Cook Children's Pediatrics Bedford

09/20/2025

September is National Guide Dog Month! This month we celebrate guide dogs to raise awareness and support for guide dog schools across the country.

09/19/2025

Cook Children's ha logrado una disminución en los ahogamientos infantiles, registrando 39 casos hasta el 31 de agosto. A través de esfuerzos estratégicos, educan a las familias sobre la seguridad acuática. Descubre más sobre cómo tú puedes ayudar a reducir los ahogamientos y cómo Cook Children's está contribuyendo.

El verano ha terminado y, para muchos, también la temporada de nadar en piscinas, lagos o playas. Sin embargo, Cook Children's Health Care System ha reportado una disminución en los ahogamientos desde principios de 2025 hasta el 31 de agosto, gracias en gran parte a los esfuerzos de prevención de...

09/19/2025

Happy 25th Anniversary to the Cook Children’s Home Health team! For a quarter-century, the team has embodied our Promise, providing compassionate care and support right where it’s needed most - in the comfort of our patients’ homes.

Since 2000, our Home Health team’s dedication has made a remarkable difference for over one million patients. In the last 10 years alone, the team has processed and completed over:
• 99,000 nursing referrals
• 95,000 rehab referrals
• 102,000 pharmacy referrals
• 112,000 orthotics and prosthetics referrals
• 3,200 custom mobility referrals
• 475,000 medical equipment and supply referrals

A Texas-sized thank you to every dedicated team member at Cook Children’s Home Health for 25 years of excellence, empathy, and unwavering commitment to our community. Here's to many more years of making a positive impact!

Send Cook Children’s Home Health a congratulatory note in the comments below.

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09/19/2025

September 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and countless contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. We’re honored to recognize our amazing Hispanic employees who bring their unique perspectives and traditions to our team every day. Their dedication helps us provide the best care for our patients and families. Let’s celebrate the incredible impact of Hispanic culture and heritage in our community! ¡Viva la cultura!

09/18/2025

Important Notice: The office will be closed from 11:30 to 1:20 for mandatory Team Training. In case of an emergency, please dial 911. We appreciate your understanding.

09/18/2025

Happy National Respect Day! Today is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of treating everyone with dignity, kindness, and understanding. Let's make it a point to show respect to those around us.

09/18/2025

Today is North Texas Giving Day, our community’s biggest day of philanthropy! This year, we’re inviting you to say “Yes” to our patients by giving generously. At Cook Children’s, “Yes” is powerful. Yes to successful clinical trials and cutting-edge research. Yes to facility dogs and music therapy. Yes to world-class care for all children.

Your gift allows us to say yes to kids who need it most. Donate today at https://brnw.ch/21wVSFK

09/17/2025

We have flu vaccines available and are now taking appointments for Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. We'll also be hosting a special flu-only clinic on Saturday morning, October 18, to make it even easier to get vaccinated. Please contact our office to schedule.

09/15/2025

September 5 marked one month since the new neighborhood health center opened its doors, bringing a fresh wave of safety, health and nutrition resources to Las Vegas Trail residents. The center is a first-of-its-kind partnership between JPS Health Network, Cook Children’s Health Care System, The City of Fort Worth, LVTRise and WestAid. More than just a clinic, it serves as a health care hub, connecting individuals and families to services that support every facet of well-being, from personal safety and medical care to food security, financial stability, and strong family foundations.

In the first month, Cook Children’s has had 929 visits at this neighborhood health center. Of those 929, 371 are new patients and 74 are newborns. We are excited to have already met and served so many in the community!

To read more about the ribbon cutting on August 5, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yvdt7uz4

09/13/2025

It's Self-Care Awareness Month! Self-care is anything that supports your physical, mental, and emotional health. This month is a perfect opportunity to start incorporating these habits into your daily life.

09/12/2025

Over the past few weeks, Cook Children's has seen an uptick in injuries due to e-bikes and e-scooters. Some electronic bikes and scooters can reach speeds of more than 10 mph. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that children under age 12 should not operate any e-bike that travels more than 10 mph. Electronic scooters are often considered vehicles and must adhere to traffic regulations and local ordinances. Some cities have even adopted ordinances specific to e-bikes and e-scooters.

