Health

Maintaining good health is essential for a happy and fulfilling life. At CHOC, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive healthcare services to children and families. Our team of expert physicians, nurses, and staff are dedicated to delivering the highest quality care to our patients. From routine check-ups to complex medical procedures, CHOC is committed to promoting the health and well-being of our community.

Learn more about Health at choc.org

Health Resources from CHOC

Patient is smiling while being measured by CHOC staff member at appointment

TOPIC GUIDE

Open Enrollment

people's hands stacked on top of each other

ARTICLE

Community as medicine: How to build and benefit from community for your child and yourself

parent with child on lap talks to a doctor at a computer

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Health literacy: Questions to ask at doctor’s appointments

toddler with brown hair watches tablet in lap

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The effects of screen time on children: The latest research parents should know

A young woman sits on the floor with a little girl who is playing with blocks

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How to find – and prepare – a babysitter

Little girl with heart shaped sunglasses sticking her tongue out

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Cholesterol and kids: What parents should know

Craig Cherf and family

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Construction chief’s ties to CHOC run deep as son beats cancer

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A challenging surgery, a positive experience: Sarah’s scoliosis story

red headed woman wearing white lab coat looks at microscope

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CHOC epilepsy patient sees longtime success through vagus nerve stimulator device

Teen crying while holding piece of paper - how to help teens cope with college rejections

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How to help your teen manage college rejection disappointment

Baby with colic crying in mother's arms

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Colic in babies: Tips for soothing your child from a pediatrician

Woman smiles while drinking coffee - self-care strategies for parents and caregivers

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Taking care of you: 5 coping strategies for parents and caregivers

Child and dog look out the window - how to help your child grieve the loss of their pet. Advice from CHOC

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Supporting your child after the death of a pet

Child in cape holds broccoli - superfoods for kids from a CHOC registered dietitian

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8 superfoods to boost your child’s diet

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Pectus excavatum surgery sparks a passion for helping others: Avery’s story

Teens running outside in fields - anti-obesity medications paired with healthy lifestyle choices - advice from CHOC

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Weight loss medications for treating teen obesity: What parents should know

blood donor giving blood, closeup of arm with tube

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Why you should consider becoming a blood donor

Two kids sit in front of fire - holiday safety tips for families from CHOC

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Keeping kids and teens safe this holiday season

Una niña mira a la cámara: comprender el estigma cultural de la salud mental

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Entendiendo el rol del estigma cultural a la hora de buscar servicios de salud mental

The backs of two sisters wearing life vests sitting on the dock of the lake

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CHOC experts answer parents’ questions about water safety

teen looks depressed in dark with head in arms - psychosis in kids and teens

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Debunking psychosis myths: How to support youth

Child sweats in hot summer weather

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5 ways to keep kids cool during hot weather

Child uses iPad in class - What parents should know about AI

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and kids: What parents should know

Eric Mammen, music therapist, play guitar with a patient at CHOC Hospital in Orange

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How music and lyrics can help kids cope: Q&A with a CHOC music therapist

Mom talking to child

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How to create a space to talk about mental health with kids and teens

Child smiles with salmon sushi

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The benefits of incorporating seafood into your family’s diet

Picazón infantil: lo que los padres deben saber sobre los tics y los trastornos de tics

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Tics y trastornos de tics: lo que los padres deben saber

Child washes hands to prevent spreading germs

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Kids and germs: What parents should know

Child holds autism awareness puzzle pieces

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Enjoy the journey: Advice from one autism parent to another

Accessing therapy for kids and teens

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How to access therapy and mental health support for kids and teens

Healthy, holiday habits like ice skating

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Healthy holiday traditions for families

Arm holding stress ball donates blood

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CHOC answers your questions about donating blood

chalk art on the employee bridge during CHOC hospital week 2021

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Inspiring hope through healing: National Hospital Week 2021

CHOC patient Melanie standing in front of Disney mural at CHOC

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Enhancing CHOC magic through the power of Disney stories

little boy smiling at the camera with CHOC teddy bear

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5 ways to spread joy to CHOC patients this year

flat lay of a group of teens laying down on the floor

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MIRE program ignites high-schoolers’ interest in biotech entrepreneurial field

Zachary and his family

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CHOC patients meet with legislators for advocacy week

Madre e hijo miran la computadora portátil durante la cita de telesalud

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Respuestas a las preguntas más frecuentes sobre la telemedicina

mom putting her hand on sick son's forehead to check his temperature

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Lo que puede esperar durante una cita de telesalud

mom_daughter_telehealth_tablet

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Answers to your most common telehealth questions

father and daughter using a table to have a telehealth appointment

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What to expect at your CHOC telehealth appointment

antonio-music-therapy

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The benefits of music therapy: Antonio’s story

Ron_platelet donation

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Celebrating CHOC’s longest-serving blood and platelet donor

young child dressed up like a superhero pretending to fly against a blue sky

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Honoring the Veterans Among our Mighty Brigade

