Michelle Crouch

Sick at school? CMS attendance policy under scrutiny

As the school district tries to combat chronic absenteeism, some worry tougher attendance rules pressure kids to go to school sick or forgo needed therapy

Kids with respiratory viruses are filling hospitals

The percentage of emergency room visits from people with influenza-like illnesses is double what is typical for this time of year, especially among children, according to state data. Doctors say they are scrambling to find pediatric hospital beds. "It's unrelenting," one doctor said.

A Charlotte Honda dealer suggested $800 in repairs. Were they needed?

I took my minivan in for an oil change. The dealer recommended 3 pricey services Honda says are rarely necessary. How to avoid unnecessary service the next time you visit a mechanic.

The danger of taking too many prescriptions

Over the past two decades, the percentage of older adults taking five or more prescriptions has tripled, from 14 to 42 percent. The more medications you take, the higher your risk for an interaction or side effect.

The case of the $10,000 colonoscopy

Dan Hurst’s medical procedure cost thousands more than he was quoted. Despite a push for more transparency, medical pricing remains hopelessly complicated. Here's what you can do to lower your medical costs and be a smarter patient.

With silver diamine fluoride, dentists can obliterate cavities with a few brushstrokes

TikTok's Secret Star

Her Renegade dance got famous. Why didn't she? Jalaiah Harmon's quest for the credit she deserved.

71 Play Ideas to Keep Kids Busy While You're Working From Home

So Netflix has played babysitter more times than you can count already this year? No shame. We asked experts for the holy grail: screen-free playtime ideas that hold kids’ attention long enough for you to clear out your inbox.

Some front-line doctors have trouble getting vaccinations

Good morning! Today is Friday, January 15, 2021. You're reading The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with local business-y news and insights for Charlotte, N.C. This post is sent to paying subscribers only.

The doctor won't see your newborn now

When you go to the hospital to have a baby, you might assume that a doctor will carefully examine your newborn after you deliver. But that's not always the case.

A Dog Day at the Dentist’s: North Carolina Regulates Pups in Dentistry

Snuggle-ready dogs are available to anxious patients at some dentist offices, but some patients worry about the risks, from slobber to nips

At-home births draw new attention

With Atrium and Novant restricting visitors, expectant moms look for alternatives

The looming battle over sedation dentistry

After at least 5 deaths linked to dental sedation since 2012, N.C. regulators are proposing strict new rules. Would they increase safety, or just drive up costs?

6 Medical Problems That Can Mimic Dementia-But Aren't

If a loved one is having memory issues, don't automatically assume it's dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Medications, infections and sleep issues can also cause you to feel foggy or confused.

New reasons to get genetic testing for breast cancer

For women who years ago grappled with the decision about whether or not to get genetic testing for breast cancer, experts say it may be worth going another round.

How to Survive Your Next Trip to the Hospital

As many as 440,000 Americans die every year from medical errors and infections contracted in the hospital. Combined, they are the third- leading cause of death in the United States. Your best defense? Take charge of your care as much as possible.

How to Support Someone Who Has Coronary Artery Disease

When someone you care about is diagnosed with coronary artery disease, there's a lot to learn. Here's how to best support them and help them manage the condition.

Are you too old to shovel snow?

Every year, people die of a heart attack during or just after shoveling snow. Some experts say any adult over age 45 should think twice before tackling the winter chore.

Innovations Help Imperfect Organs Work For Transplants

Chuck Boetsch was desperate for a new pair of lungs. A rare disease was causing the set he had carried for 72 years to harden and scar. He could barely breathe. Finally, after 10 weeks on the waiting list, Boetsch got a call that a lung was available - but there was a catch.

Generation Zzzzzzzz

Teens are getting less sleep than ever before, and experts are calling it a national health crisis. Read on to learn the shocking consequences—and real strategies for getting the rest you so desperately need.

When Doctors Become Caregivers

Four physicians share what surprised and challenged them most while taking care of their parents.

How to find a doctor you can trust -- and why it's so important

A veteran RD health journalist shares ­hard-won lessons from her reporting-and from her family's own health crisis.

These Genius Skin Care Tips Are Dermatologists' Best Kept Secrets

These top doctors have seen thousands of patients and all kinds of skin. Here, they share their best advice to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Increase in Falling Leads to New Preventive Measures

Fatalities from injuries among older adults are rising dramatically — and the advice for preventing them is changing.

25 Ways People With Highly Stressful Jobs Keep It Together

We talked to a firefighter, a police officer, a flight attendant, and 22 others who have learned to stay calm in high-pressure situations.

Flying High, Landing Hard

Whether you're a cheerleader or a soccer star, the pressure to perform could be putting you in serious danger.

Can this lunch be saved?

Mushy green beans. Questionable beef patties with fake grill lines.   Overripe fruit that the lunch lady says you have to put on your tray. We take you behind the cafeteria counter to reveal why so many school lunches are unappetizing, why you should care, and what you can do about it. 

What It Feels Like To Be a COVID-19 Long-Hauler

Four older adults detail the mysterious and debilitating symptoms that have lingered for months after they had the coronavirus

Can the coronavirus cause you to lose your hair?

