Offer your suggestions on the redesign of the National Survey of Children’s Health.

An important survey about children’s health is being redesigned to improve the questions. If you have an hour of time and you’re willing to answer questions about children’s health conditions and discuss with an interviewer, you could earn $30 for your opinion.

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau is seeking survey takers that are at least 18 years old and are the parent/guardian of a child 17  or under who lives in the same household.

For more information, contact (888) 326-9165 or email nsch@norc.org.

Learn about insurance options available as your child ages to a young adult.

This Family Voices article describes the different types of insurance coverage available for young adults with special needs. In some cases, your child may be eligible for more than one type of plan.  Plans may be through an employer, through the marketplace, or even publicly provided under Medicaid or Medicare. Read Affordable Care Act: How Can Families and Professionals Help Children with Special Needs Keep Insurance Coverage as they Age Out?

Our care coordinators know the ins and outs of insurance options. Call us if you have any questions (800) 322-3722.

Researchers found smoking during pregnancy can cause cleft lip and palate.

Cleft lip and palate are physical birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. The 2014 Surgeon General’s report says 6% of babies born in the United States with orofacial cleft are caused by smoking during early pregnancy. Read the full article at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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• The condition in this story is covered by Specialized Care for Children

See what’s new with Special Olympics.

The September 2014 newsletter has several exciting articles. Find out about the new online process to register for competitions. Like roller coasters? You’ll love the Six Flags fundraising coaster challenge! You can also access a wheelchair user’s guide to fitness equipment or find upcoming events near you. Read the Special Olympics September Newsletter.

Apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment.

This grant is offered by United Healthcare Children’s Foundation. It helps families who have private insurance, but need financial assistance to help pay for healthcare treatments, services, or equipment that is not covered or not fully covered by their private health insurance plan.

Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids.

To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Applicants may apply online at any time – there is no deadline.

Complete an online application at United Healthcare Children’s Foundation.

An NPR blog confirms rise in enterovirus cases.

Enterovirus (also called EV-68) is on the rise. It causes severe respiratory infections and the CDC says it’s “evolving quickly.”

Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing.

Read the full story CDC Warns of Fast-Spreading Enterovirus Afflicting Children.

5 apps to stop the summer slide.

Children look forward to summer activities and a break from homework. Unfortunately, those months spent away from school can lead to learning loss, often called “the summer slide.” Teachers recommend 5 fun apps to help keep kids engaged in learning over the break. Read FIVE Apps to STOP Summer Slide.

Chicago Tonight reports the benefits of the LAUNCH transition program.

Parents and their children come together with hospital staff to find out how the children can become independent as they reach adulthood.

These young adults are learning the importance of understanding their treatment plan, asking questions, and how to fill prescriptions, select doctors and make appointments.

The group format also gives them an opportunity to form relationships with other young adults.

Find out why this Urbana cafe was featured on WCIA’s “Angel’s Among US”

Piato Cafe in the Lincoln Square Mall is known for their food. Now they’re being recognized for their efforts to support local causes. Each month Piato hosts a $5 buffet and donates the proceeds. One month – their best ever – the proceeds were donated to a staff member. The team member’s son has autism and developmental delays. The donations helped her pay therapy and hospital bills. Read the full story or watch the video on WCIA.

Discover the many programs and events available for kids this Summer at Carbondale’s library.

The public library has a few reading programs for different age groups, story time with songs and crafts, animal science, an interactive play, matinee movies, and even reading with a therapy dog!

For the full schedule of events, visit Carbondale Public Library’s Children’s Program Schedule.