the world, ReShanga said she was immediately flown to Huntsville Hospital for emergency treatment. She didn't get to meet her daughter until two days later. '[Doctors] say she had, basically, something like gangrene. They went in and cut out the part. She was lying in the incubator with the tubes and stuff on her,' ReShanga said. She didn't leave the hospital for five months. Now, MaKya has braved more surgeries than she's had years of life. 'She's probably had about 10 or 12 in total,' ReShanga said. MaKya goes to her local doctor every month for checkups, then travels for an in-depth look at Children's a couple of times a year. MaKya said she doesn't mind the check-ups. 'Only when I have to go into surgeries, I'm scared,' MaKya said. ReShanga said as long as her daughter's central line stays in tip-top shape, there may not need to be any more surgeries. There was a silver lining when she had her last operation, though: MaKya discovered a love of Disney movies, especially 'Moana.' After the operation, when she was five, ReShanga was connected with Make-A-Wish Alabama. MaKya said she wanted to go to Disney World. 'She was so excited. She was just yelling and jumping,' ReShanga said. 'To see her have a good time and enjoy herself. I think that's what I'm looking forward to.' MaKya is bringing her older sister, her mom, and her stepdad with her on her trip. She can't wait to run through the parks and ride as many rides as she can. If you're interested in helping Make-A-Wish Alabama grant wishes like MaKya's, you can donate to News 19's 'Wishes Can't Wait' telethon right now! Click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Columbus Marathon 5K, 1 Mile races renamed to recognize Jesse Owens
The Columbus Marathon 5K and 1 Mile will no longer exist. But don't panic — it's only because of a name change. Previously known as the Columbus Marathon 5K and 1 Mile honoring Jesse Owens, the races have been rechristened the Jesse Owens 5K and 1 Mile, according to a press release. Advertisement The name was changed to better recognize the Ohio State legend, who made history at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin by becoming the first person to win four gold medals in a single Olympics. The former Columbus Marathon 5K and 1 Mile honoring Jesse Owens, now called the Jesse Owens 5K and 1 Mile, will kick off the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & Half Marathon weekend in October. The 5K and 1 Mile are the kickoff to the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & Half Marathon weekend, which will take place Oct. 18-19. Other changes for 2025 include upgrading the 5K to a USA Track & Field-certified event and holding it entirely on downtown Columbus streets. The changes came at the recommendation of Owens' family to improve the race experience and broaden the event's appeal, Columbus Marathon race director Darris Blackford said in the release. Advertisement Entertainment and Things to Do reporter Belinda M. Paschal can be reached at bpaschal@ This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Marathon 5K, 1 Mile races renamed to honor Jesse Owens
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Take away this pain': Families speak on proposed Nebraska medical cannabis regulations
Nebraska advocates for medical cannabis have worked for more than 12 years, and continue to wait, for a safe, regulated system in Nebraska, after winning voter approval in November. Pictured are many longtime advocates for the effort. (Photos courtesy of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana) LINCOLN — At just 7 years old, Teddy Bronson of Omaha has faced six brain surgeries, been prescribed 14 different drugs and used about half a million dollars in medical hardware to fight his drug-resistant epilepsy that at one time had him enduring an average of 3,800 seizures each month. Matt Bronson, a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran, and Liz Bronson, a nurse practitioner at Children's Nebraska, say that each day is a fight for their 'beautiful little son,' Teddy, including any measures possible to reduce his seizures. That included a groundbreaking half-day neurosurgery at Children's just a few years ago with a robotic surgical assistant. At a public forum this weekend for medical cannabis regulations, which the Bronsons say could help ease Teddy's pain, Matt Bronson said his son is at 85% higher risk of losing his life each night. But each morning, Liz and Matt greet their son. 'I get to see my son smile, I get to hear him babble, and damn it, he is seven and a half years old and he's walking,' Matt Bronson told an often raucous, cheering public forum crowd in Omaha on May 4. 'Three years ago, he was in a wheelchair.' Data shows Teddy is improving, 'but any seizure can take him,' Liz Bronson said. Quoting the family's California-based epileptologist, Liz Bronson said, 'We can either pass evidence-based, well-regulated legislation, or we can sign more death certificates.' 'We come here before you today to say that, 'I'm sorry, but Teddy matters,' and that our family matters and that the suffering individuals in this state matter,' Liz Bronson said. In a more than decade-long fight for medical cannabis in Nebraska, through three election cycles, numerous legislative bills and multiple court fights, the Bronsons are among those who have consistently fought for access to the medicine. Voters overwhelmingly approved legalizing medical cannabis in November. It was approved by 71% of voters, and just a slightly smaller percentage, 68%, approved the basic outlines of a regulatory system. The Bronsons were among hundreds of Nebraskans who attended public forums May 3 in La Vista, May 4 in Omaha or May 5 in Lincoln. Most shared a similar message: Medical cannabis is legal in Nebraska, and the 'will of the voters' must be implemented. But how the state should do so differed among the dozens of speakers who addressed a bipartisan group of 13 state senators spread between the three events on Legislative Bill 677, from