Sharon Evans, Cook Children’s trauma injury prevention coordinator at Cook Children’s, offers parents tips on how families can safely enjoy their e-bikes and e-scooters. To learn more, visit:

Cook Children's Health Care System has seen an uptick in injuries due to e-bikes and e-scooters. Some electronic bikes and scooters can reach speeds of more than 10 mph. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that children under age 12 should not operate any e-bike that travel...

09/11/2025

Researchers from Cook Children’s used artificial intelligence (AI) to develop an innovative tool that precisely identifies the area of the brain where seizures originate in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Their findings were published in March 2025 in the top-tier scientific journal Nature Portfolio Journal Digital Medicine. The article explains how the research team designed and trained a machine-learning tool to specifically locate the seizure starting point in children and teenagers.

During their two-year study, the researchers came up with an automated system that works by analyzing recordings of electrical activity in the brain. The researchers entered the data into the framework, and the system learned to identify where the drug-resistant seizures started.

“The system provides as an output to the epileptologists and neurosurgeons the brain area to resect in order for the patient to become seizure free,” said Christos Papadelis, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President of Neuroscience Research at the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children’s Health Care System.

Dr. Papadelis teamed up with his postdoctoral research fellow Hmayag Partamian, Ph.D., to come up with the project’s concept and experimental design. Dr. Partamian developed the mathematical formulas and codes. The work took place in labs at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth and at the University of Texas at Arlington, where Dr. Papadelis serves as Professor of Research in Bioengineering and Director of the Pediatric Brain Health and Neurosciences Center.

The study utilized data from 43 children with drug-resistant epilepsy who underwent resective surgery. The goal of resective surgery is to stop seizures from occurring by removing the brain tissue where the seizures originate.

Dr. Papadelis said the new AI-based tool could help improve the outcome of those surgeries by precisely defining which tissue to remove, giving those patients hope for a seizure-free future.

To learn more, visit:

Researchers from Cook Children’s used artificial intelligence (AI) to develop an innovative tool that precisely identifies the area of the brain where seizures originate in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.Their findings were published in March 2025 in the top-tier scientific journal Nature P...

09/10/2025

Today marks a milestone for families in northern North Texas as Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper officially opens its state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Purpose-built to meet the urgent needs of a rapidly growing community, Cook Children’s - Prosper NICU is the first to be housed within a children’s hospital in the region.

"Our new NICU is a promise to families that their children will receive expert, compassionate care without having to leave their community," said Kevin Greene, President of Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper. "With each investment we make into our medical center and in our outpatient clinics, we are building a foundation for exceptional pediatric care close to home." With more than 46,000 new residents moving to Prosper and surrounding cities each year, many of them young families, Cook Children's NICU ensures that even the smallest and most vulnerable patients have access to specialized pediatric care close to home.

Designed with families in mind, every detail of the NICU is crafted to support both patients and their loved ones. Bright, whimsical colors and geometric shapes create an uplifting and calming environment, while bold polka dots and playful floor designs serve as a thoughtful wayfinding system, helping parents and visitors navigate the space with ease. Every feature, from the oversized rooms that allow for more family members to gather to the extra cabinetry for personal storage, prioritizes comfort, privacy and convenience during what can be a stressful time. Each room provides dedicated sleep spaces for parents, ensuring loved ones can remain close to their baby at all times.

“The opening of this NICU reflects Cook Children’s continued mission to improve the well-being of every child in our care and strengthen the health of our communities,” said Sheralyn Hartline, DNP, RN, CENP, RNC-NIC, Vice President, Nursing and Patient Care at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper. “We’re looking forward to growing further to meet the needs of families.”

To learn more about this exciting opening, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yxcdcamt

09/10/2025

On September 10th, we observe World Su***de Prevention Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about su***de. This year's theme is "Changing the Narrative on Su***de," which encourages open, honest discussions to break down stigma and promote a culture of understanding and support. Today, we encourage everyone to join this global effort by starting a conversation, no matter how small, about su***de and su***de prevention.

