The Bluebird Patch

“Pie for Patients” social media effort challenges people to pie themselves and others for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® and Chick-fil-A are teaming up with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta to challenge  Children Of All Ages  to participate in  Pie for Patients.  People can make a pie using shaving or whipped cream, take a video, and then post the video on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube using #GetPiedforCHOA and #ringlingbros. After getting involved in the fun of getting pied and raising awareness for Children’s, participants are asked to donate to make a difference in their local community.  

Gifts That Give Back! Buy one Comfy Critter and another one will be donated to  Children's Healthcare!  Comfy Critters loves to create new products that bring joy, fun and happiness to the lives of people of all ages. Their first product is the patented Huggable Hooded Blanket, the first and only huggable stuffed animal that is also a cozy, snuggable hooded blanket. You can hug, love, wear and cuddle up in your Comfy Critters Huggable Hooded Blanket, and it's great for all kinds of occasions: naptime, playtime, sleep over time, car time or anytime!  This holiday season, Comfy Critters is proud to partner with the Atlanta Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital . During the month of December, Comfy Critters will donate one unit to the hospital for each unit sold. When you enter the code BUY1GIVE1 during checkout you can order your favorite critter and give one back to the hospital. Visit   Comfy Critters  to choose your favorite critter!  ...

School is back in session in many cities across Georgia. The first day of school is always exciting, new friends, new teachers, new adventures. But with a new school year there's always multiple concerns from parents. From establishing bedtime routines, packing healthy lunches, and empowering kids to stand against bullies, no school year is ever the same and they always come with a unique series of challenges. Our friends at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta want to help you ease your child transition to their new school year with a dedicated website that is full of tips and important information for a healthy and happy life. Some of the topics you can find include: Pack Smart - Backpacks are a handy way for your child to carry hisbooks and other school materials, but if used incorrectly can put strain on his back muscles and joints causing lower back pain and injury. Breathe Easy - Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses in children and ...

During a surprise visit to Seacrest Studios,  Meghan Trainor  made Children's Healthcare of Atlanta patients feel like they were the real celebrities in the house. The singer's mega hit “All About that Bass” has become an smash hit, peaking the number one at Billboard for several weeks. THE VOICE at Seacrest Studios is  located in the lobby of Children’s at Egleston. THE VOICE at Seacrest Studios is on the air Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. During this time, patients can come to the studio to learn about radio or introduce songs over the air. They can record greetings and play games with other patients or the center’s interns. Some patients have even  returned to perform . Patients at Children’s at Scottish Rite and Children’s at Hughes Spalding may watch and listen to THE VOICE at Seacrest Studios by tuning to Channel 12 on their TV. Any patient can call THE VOICE at Seacrest Studios to request a song, do a shout-out to a fa...

Every year, more than 2,500 infants in the U.S. die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the unexplained, sudden death of an infant under 1 year old. As the number one cause of death among infants aged 1 month to 1 year, SIDS is a terrifying reality that thousands of families have faced. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hopes to raise awareness about the importance of creating a  safe sleep environment , so that babies can grow up to be all they dream about during their nighttime adventures. To launch our safe sleep guidelines, our friends at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta have created an imaginative photo series - From the NICU to the Moon - that dreams about what our sleeping NICU babies might become someday- an astronaut? A ballerina? A Top Chef? A doctor? Maybe even an Olympian? If the size of the fight in their tiny bodies is any indication, these babies have big things in store for the world. Visit Safe Sleep hub to find tips for keeping...

Last year’s FitnessGram results showed that o nly 16 percent of Georgia schoolchildren were able to pass five basic tests of physical fitness, and 20 percent were unable to pass any of the tests regardless of weight.  State officials compared our children’s fitness levels to those of senior citizens - with many unable to walk a mile, touch their toes or do a push-up. While these outcomes sound daunting the good news is that the health implications associated with a lack of activity (and often increased screen time) can be reversed by getting your kids to PLAY!  Let Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s experts show you how: ·         7Insider Tips That Will Get Your Kids Playing Your child needs at least 60 minutes of activity a day. But let’s face it: inspiring kids to move around for an hour each day can require serious parental. Children’s experts are arming parents with the motivational tips and tools needed to turn even the s...

   EGG-CELLENT EGGS! From chocolate to marshmallow to jelly to the real thing, nothing says Easter time (and springtime!) like eggs. But unlike their candy counterparts, real eggs are packed with high-quality protein, more than a dozen vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. They’re also super budget-friendly—just 17 cents each—feeding a family of four for about $1.36. At Strong4Life, we’re egg-cited about real eggs, from their powerful proteins to their vital vitamins to their cheap cost. Eggs are great for breakfast, but they’re also egg-stra versatile. From lunch, to dinner, to snacks, these little protein powerhouses can make their way to your family’s menu and they’ll be scrambling for more!    Children’sHealthcare of Atlanta’s Strong4Life dietitians hatched the following ways for you to serve eggs to your own little chicks, so let’s get crackin’! Add leftover or Frozen Chopped Veggies to Omelets Our favorite mix-ins are...