The Ankeny family holding capes to honor former CHOC patient Carter

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Walking for a hero: CHOC Walk teams honor lost loved ones

Andrea Finn, CHOC RN residency program graduate

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The surprising thing I learned in the RN Residency program

Happy toddler in hospital crib with dad, pediatrician and nurse

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CHOC chief nursing officer reflects on another year of nursing excellence

Julian with his niece, CHOC patient Isabella

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Why I support CHOC: One uncle’s story

Teenagers splashing in the ocean while walking along the beach having fun

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How teens can build healthy habits: teen advisers weigh in

teen boy trying to decide between a healthy apple and a cinnamon roll

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Ask a CHOC Doc: How can I safely gain weight?

teammates hugging and celebrating victory after a goal

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The female athlete triad: What you need to know

overjoyed smiling young mother and daughter hugging and laughing

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CHOC leaders observe International Women’s Day

Teen girl having period sitting on sofa in pain

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Heavy periods (Dysmenorrhea): Should you be worried?

father and run with fishing rods walking to lake at sunset

ARTICLE

My Child is Almost a Teenager. What Should I Expect?

Little beautiful girl in pink jumpsuit smiles in a snowy winter park

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Ways to Spread Holiday Joy to CHOC Patients

close up of woman putting white round pill in mouth

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Pros and Cons of Teens Being on a Vitamin Regime

Teen suffering menstrual pain lying on a sofa

ARTICLE

Ask a CHOC Doc: Do I Have Endometriosis?

Doctor pediatrician with baby child in clinic

ARTICLE

Vote Yes on Proposition 4- Children’s Hospital Bond

Michael Ketterer auditioning on America's Got Talent

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Support CHOC Nurse on America’s Got Talent

teen girl checking for pimples, looking in mirror

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Teens and Acne

newborn baby in intensive care unit in a medical incubator

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CHOC at Mission Nurse Reflects on Years of Service to the Community

Yawning newborn baby infant in the hospital nursery

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CHOC at Mission Hospital Celebrates 25 Years Serving South Orange County

Young brunette woman wearing casual white t shirt

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Meet our Teen Advisory Council

Side view of a sad couple of teens looking down from a balcony

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What Your Doctor Wants you to Know About Teen Dating Violence

Worried parent young mom comforting depressed crying teen daughter

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What Parents Need to Know about Teens and Emergency Contraception

The Synder family siblings. Twin brothers are CHOC NICU graduates

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CHOC Sibling Gives Back Through Dance Marathon

Pediatrician using a stethoscope listens to the baby's chest, checking heartbeat

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Meet Dr. Laura Totaro

CHOC follies cast on stage in costume

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CHOC’s VP of Human Resources Joins Cast of Footloose Follies

Rose Ovalle, the new coordinator of CHOC’s Family Resource Center (FRC)

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Meet CHOC’s Newest Family Resource Center Coordinator

Young boy in wheelchair looking out at vista of desert

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CHOC’s Mi4 Internship: A Life-Changing Experience for a Teen Innovator

CHOC patient Austin all dressed up for a special occasion

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CHOC Patient Celebrates Milestone Birthday with Blood Drive

teen girl with blue dreads, lip piercings and tattoo

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Body Modification: What Parents Should Know

Emma Foss with adult coloring book, Color for the Kids

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A Pageant Winner’s Donation to CHOC

Transgender flag waving against blue sky

ARTICLE

Transgender Awareness Week

teen boy at a doctor's appointment with CHOC adolescent medicine doctor

ARTICLE

What to Expect at the CHOC Adolescent Medicine Clinic

Mickey and Minnie mouse with crowd for CHOC walk in the park with confetti in the air

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Insider Tips from CHOC Walk Team Captains

mother and daughter CHOC nurses Monica and Maria Arreola

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CHOC Nurse Following in her Mother’s Footsteps

two CHOC nurses in hallway discussing patient care

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Inspiring the Next Generation of Nurses

smiling teen girl crossing her hands over her heart with eyes closed

ARTICLE

A Heartfelt Thank You to All CHOC Nurses

Female doctor with little girl in hospital room letting her listen to her own heart

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Why I Love Being a CHOC Nurse

Dr. Jack Bruno, retired pediatrician and volunteer at CHOC

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Lifelong Pediatrician Becomes CHOC Volunteer

Dr. Anjalee Galion tending to patient in hospital bed

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Patients Say the Darndest Things

An old-fashioned empty theatre on opening night with curtains closed

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Meet the CHOC Follies Cast: 20-year Veterans of the Show

Young boy playing with child life specialist at CHOC Children's hospital

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CHOC Celebrates Child Life Week

pet therapy dog Magnolia with her mom Stacey who is a CHOC volunteer, and her grandpa

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Meet the Pet Therapy Team: Magnolia

young mother and daughter smiling and hugging

ARTICLE

Female Physicians, Hospital Leaders Observe International Women’s Day

Larry and Chris Laulhere donating $5 million to CHOC

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Cherese Mari Laulhere Foundation Gives $5 Million to CHOC Child Life