09/09/2025

Happy National Teddy Bear Day! Today is the perfect time to celebrate the cuddly companions that have brought comfort and joy to so many of us. Whether you still have your first teddy or you're buying one for a child, let's celebrate the simple pleasure of a good hug.

09/09/2025

Though this summer has flown by and the new school year has already begun, we’d like to celebrate and thank our junior volunteers! These high school students have dedicated their time and energy to working with patients and families at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth during the summer months.

This summer, we had 121 junior volunteers supporting various departments and areas within our medical center. Many of them are senior graduate volunteers who have donated their time and energy for three or four summers. We’re excited to introduce a few of our Summer 2025 graduating senior volunteers who began serving in 2022 or 2023:

1. Rose Jones, 18, spent her summer volunteering in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Rose was once a patient at Cook Children’s, which sparked her passion for pediatrics and desire to give back. “Last summer, I ran into one of my doctors who treated me while I was volunteering,” she said. “It was a really full circle moment for me.”
2. Briggs DeMott, 18, works as a gaming volunteer. He receives a schedule each shift of who has requested time with the video game system. He visits each room and is always greeted with an excited smile. “One time when I was playing with a patient, his sibling drew a photo of us,” he explained. “Before I left the room, the sibling gave me that drawing and I carry it with me every day.”
3. Yareli Villa, 18, spends her time in the Emergency Department (ED). She is both English and Spanish speaking, so Yareli loves making patients and families feel heard and comforted if there is a language barrier. “Even doing small things to help others makes a big impact,” she says.
4. Dariana Verduzco Sepulveda, 18, is a volunteer in the Child Life Zone and Build-a-Bear. She loves spending her summers at Cook Children’s, getting to know staff, families and kids. “The best part is seeing the kids' faces light up when they recognize me, one girl even ran up to give me a hug,” she said.
5. Luke Petersen, 18, has spent this summer as a child life volunteer on 3P and 4P. One of his favorite memories is from his first summer working the hospitality cart when he got to meet a family celebrating being discharged. “I’ll never forget their joy in that moment,” he says. Luke loves trying different roles and believes “there is a role for everyone to help out at Cook Children’s.”
6. Kelcy Orr, 18, has spent the last few summers volunteering at Build-a-Bear. Kelcy is a former patient at Cook Children’s and she always loved visiting the Build-a-Bear store after her own appointments. Now, as a volunteer, she gets to provide the same experience for other kids. “I love getting to listen to people share about their lives and help bring them joy in a hard time,” she said.

The Cook Children’s Junior Volunteer Program provides a very rewarding experience, personal growth, and an opportunity to give back to the community. The application period for Summer 2026 will begin December 1, 2025. You can find more information here: https://tinyurl.com/2s4tm9u9

09/08/2025

Over the summer, Texas passed a law that requires schools to prohibit the use of cell phones during school hours. While this has already shown a positive impact for students, like better focus and more face-to-face conversations, this change might be hard for parents to navigate.

Cell phones have become a point of connection between students and parents. Whether it’s a carpool update or an encouraging check-in text, cell phones help connect parents with their ever-changing kids throughout the day. Luckily, there are still ways to embrace this change and be intentional with your kids.

Ashley Pagenkopf, MS, CCLS, a child life specialist at Cook Children’s, shares a few ways parents can stay connected with their kids during the busy school year.

To learn more, visit:

By Ashley Pagenkopf, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist at Cook Children'sMy 14-year-old daughter got her first cell phone back in the spring. It’s pretty locked down. She is able to call and text and has a few apps that are necessary for school. As an early 80s baby, my parents really didn’t hav...

09/08/2025

Find us online!
Get Checkup Magazine at your fingertips.

Cook Children’s The Center for Community Health has launched an online home for our quarterly children’s health publication, Checkup Magazine. This helpful publication showcases a wide range of kids' health news, trending topics and expert insights to keep parents informed and empowered. With content curated by our health care professionals and community health specialists, Checkup Magazine offers practical advice, timely updates and strategies for supporting the health and safety of children, teens and the whole family.

Find all our Checkup Magazine publications here: https://www.cookchildrenscommunity.org/checkup

¡Encuéntranos en línea!
Ten la revista Checkup al alcance de tu mano.