State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, a bill meant to clarify regulations. Senators estimated at least 300 attendees. Some speakers linked the fight with legislative efforts to water down minimum wage and paid sick leave protections passed in the 2022 and 2024 statewide elections. Others linked LB 677 to LB 316, from State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, a priority of Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who has escalated his opposition to LB 677 and all products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. LB 316 essentially reclassifies 'hemp' as 'marijuana.' Opponents call it a 'de facto ban' on nearly all THC or hemp products. Hilgers said Wednesday that it was never his intention to use LB 316 against the ballot measures. Hansen is working to make explicit in Kauth's bill that it does not conflict with the ballot measures or LB 677. Nebraska attorney general steps up medical cannabis opposition, regulatory bill awaits debate Hilgers said his 'heart goes out' to anyone in pain who feels they can't access something they feel could alleviate the hurt. However, he said he must uphold federal laws against marijuana despite dozens of states approving medical or recreational cannabis. 'I think two plus two is four, even if everyone else says two plus two is five,' Hilgers said this week when he launched a law enforcement campaign against LB 677. Speakers at this month's forums blasted LB 677 for its compromises, including prohibiting smoking cannabis, specifying 15 'qualifying conditions,' allowing no more than 30 medical dispensaries and requiring a patient or caregiver to pay up to $45 for a registry card under the new state regulatory system. Among those was Ethan Stankus of Bellevue, who said that if he'd known there would be a smoking ban, conditions list or other 'needless compromises,' he would have voted 'nay.' 'This is not what we voted for,' Stankus said, holding up a breakdown of the amendment to LB 677, asking why Nebraskans needed to take time to reexplain their vote. For Hansen and supporters, the need for the bill is complicated, illustrated, for instance, when many attendees criticized the regulations for being housed in a new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission that shares resources and staff with the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. That was part of the ballot measure, partly in response to consistent opposition to medical cannabis from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Across the dozens of speakers, only one, the state's former longtime state epidemiologist in DHHS, Tom Safranek, raised hesitation about the voter-approved laws, for a 'potential for societal damage.' DHHS also opposes LB 677. Due to constitutional constraints with ballot measures — including the need to stick to a 'single subject' — supporters were limited in what they could present to voters. Supporters of LB 677 say it would provide clearer guidance before the commission acts. The proposal also seeks to aid a voter-enacted deadline for the commission to write the regulations, which is currently July 1. The commission, in court filings, has said the ballot measure provided 'no ability to carry out any duties' set forth in the new laws, particularly with its lack of funding. State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, chair of the Legislature's General Affairs Committee, who worked with Hansen on the bill, said Sunday there is 'no way' the measure's required regulations can be completed in time. LB 677 seeks to delay the required regulations by three months, while also more explicitly setting the parameters of the new regulatory system. The voter-passed laws' wide flexibility to let the commission draft all regulations could end up with a system stricter than LB 677 proposes. For instance, one of the governor-appointed members, Lorelle Mueting of Omaha's Heartland Family Service, said in an online comment against a separate LB 705 this year that her agency does not support legalizing marijuana 'in any form for medical purposes' without federal approval. Mueting opposed LB 677 at its hearing. Hansen said the time is right 'to get off our butts' and unite Democrats and Republicans and reach the 33-vote threshold needed to pass LB 677 and help Nebraskans. The system needs to start right and show 'the world hasn't ended,' Hansen said. 'Everyone's not dying. People aren't smoking doobies on the corner like a lot of my conservatives think.' 'We're not going to eat 100% of the apple,' Hansen said Saturday of the efforts. 'We get 75%, 80%, make sure the people who need it, you get it.' Marie Reed of Blair, one of Hansen's constituents, spoke of her 12-year-old son Kyler, who has epilepsy and takes six medications a day. Since 2019, the family has prepared to use a rescue medication for Kyler, a controlled substance, if Kyler's seizures last more than five minutes. 'You don't ever get it until you're in that situation,' Reed, who worked on the recent cannabis ballot measures, said. 'One day, somebody you love might have epilepsy or cancer, and I think that if you truly think about it, you will realize you wish that you could have this to give to your loved one and not keep fighting for it.' While tense at times, the weekend also brought moments of levity, such as Shannon Coryell of Omaha, a self-described 'bleeding heart liberal' who said that 'pigs must be flying' because she agreed with Hansen, a Republican with a Libertarian bent. Tom Becka, a former host on conservative talk radio in Omaha and a longtime broadcaster, spoke to Hilgers and Ricketts, saying that the movie-musical 'Reefer Madness' wasn't a 'documentary.' 