Central Lines, Ports & PICCs: Highways to the Heart explains how central lines are used to support treatment for certain medical conditions. Readers follow a child\’s experience with treatment and learn how the three types of lines, including ports, tunneled central lines, and peripherally inserted central catheters, work. The story uses an analogy of highways vs backroads to demonstrate how treatment needs to take the quickest and easiest route to the heart. Every step of the process is described in easy-to-understand language and vibrant color illustration. To help supplement conversations with doctors, important information including procedure details and home care tips is included in a \’Facts\’ section at the end of the book, along with a helpful glossary of \’Doctor Words\’ with relevant medical terms explained in plain language. This informative and comforting book is part of The Strength of My Scars series, written and illustrated by surgeon Maria Baimas-George.

• An accessible children\’s books to increase understanding of childhood illness and the hospital environment, improve satisfaction, and to reduce fear, for patients and their families
• Packed with fun analogies and full-of-character color illustrations
• Research has found these books to significantly help caregivers understand more about their child\’s condition, feel less stressed, and feel happier with their care