Kellie Schmitt

Seattle

Writer at Freelance

I'm a Seattle-based health and science journalist

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Articles

Health Matters: As local measles cases tick up, health providers sound alarm on vaccination rates

3 weeks ago | myedmondsnews.com | Kellie Schmitt

Photo courtesy Southern Oregon UniversityThis is the first in our 2025 “Health Matters” series focused on health topics in South Snohomish County and sponsored by the Verdant Health Commission. As news of the country’s measles outbreak spread in early March, Edmonds resident Kaylee Allen revised the sign she had printed for her front door. Allen, who was pregnant with her first child, had designed a red stop sign to caution all visitors.
Nannies Are Taking to Social Media. Is That Good for Local Families?

1 month ago | parentmap.com | Kellie Schmitt

Photo: iStock Rebecca Dyk, the owner of a Seattle nanny agency, was scrolling through social media earlier this year when a reel caught her eye: A nanny had posted a video describing what it was like to work for a “rich Seattle family.” There were lots of perks, including sipping expensive wine with the parents after her shift.
Playing It Safe: What Parents Should Know About Concussions in Youth Sports

1 month ago | parentmap.com | Kellie Schmitt

Photo: iStock Editor’s note: This article was sponsored by Seattle Children’s Hospital. Too often, concussions go unnoticed for young sports players. But identifying a brain injury early — and stepping off the field — is critical, says Dr. Sara Chrisman, a pediatrician and concussion researcher at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
4 Steps to Help Teens Reset When Experiencing Emotional Distress

Jan 23, 2025 | parentmap.com | Kellie Schmitt

Photo: iStock Editor’s note: This article was sponsored by Seattle Children’s Hospital. When teenagers in group therapy experience an emotional crisis, Seattle Children’s counselors have a clear plan of action: Get a water bottle filled with ice. The teen might hold a handful of ice, or circle a cube under their eyes or the back of their neck.
The Key to Building Resiliency in Kids? Positive Experiences and HOPE

Nov 4, 2024 | parentmap.com | Kellie Schmitt

Photo: iStock Editor’s note: This article was sponsored by Seattle Children’s Hospital. When educator Faith Eakin was working at a Seattle youth nonprofit, a student’s mother shared some troubling information. The family was new to the country and was experiencing racism and discrimination. The mom worried about the impact of these experiences on her young child.
Less Nutritious Crops: Another Result of Rising CO2

Sep 27, 2024 | magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu | Kellie Schmitt

From his 10-acre property in southern Mississippi, farmer Timothy Robb knows that invisible nutrients matter—for the health of plants and the humans who consume them. The right balance of vitamins and minerals will make the salad greens he supplies to New Orleans restaurants darker in color and chock full of nourishment. If the proportions are out of balance, though, the plants may suffer in both nutrition and appearance. Take, for example, potassium deficits.
Car Seat Safety Practices From a Seattle Children's Hospital Physician

Sep 19, 2024 | parentmap.com | Kellie Schmitt

Photo: iStock Editor’s note: This article was sponsored by Seattle Children’s Hospital. At Harborview Medical Center, Dr. Beth Ebel has seen the tragic aftermath of a car crash too often: a smashed and deformed vehicle, and gravely injured occupants. But, when the paramedics bring in a child who was strapped into the car seat, it’s a completely different story.
The Impact of Removing Stigma in Youth Mental Health

May 7, 2024 | parentmap.com | Kellie Schmitt

Editor’s note: This article was sponsored by Seattle Children’s Hospital. In recent years, the U.S. has experienced a substantial shift in pediatric mental health awareness, slowly eroding the stigma that once cloaked these topics. From schools to parent support groups, more people are talking about children’s mental health needs.
Fake Drugs, Real Dangers

Apr 28, 2024 | magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu | Kellie Schmitt

Brandon Macsata was 28 and newly diagnosed with HIV when his pharmacist delivered the alarming news: Lifesaving medication would cost him $1,200 a month. As a nonprofit worker making $45,000 a year, he was floored. “I thought, holy cow, what am I going to do?” Macsata says. “I can’t afford that.” In a daze, he returned to his Washington D.C. apartment and started searching online for options.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Class Helps Adults Learn How to Support Teens

Feb 29, 2024 | parentmap.com | Kellie Schmitt

Editor’s note: This article was sponsored by Seattle Children’s Hospital. As U.S. youth increasingly report poor mental health, parents, teachers and community members might unexpectedly find themselves on the frontlines of an adolescent’s struggles. Take, for example, a coach who observes a player skipping practices and withdrawing socially, or a teacher who discovers a student’s substance use issue during a conversation about missed assignments.