Loma Linda University Children's Health

07/28/2025

Frightening headlines live in our social media feeds and conversations. It inevitably reaches children of all ages, which is why Dr. Cheryl Green encourages parents to have honest conversations with their children about the news.

Constant exposure to frightening imagery or repeated trauma at a young age can affect a child’s mental development. Even a baby in a bassinet can be affected if the news is playing graphic images.

Remember, the way an adult approaches their child about the news entirely depends on their age. Dr. Green assures that it’s possible and ideal to have these conversations in a safe way, while reflecting a family’s values.

Tap for more on how to navigate the media with your child ⤵️

A guide to age-appropriate conversations when the world feels overwhelming

07/24/2025

Merry Christmas Eve in July to all who celebrate!

We are counting down the days until the holiday festivities begin on campus! Until then, remind the kiddos to wash their hands—Santa is watching. 😉

07/21/2025

Our oncology unit was excited to receive this donation of play makeup kits from Oakley, a former oncology patient at LLUCH.💄✨

During her treatment, Oakley experienced hair loss and often struggled to feel beautiful. Now, she's sharing her love of play makeup to inspire others to express themselves and practice self-love.

07/17/2025

Last year we “launched” the Magnet Document Submission to the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

This year we're celebrating our Magnet re-designation 🎉

Learn more about this prestigious award ➡️ https://bit.ly/4mJD5Yz

07/16/2025

Our craniofacial team had the privilege of caring for Martha and her son Logan, a 15-year-old who was diagnosed in utero with a bilateral cleft lip.

When Martha was 7 months pregnant, a 3D ultrasound showed a shadow around Logan's upper lip. She knew something was wrong, but her ultrasound tech brushed it off. Later, Martha would find a new sense of hope at LLUCH. Dr. Jung-Wei Chan, Chair and Program Director of Pediatric Dentistry at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, introduced them to the first step in Logan’s journey—a retainer-like device called PNAM.

Now a thriving sophomore in high school, Logan enjoys working out, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. He and Martha recently joined us for our 15-year reunion for cleft lip and craniofacial patients, celebrating milestones and the power of compassion. 🙌

👉 Read more: https://bit.ly/44Uc78t

07/15/2025

After a tough battle with Valley fever, 17-year-old Marcos Nava is returning to the wrestling ring. 💪

It started with shortness of breath. Doctors at a Barstow hospital reassured that the Valley fever was inactive. A year later, Marcos’s lung collapsed anyways and he spent a month in the hospital.

Now, his story is helping raise awareness about a disease that’s quietly spreading beyond rural areas into cities like Barstow, Corona, and Riverside.

👉 Learn more about Valley fever and how you can protect yourself: https://bit.ly/4nIwayW

07/14/2025

Oswald, our therapy dog, has the paw-fect balance—spreading happiness to everyone while making time for some well-deserved relaxation! 🐾💼

07/10/2025

Congrats to Dr. Melissa Siccama on receiving the Distinguished Service Medal at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Courage Behind the Badge event! 🙌

Dr. Siccama, a forensic pediatrician, was recognized for her expert medical insight in a difficult child protection case. This honor is truly a reflection of her commitment to helping secure justice for vulnerable children across the Inland Empire.

During the event, Dr. Siccama said, "I am so privileged to be here tonight with my entire amazing RICA team for their support, as providing medical care for the children of the Inland Empire is so meaningful, and it's also meaningful to work with the Riverside County Sheriffs as we strive to create close bonds with law enforcement to closely protect kids."

Drop a 👏 to congratulate her in the comments below!

07/09/2025

Thank you to Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins for bringing joy and encouragement to our patients! 💙🏈

Patients and their families had the opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet with Jaelan right here at the hospital. For those unable to attend, he made sure to visit several units personally, lifting spirits with his kindness.

One patient shared, “Jaelan is an idol of mine, and it’s bringing great spirits, especially being in the hospital the last few days.”

This isn’t the first time Jaelan’s contributed to LLUCH—he previously participated in our Story Tellers video series and continues his support throughout the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild.

👉 Read more about his visit: https://bit.ly/3GuNAOZ

07/08/2025

“A lot of women leave the doctor’s office frustrated. They’re told their hormones are normal, but they don’t feel normal.”

While standard gynecologic care looks to estrogen and progesterone levels, Dr. Andrea Salcedo’s study reveals that elevated insulin levels may play a key role in irregular periods. 💡

👉 Read Dr. Salcedo's insights on abnormal periods: https://bit.ly/3IdjkbL

07/07/2025

We were thrilled to welcome back Avery, someone very special to the team. 💙 She tagged along with Subaru to help deliver cozy blankets to our oncology patients. Seeing her and the Subaru Loves to Care team give back fills our hearts with pride!

Read more about this donation: https://bit.ly/3GyCVme

07/04/2025

Fireworks are fun, but they’re not toys.

Last year alone, four children were admitted to our trauma center with injuries so severe they required amputation.

As you celebrate Independence Day, remember to keep safety at the forefront around the kids! A few extra seconds of supervision can prevent life-changing injuries.

👉 Read Dr. Don Moores' insights on firework safety: https://bit.ly/46nqsMK