Welcome to the website of Armen Ketchedjian, MD - "Dr. Ketch"

 

Hello, I am Dr. Ketch and welcome to my website. I have put together some information in this website that I think would be helpful to you and your children. The first is “Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide To Children’s Surgery.” It is a comprehensive guide written to help you as a parent navigate through the intimidating, confusing and scary moments you and your child may experience through a family illness requiring a surgical procedure. The second is “Golden Apples.” It is a fairy tale format book that I have written with feedback through variety of agencies to help parents prepare their children toward their future and protect them from unforeseen dangers. The book touches on subjects of stranger danger, peer pressure, bullying, trust, self confidence, goal orientation, family values, delayed gratification and values of education in a very entertaining manner. There is additional information, articles and resources to help address some of your concerns as an individual and as a parent. We have tried to provide a very interactive medium, where if you have questions, suggestions or would like to suggest the addressing of certain topics and subjects, you can write to us and let us know. I certainly hope that what you are about to read, helps you and your family.

We are pleased to announce that Golden Apples and Will it Hurt? A Parent's Practical Guide to Children's Surgery are now available at Amazon.com, Dr. Ketch.com, Barnes & Noble Online, and bookstores everywhere.

 

Golden Apples
A Tale of Magic, Enchantment and Temptation (Hard Cover - 8 1/2 x 11 fully illustrated)


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A beautiful queen has fallen ill and it is up to her three children-Boris, Viana and Garth-to find a cure. Seymour the Wizard tells them of enchanted golden apples that grow in the Garden of Knowledge. These apples hold the secret to her cure. On their way to the garden, the children, one by one, become victims of the evil, charismatic Grum, who persuades them to consume magic crystals. At first, the crystals make the children strong, but in the end, they make them gravely ill.

"A moralistic fairy tale with an anti-drug message.  A classic, well-meaning fable."
                       -Kirkus Discoveries

"A thrilling medieval tale that is a clever approach to drug education."
                   -The New York Times Book Review

Endorsements


"This book fills a need for prevention materials for the K-6 age group. Indeed, it is an ideal medium for teaching children about drugs, strangers and accepting gifts, without preaching to them."
-Rebecca Razavi, acting technical technical assistance coordinator, OSAP Communications Team

"Deals brilliantly with the timely issues of peer pressure, manipulation and drug abuse prevention, from a child's point of view."
-Scott M. Davis, M.D., addiction medicine physician at the Betty Ford Center and author of Living Jonathan's Life

"With one out of three Americans using drugs before reaching adulthood, a book like this is sorely needed, The time to reach children is before they encounter temptations. This book will empower them to say 'no' to drugs."
-Vivekanand Palavali, M.D., author of A Mindful Life: A Brain Surgeon's Personal Experiences and Philosophical Reflections on Living Fully

"Dr.Ketch has given parents a valuable tool for talking to young kids about drugs. Golden Apples also happens to be a delightful story of magic, bravery and the redemption of love."
-Stefania Shaffer, author of Hereos Don't Always Wear Capes
 

Will it Hurt? A Parent's Practical Guide to Children's Surgery

New Release June 2008

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Your Medical Emergency Survival Kit:
WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD NEEDS AN OPERATION

This year, more than three million kids will undergo surgery.  And for those children and their parents, few things in life are scarier.

Will It Hurt? A Parent's Practical Guide to Children's Surgery provides crucial support, information, answers and counseling that parent's - and their children - need when facing a medical crisis.

Dr. Ketch walks parents through the four "P's" surgical process.

  • Prelims and diagnosis:  the right questions to ask to assure yourself of the need for the surgery; getting a second opinion.
  • Preparation:  suggestions for explaining to your child the need for the operation; details about pre-operative exams and tests; the pre-surgery diet; what to bring to the hospital or clinic.
  • Procedure: a close look at the more common types of children's surgery; an overview of a typical operation.
  • Post-op and recovery: what to expect; suggestions to make your child's recovery quick, comfortable, happy and as pain-free as possible. 

    • Endorsements

    "The only book of its kin; truly prepares parents and children for surgery.  Excellent.  Highly recommended."
    -Dr. Rick Gebhart, author of the Fatigue Factor

    "Should be in everyone's home...wonderfully detailed, and covers just about everything that will be of a concern to parents."
    -Stefania Shaffer, teacher, author of Heroes Don't Always Wear Capes

    "Dr. Ketch explains some of the most common pediatric surgeries.  Comprehensive and complete."
    -Amber Ellis, teacher, author of Alta Fay's Allegiance and Running Mad