El Centro de Salud Comunitario de Cook Children’s ha lanzado su propia página en línea dedicada a la publicación trimestral, Checkup. Esta revista presenta una amplia gama de noticias sobre la salud infantil, temas de actualidad y los conocimientos de nuestros expertos, con el fin de que los padres estén informados y empoderados. Con contenido seleccionado por nuestros profesionales de la salud y especialistas en salud comunitaria, la revista Checkup ofrece consejos prácticos, actualizaciones oportunas y estrategias para apoyar la salud y la seguridad de los niños, adolescentes y toda la familia.

09/05/2025

Durante más de dos décadas, los residentes de Las Vegas Trail han enfrentado un "desierto" de servicios básicos, con acceso limitado a alimentos saludables y atención médica. Esta situación se originó tras el cierre de la Base Aérea Carswell en 1993, que había sido el pilar económico de la zona. Lo cual ha resultado en la comunidad luchado contra las barreras para obtener atención médica de calidad, fuentes de alimentos nutritivos, espacios comunitarios seguros y estabilidad económica.

Tras un reportaje del Fort Worth Star-Telegram que destacó los desafíos de la comunidad, una serie de asambleas y encuestas comunitarias sentaron las bases para el plan de transformación de Las Vegas Trail. Los residentes compartieron sus principales preocupaciones, incluyendo el transporte, la seguridad, el acceso a alimentos, la atención médica y la salud mental.

A raíz de esta iniciativa, Cook Children’s Health Care System se asoció con JPS Health Network, la Ciudad de Fort Worth, LVTRise, WestAid, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, Tarrant County College y otras organizaciones para la creación del Centro de Salud Las Vegas Trail. “Creo que esto es algo muy grande y es algo muy bonito,” dijo Sky Ramos, promotora de salud de Cook Children’s.

Ramos no solo es empleada de Cook Children’s, sino que ha vivido de primera mano las dificultades de la zona. La madre de un hijo, recuerda tener que ajustar sus horarios de trabajo para poder llevarlo al médico. “Para mí no solo es un trabajo es un propósito,” afirmó Ramos.

El Centro de Salud Las Vegas Trail se inauguró el 23 de julio. Desde entonces hasta el 2 de septiembre, Cook Children’s ha atendido a 929 pacientes.

Ahora, con el centro de salud en Las Vegas Trail, Ramos anticipa que esto ayudará a aliviar la congestión en otras clínicas y se facilitará el acceso de las familias del área a la atención médica.

Lee más aquí: https://tinyurl.com/kehuhs7n

09/05/2025

The fifth and final week of our 30 Days of Wellness events at the neighborhood health center in Las Vegas Trail was filled with education and community.

For the last week, Cook Children’s Center for Community Health provided mindfulness games and stress-relief techniques for kids, job training and oral health tips with free dental-care kits and cavity-prevention demostrations. KERA shared their family resources with children and parents. JPS Health Network shared QPR training, workforce development and lactation education. Friday focused on vehicle safety with The Center for Community Health, JPS Community Outreach & Education and JPS Trauma Injury Prevention. There was booster seat education and sign-ups for free car seat checks, car seat education and installation with a certified child passenger safety technician and motor vehicle crash prevention.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for these past 30 days! Keep an eye out for more events to come in the future! To learn more about the neighborhood health center in the Las Vegas Trail, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yepanej8

08/20/2025

Today is the Day of Medical Transporters. Cook Children’s has a team called Teddy Bear Transport that travels and by roads and through the air to bring babies, children and adolescents to get the medical care they need. We are so thankful for their compassion and quality care.

08/19/2025

Happy World Photography Day! It’s such a blessing to look back on photos of your favorite memories and people. Celebrate the gift of photography today and take some pictures of people and thing you love.

08/18/2025

Today is World Never Give up Day! It’s a great reminder for all of us to keep pushing forward with determination through the difficulties we each face. We also hope to support you and your children in your journey to never give up.

08/17/2025

Happy National Nonprofit Day! As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Cook Children's invests every resource into providing exceptional healthcare and improving the health of every child. Our focus is always on preventing illness, ensuring access to care, and strengthening families and communities.