'More people have died from the onions on the McDonald's hamburger than have died from medical cannabis,' Becka said to a laughing crowd. No deaths from overdoses of marijuana have been reported, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, though some edibles have led to an increasing number of emergency room visits. Multiple Nebraskans also encouraged lawmakers to act quickly, as some patients who could have gotten help or tested out the medication have died in 12 years of legislative waiting. Jill Hessing of Lincoln spoke of her mother, an open-minded Republican and licensed practical nurse who died of cancer in 2006. While some speakers said they would just go to Missouri for marijuana anyway, Hessing said that wouldn't be the case for her mother, a 'kind, compassionate, law-abiding woman.' Lia Post of Springfield read a written letter Monday on behalf of her friend Angie Cornett of Norfolk, who missed the meeting to bury her mother. Cornett, a nurse, wrote that her mom endured severe and chronic pain for decades. When she tried cannabis for the first time 25 years ago, at age 50, it eliminated the severe burning pain in her feet caused by severe nerve damage from her back and apathy from diabetes. Cornett said her mom described the new pain relief as 'stepping on cold slushy watermelon.' A 'cocktail' of addictive pain relief medications was part of her mom's medical regimen, Cornett said, adding she couldn't help but wonder how her mom's life could have changed with medical cannabis. 'She knew exactly what she was voting for, and as I bury my mom today, I want you to know that she is just one of many patients who have died waiting for the right to access plant-based medicines in Nebraska and access to a God-given plant that was used medicinally since the ancient times,' Cornett wrote Monday. Post, a frequent medical cannabis advocate at the Nebraska State Capitol, said she is one of a handful of longtime advocates who have been told by lawmakers to mind their interactions and cool frustrations or methods of advocacy, such as Post telling Republicans that patients are dying. Even so, Post said the roadblocks won't make her back down from a disease — complex regional pain syndrome — that will one day take her life. 'Fight for us. Fight like our lives matter,' Post said Saturday. 'None of you are God, and you do not deserve to play God in this anymore.' Dominic and Shelley Gillen of Bellevue have been in the fight for 12 years, similar to the Bronsons, for their now 23-year-old son Will, who similarly has a severe form of drug-resistant epilepsy and is referred to by friends and family as 'God's Will.' In that time, Dominic Gillen estimated, his son has faced more than 450,000 seizures and 'a body littered with scars.' Dominic Gillen said he considers Hilgers' efforts against the medical cannabis campaign and its many volunteers, patients and caregivers, the type of 'lawfare' that Republicans lamented under former President Joe Biden. At each event, Gillen told senators to see the patients, 'not look through them.' 'Will has never spoken a word, but he's touched countless lives in this state and other states through his story,' Dominic Gillen said. 'Will is truly the greatest of blessings. He's perfect even in his imperfection.' Hansen, too, urged Nebraskans to share their stories and photos with lawmakers, particularly Republicans. 'Out of curiosity,' he asked Sunday whether those in attendance would support recreational marijuana if LB 677 failed and the regulations became too restrictive. Nearly everyone raised their hands. Hansen said he's telling his colleagues to pass LB 677 and regulate medical cannabis, or the voters will end up legalizing recreational marijuana. Hilgers and other opponents of medical cannabis and recreational marijuana have said LB 677 would open the door to recreational use already. Court battles continue in front of the Nebraska Supreme Court and in courts in Hall County, against a notary, and Lancaster County. The Nebraska Attorney General's Office has argued the laws are preempted by federal law and threatened to sue the Medical Cannabis Commission if it issues dispensary licenses. Notaries targeted in those cases have pledged innocence, including Jacy Todd of York, a notary who faces first-of-their-kind criminal charges in Grand Island. None of the four notaries targeted in the case before the Nebraska Supreme Court has been criminally charged, though a lower-court judge tossed some of their signatures. Hilgers said the lack of charges shouldn't be 'read into. Hilgers, joined by various sheriffs on Wednesday, said that medical cannabis and LB 677 are 'going to make Nebraska less safe, more dangerous. It's going to handcuff the good men and women here that are in front of you and all their colleagues around the state.' Todd, a disabled veteran, was among those asking lawmakers to act and include post-traumatic stress disorder in the list of acceptable conditions for use, the removal of which Hansen said was one of the 'negotiating factors' that was needed to get LB 677 out of the General Affairs Committee. Two amendments from State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha would add PTSD to the list. The first directly, the second by removing the list altogether and leaving the decision between doctors and patients. Matt Bronson, who served in the military, left for war at age 19. He said he broke his back in 2007, struggles with PTSD, is a recovering alcoholic and has lost most sensation in his legs. He was given many options, including opiates and other addictive pain medications. Before Teddy was born, he said he tried to take his life. Medical cannabis is not about Matt Bronson or Teddy getting high — 'I give two s— about getting high,' his father says. However, Bronson says he can't take the addictive medications, get significant back surgery or be put in a wheelchair for 18 months because he and Liz Bronson need to care for Teddy at a moment's notice, who comes first above his own health. 'Let's take away this pain,' Matt Bronson said. 'I don't want to remember those brothers and sisters I lost in war. I don't want to remember every single damn casket I put on the back of C-17 flying home covered in the damn flag. I love my country, but God damn, Uncle Sam, let's do something about this s—.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