Students across Georgia will be taking the CRCTs at the end of April, so how can parents help their kids stay alert, energized and focused for the big test? Believe it or not, kids can eat, drink and even sleep their way to better test scores. Children’sHealthcare of Atlanta’s Strong4Life experts created the following study guide and testing tips so you can help your child raise his scores. Strong4Life’s Study Guide: Before test day, be sure your child gets to bed at a reasonable hour so his mind is well rested and ready to show its stuff. On test mornings, serve a balanced breakfast, including 100% whole grains, giving kids plenty of energy and preventing a blood sugar drop for several hours. Try a piece of 100% whole wheat toast, 1 hardboiled egg, fruit and wash it down with a delicious glass of low-fat milk. Keep young brains well lubricated with plenty of water, before the test and during breaks. ...

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a hospital that understands that happy kids heal faster. On Monday, December 2, a team of employees went on a secret mission to bring a surprise winter wonderland for their patients, families and staff. They teamed up with a special effects company that works with Disney to create a secret snowfall.  The "snow" started to fall at three hospitals simultaneously. Happiness immediately erupted and patients giggled in the flurries, while others marveled at the magic through their window.        On a 57-degree day in a city that rarely sees snow in its weather forecast, dozens of kids—many of them tethered to I.V. poles and wearing surgical masks—caught their first snowflakes, made their first snow angels and, for a few brief minutes, traded the title of "patient" for "kid."      Children's Healthcare of Atlanta understands that small things can have a big impact and believes that...

Get ready to go hog wild! Be one of the first this season to take a trip on the legendary storybook ride featuring Priscilla and all her fabulous friends. Located at the Lenox Square Mall, this beloved Atlanta tradition for over 50 years is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. And, while you’re there, be sure to take lots of pics with the fam and upload them #macyspinkpig. Tickets for the ride are available at the Macy's Pink Pig kiosk located on the  upper level parking deck at Lenox Square East  Mall entrance. A portion of the ride's proceeds will benefit Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta.   For hours and information, visit macys.com/pinkpig

You Can Spread Holiday Cheer While Helping Sick and Injured Children Through fuzzy ducks, Christmas parades and rides on Priscilla the Pink Pig, organizations from all over the metro area are working to support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta this holiday season. Families in metro Atlanta can spread holiday cheer and celebrate in numerous ways, all while supporting Children’s. Proceeds from the holiday events, initiatives and promotions below will raise funds to care for the hundreds of thousands of sick and injured children each year in Georgia. 33 st Annual Children’s Christmas Parade   www.choa.org/parade Bundle up your family and join us for the parade at its new location in Midtown Atlanta from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sat., Dec. 7. Watch from the sidewalk or purchase reserved bleacher seats for $18 at www.choa.org/paradebleachers . Coverage of the parade will also be broadcast live on WSB-TV Channel 2 (ABC). “ All in for All Better” Campaign...

How Do You Give Back During the Holidays? Our friends at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta are giving you the chance to celebrate Christmas while giving back!  The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes is returning to Atlanta's Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center with an all new show for the first time in four years this holiday season. For one night only, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. , proceeds from the show will benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.   This timeless holiday tradition offers something for everyone: the Rockettes will perform five new numbers as well as cherished favorites like the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and the Living Nativity, all while showcasing their signature eye-high kicks and new costumes and sets. Bring the whole family! Tickets to this special performance are available exclusively on the Children's website . Also being offered are priceless behind-the-scenes experiences, such as a danc...

  Garden Centers Host FREE Evening Featuring Wine Tasting, Light Bites and Store-wide Fall Discounts   With leaves slowly dropping and deep autumn hues slightly peeking through the green foliage, it’s plain to see: Fall is upon us! As an official kickoff to the season, Pike Nurseries is hosting its annual Gardenfest event at all garden center locations on Thursday, September 26 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.   Whether guests are searching for festive fall foliage to add color to their yard or are looking to adorn their doorstep with harvest décor, Pike Nurseries has the perfect plants and outdoor accessories to create a beautiful seasonal landscape. While stocking up on autumn essentials, guests can take advantage of store-wide specials throughout the evening and enjoy complimentary appetizers and German wine tastings.    All regular priced items, excluding grills, propane, sod, pine straw, gift cards and garden services, will be 15 percen...

Benefiting the Aflac Cancer Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Each year, the lives of children are impacted through talk radio. For 37 hours on July 25 and 26 , 95.5 FM and AM 750 News/Talk WSB listeners will have the opportunity to provide hope for children with cancer and blood disorders.   Scott Slade, host of “Atlanta Morning News,” and fellow on-air personality Clark Howard will broadcast the thirteenth annual WSB Care-a-Thon live from the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Last year’s Care-a-Thon raised more than $1.5 million for research and programs to help children at the Aflac Cancer Center, one of the top ranked and largest childhood cancer and hematology programs in the US.    From 5 a.m. July 25 until 6 p.m. on July 26 , listeners will hear incredible stories of the children and families who have been impacted by the Aflac Cancer Center. The Care-a-Thon will also feature special gu...

  Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is reminding families to be safe this July 4th and avoid directly handling fire-related devices like fireworks and sparklers. During this time of celebration, Children's urges everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals.     "The Fourth of July is an occasion to celebrate outdoors and spend time with family, but nothing ruins a party like a trip to the emergency room," says James Fortenberry , M.D., Director of Critical Care Medicine and Pediatrician-in-Chief at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  "With the long list of local professional firework displays available, there's no reason to risk life-threatening injuries and burns by putting on your own show.  Leave the fireworks to trained professionals." According to the National Fire Protection Association, during the weeks surrounding July 4th an average of 200 people visit an emergency room with fireworks-related injuries.  Fifty-seven perc...