The surprising connection between coronavirus and hair loss explained

What nurses on the front lines want you to know about the past year

Mary Adamson was getting ready for her first shift caring for COVID-19 patients when an unexpected thought stopped her cold: "I thought to myself, I could die from this."

Women Reporting Stronger Side Effects to COVID Vaccines

Experts say females have stronger immune response

Smart Advice on Caring for Someone with COVID-19 at Home

Are Pain Relievers OK for COVID Vaccine Side Effects?

Expert advice on best ways to treat common vaccine side effects

13 things your Amazon driver wants you to know

Here's what it's really like to be an Amazon driver

21 Things a Burglar Won't Tell You

Is it a crime to spend money on a home security system these days? A look inside the mind of convicted burglars will help you decide.

Secrets Of SUPER SLEEPERS

If you're among the 164 million Americans who struggle with sleep, a friendly "Good night!" is cold comfort. It's especially galling if you've already done the obvious-cut out afternoon caffeine, closed the blinds, and put away your screens-and you still can't doze off.

13 Things Airlines Don't Want to Tell You (But Every Flier Should Know)

From how to get the best seats to disgusting airplane habits to avoid, get these insider secrets to a safer, cheaper flight.

22 Things Your Flight Attendant Won't Tell You

24 Things Your Garbage Collector Wants You to Know

12 Things Your TSA Security Agent Isn't Telling You

13 Surprising Facts About At-Home DNA Tests

33 Things Your Fast Food Worker Isn't Telling You

22 Things a Funeral Director Won't Tell You

57 Secrets Your Restaurant Server Isn't Telling You

40 Things Your Airplane Pilot Won't Tell You

We asked pilots from across the country to give us straight answers about maddening safety rules, inexplicable delays, the air and attitudes up there, and what really happens behind the cockpit door. What they told us will change the way you fly.

How to Set Up a Virtual Learning Space for Your Kids

Teaching Diversity to Your Kids

When Julianne Weiner's 4-year-old son, Benjamin, started flipping out about going to preschool, she thought it was typical first-day jitters. Then he told her the reason: "I don't want a teacher with brown skin." Weiner, who is white and lives in a diverse neighborhood in Boyds, Maryland, was horrified and confused.

What to Do if Your Child Gets Lost

No parent imagines losing sight of her kid-until it happens. Learn the fastest ways to find her if it does.

"I Went Viral for Being Bullied"

Lauren "Lulu" Williams was in middle school when her mom found the first bald spot on her head. "When my mom showed me, I started crying," Lulu says. "I wanted to hide." Lulu, now 16, has a condition called psoriasis (sor-EYE-uh-sis). Psoriasis causes patches of dry, scaly skin.

An Insider's Guide to Walt Disney World

It may be a place filled with magic, but pulling off a great trip to Walt Disney World is anything but child's play. Here's our best time-saving tips, money-saving strategies, and sanity-saving advice.

39 Breastfeeding Secrets Every New Mother Should Know

Nursing your baby is no easy feat. Luckily, we've rounded up the only breastfeeding tips you'll ever need, from the experts who've figured out the smartest tricks, shortcuts, and solutions. Nursing may be natural, but it's also downright difficult.

Parenting survival guide: spring break edition

How to keep your kids busy when you're all stuck at home

40 Fun Family Tradition Ideas to Steal ASAP

The key to a close-knit fam: a repertoire of fun rituals. Adopt these games, activities and fun traditions and let the good times roll.

A Guide to Parental Controls By Device

Learn how to manage parental controls on iPhones, Androids, gaming systems, and every device in between to ensure anything your kid gets her hands on is safe.

Delivery Day: The New Rules of Giving Birth

Listen up, expecting moms. Childbirth isn't what it used to be -- and that's good news! We asked top ob-gyns to explain the most important improvements that you'll benefit from on delivery day.

4 New Ways to Play

Use your kid's cars, action figures, stuffed animals, and more to reinforce the skills he's learning in school. When your child begs for another Skylander or Lalaloopsy, it's easy to say no. But when she asks for a toy that helps with math, do you give in?

5 Ways to Raise a Science-Lover

Schools still aren't devoting enough resources to this critical subject, but you can bring science to life with these hands-on ideas.

6 Retirement Savings Mistakes to Avoid

Poll: It's easy to get rid of credit card fees if you ask

Choosing the right credit cards as your family grows

Are You Holding Too Much Company Stock?

Choosing the Right Trust for Your Needs

Survey: Who is most likely to carry credit card debt?

She Saved a Life. Could You?

When Jairen's young cousin fell in the pool, she knew exactly what to do.

The amazing music of Darrius Simmons

This amazing teen plays the piano with only four fingers

"My dog could save my life"

You won't believe what these service dogs can do

My illness makes me stronger

McKenzie, 17, has a serious disease called Type 1 diabetes, but she hasn't let it hold her back.

"I take care of my abuela"

More than 1 million teens in the U.S. are caregivers. Daniel, 17, is one of them.

Changed by fire

They watched a wildfire destroy their home.