Christus Health: The Children's Hospital of San Antonio

Forever First | Spring 2015 • To find a doctor, call 1.877.250.DOCS. "About 20 percent of children between ages four and 18 will report frequent, severe headaches this year," says Melissa Svoboda, MD, assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and neurologist at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio. "Generally, most headaches can be treated with over-the-counter medication, hydration, and rest." According to Dr. Svoboda, parents and their child should see a physician about headaches when they become: • Frequent • More severe when coughing, lying down, or using the bathroom • Particularly painful • Worse over time or no longer responsive to over-the-counter treatment HERE WHEN YOU NEED US Whether for headaches, autism, developmental delays, or any other neurological problem, the Neurosciences Department at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio has a dedicated team of experts. "We specialize in brain, nerve, and muscle disorders," Dr. Svoboda says. "Having neurology care only for children is important because children's brains change over time — you need a specialist who is trained and focused on caring just for children. Our comprehensive care means we don't just focus on the disease, but how a condition affects life, school, and family time." "Mommy... My Head Hurts" When a little one has a headache, parents want nothing more than for their child to feel better. The good news is that when headaches persist, treatment options are available. Melissa Svoboda, MD Forward thinkers and local business leaders saw that the growing San Antonio metro area needed a specialized children's hospital. They focused their efforts and financial contributions on creating Santa Rosa Children's Hospital (now known as the Children's Hospital of San Antonio), which compassionately cared for its first patients in 1959. One of the Foundation's core beliefs was that no child go untreated, regardless of financial situation. To this end, the Foundation has been very successful in sourcing charitable donations to accommodate the region's growing population and the expansion of the Children's Hospital of San Antonio. Our Children's Hospital and Foundation have exceeded even the wildest dreams of our founding leaders. We have served and continue to improve the lives of millions of children throughout San Antonio, South Texas, and beyond. "We are witnessing transformations daily, not only on our campus, but in the lives of the children and families we serve," says John Bel, President of the Children's Hospital of San Antonio Foundation. "Miracles are made possible with the support of our community." In 1955, a group of visionaries came together to create the Santa Rosa Children's Foundation. We ask you to join us on our journey. To learn more about how you can help, visit ChildrensHospitalSAFoundation.org. Pictured is a morphed rendering of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children's Hospital and the transforming Children's Hospital of San Antonio. 60 Years of Putting Our Children First John Bel, President, Children's Hospital of San Antonio Foundation Concerned about whether your child's headaches are serious? Learn more about Neurosciences at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio by visiting chofsa.org/neurosciences. 3

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