CHOC champions getting ready to decorate for the holidays posing as a group

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Meet the New Generation of CHOC Champions

meditation room at CHOC children's hospital, used for spiritual healing and reflection

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Spiritual Care Available to CHOC Patients, Families

teen boy wearing dress shirt looking at underarms

ARTICLE

Is Your Teen Sweating Too Much?

infant with adult hand holding clip on umbilical cord in hospital nursery

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Saving Lives By Donating Cord Blood

CHOC nurse Julia serenades patient with ukulele

ARTICLE

CHOC Nurse Serenades Patient

Father and son hiking down a rural dirt road

ARTICLE

Examining the Causes of Gynecomastia

mother and daughter doing partnered yoga together at home

ARTICLE

Meet Dr. Jennifer Ho

dad playing with daughter holding her above his head while she flies like an airplane

ARTICLE

Social Services Available to CHOC Families

child in a wheelchair wearing a full leg cast

PODCAST

What Parents Need to Know About Patient Safety

mother and baby with their heads together smiling

ARTICLE

Meet CHOC’s Newest Patient & Family Centered Care Coordinator

Doctor in blue rubber protective gloves putting an adhesive bandage on young woman's arm vein after blood donation

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National Blood Donor Month: Mackenzie’s Story

Smiling student girl reading book in library

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Fostering Philanthropy in Teens

Young woman massaging cute little baby on bed

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CHOC Children’s Hospital Earns National Award for Safe, Quality Care

doctor examining young girl's ear at doctor's appointment

ARTICLE

Frequently Asked Questions: Scheduling an Appointment at CHOC

Little boy with his blue stuffed rabbit in bed in hospital room

PODCAST

Tips for coping with hospitalization with Chloe Krikac

A female doctor conducts an ultrasound examination of the heart and abdominal organs of a newborn boy

ARTICLE

CHOC Patient Inspired to Become CHOC Doc

mom in casual suit adjusting the velcro on her little girl's shoes

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CHOC Walk in the Park: Justin’s Helpers

Disney princesses waving to crowd participating in CHOC walk in Disneyland

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CHOC Walk in the Park: Insider Tips for Event Day

mom with little girl hugging and having fun playing

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Give Extra Love this Valentine’s Day to CHOC Children’s Patients!

mother kissing baby and bottle feeding him

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How to Help Babies with Reflux

CHOC's Choco bear mascot wearing a party hat

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Choco Bear’s first portrait

Martial arts boy tying the knot to his black belt

ARTICLE

A Bright Future: Ian and Micah’s Story

CHOC children's hospital Bill Holmes tower at dawn

ARTICLE

Inside CHOC’s 1993 Time Capsule

CHOC's resident therapy dogs Odessa (black) and Lois (blonde)

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Thank You Pet Therapy Dogs — and Their Owners!

blue hard hats and shovels in the dirt for ceremonial ground breaking

ARTICLE

Inside CHOC’s 1964 Time Capsule

teenage girl wearing prom dress sitting for a portrait

ARTICLE

Prom Safety Tips for Parents

Worried Mother Video Chatting With Doctor On Laptop while touching son's forehead

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Telemedicine

young worried mom with laptop holding infant while feeling his temperature with her hand on his forehead

ARTICLE

Watch CHOC’s Telemedicine in Action

A smiling young woman making heart hand sign

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Thank You, CHOC Volunteers!

Smiling mother changing diaper on her happy baby

ARTICLE

Kids and Electronic Health Records

Father and his son enjoying time together on basketball court

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Advancing Information Technology in Health Care

tired little girl rubbing her nose and eyes feeling fatigue

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Keeping A Close Watch

silhouette of children playing at sunset with a ball

ARTICLE

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

doctor examining a cheerful first grader child girl with a stethoscope

ARTICLE

A Bright Future: Josh’s Story

silhouette of a little girl running on the beach at sunset

ARTICLE

The First to Answer a Call

Kind mother helping her son doing homework in kitchen

PODCAST

Patient and Family Centered Care: Partnering with Patients and Families

happy little girl playing and jumping

ARTICLE

CHOC at Mission: South OC’s Best-Kept Secret

mother and child girl happily rubbing their noses together

ARTICLE

CHOC Specialty Services Open in Corona

mother and baby smiling and cuddling face to face in bed

ARTICLE

Febrile Seizures: No Lasting Damage

mother and teen daughter together eating apples on track field

ARTICLE

Care Package Ideas For Your College Student

closeup of a mother holding tiny baby hand in hers

ARTICLE

A Mother’s Perspective

creative sandwich made into the shape of an owl using food

ARTICLE

Plate Size and Children’s Appetite

Eric Mammen, Lead music therapist, playing his guitar for a patient

ARTICLE

Music Therapy at CHOC Provides Healing, Positive Diversion

colorful disneyland balloons

ARTICLE

Continuing Walt’s Legacy

Baby visiting to the doctor for a check up

ARTICLE

Celebrate Doctor’s Day