Dear AuntMinnie Member,
A radiology department can be a scary place for kids. Whether they're undergoing an imaging procedure themselves or are there to see a family member, a typical department's array of big iron can be confusing, imposing, and threatening.
That's why an Ohio hospital commissioned a local carpenter to build a set of wooden models based on modality scanners and radiation therapy systems. Kids can play with the models, which are scaled to fit standard children's toys such as Barbie dolls, according to an article by associate editor Cynthia E. Keen in our Pediatric Imaging Digital Community.
The hospital has found that the models enable children to act out their concerns and fears, and they create an environment for department staff to explain radiology and radiation therapy procedures in a way that can help kids cope with their experiences.
Learn more by clicking here, or visit the community at pediatric.auntminnie.com.
Markey bill update
In other news, a bill to create a U.S. supply of the key radioisotope molybdenum-99 has passed out of committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The American Medical Isotopes Production Act (also known as the Markey bill after Rep. Edward Markey, D-MA) would allocate $163 million to support U.S.-based projects for the production of molybdenum-99.
Supporters believe the bill is a major step toward reducing U.S. reliance on international sources of molybdenum-99, such as a Canadian nuclear reactor that has been shut down since May. Read more by clicking here, or visit our Molecular Imaging Digital Community at molecular.auntminnie.com.
