Season 3, Episode 3: How is vaping hurting kids?

Vaping has become alarmingly common among kids and teens—but how much do we really know about its risks? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold speaks with pulmonologist Dr. Alicia Casey about the dangers of vaping, its effects on adolescent lung health, and what parents need to know to protect their kids. Together, they answer critical questions, including:

• What is vaping, and how do these devices work?

• What harmful substances are in vaping products?

• How common is vaping among middle and high school students?

• Why is vaping popular with kids?

• Why is vaping so addictive for kids?

• What are the short- and long-term health risks of vaping?

• How does vaping impact mental health?

• What are some warning signs that a child may be vaping?

• What is vaping associated pulmonary illness and how is it treated?

• How can parents effectively talk to their kids about vaping?

• What should parents do if they suspect their child is vaping?

• What resources are available to help kids quit vaping?

Talk to your kids early and often about vaping, ensuring they hear the facts from you—not just their friends or social media. If you suspect your child is vaping, reach out to your pediatrician for guidance and next steps.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Dr. Margaret Werner, a pediatrician at Boston Children's Center for Healthy Elimination and Bladder Rehabilitation (CHEER) — a program dedicated to nonsurgical urologic issues in kids and teens. Together, they answer important questions about urinary health, including:

• How common are urologic issues in kids and teens?

• How can parents talk with kids about urinary concerns?

• What is good bladder hygiene?

• Why is it important to fully empty your bladder?

• Is there an optimal toileting position for better bladder health?

• What are the key differences between daytime and nighttime wetting?

• What are some common causes of bladder issues in kids and teens?

• What are some bladder irritants that may cause problems?

• What tests help evaluate urinary concerns in children?

• What the signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

• How do recurrent UTIs impact a child’s health?

• How does CHEER approach treatment?

• What treatment options are available for urinary conditions?

• What research is currently being conducted on pediatric urinary conditions?

• What are Dr. Werner’s “doctor’s orders” for preventing urinary problems in kids?

Urinary health can be a sensitive topic for kids and parents, but knowledge is key to prevention and treatment. Tune in to hear expert insights on supporting your child’s health.

When you think of athletes, you might picture players suited up in football pads, lacrosse gear, or soccer jerseys. However, performing arts athletes — such as dancers, figure skaters, and musicians — lead lives that are at least as physically demanding as those of traditional athletes, and they deserve the same level of specialized care.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Dr. Ellen Geminiani, a Boston Children’s sports medicine physician and Team USA physician for U.S. Figure Skating, to explore the world of performing artist athletes. Together, they answer critical questions, including:

• What does it mean to be a performing artist athlete?

• How do their demands differ from those of traditional sports athletes?

• What challenges do they face, such as body image concerns and nutrition issues?

• What is relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), and how can it affect these athletes?

• What is Boston Children’s Performing Artist Athletes Program, and how does it support this population?

• Who is part of the multidisciplinary care team in this program?

• What can performing artist athletes do to prevent injuries, and what injuries are most common in this group?

• What research is being done to improve care for performing artist athletes?

• What are Dr. Geminiani’s “doctor’s orders” for families supporting performing artist athletes?

Performing artist athletes undergo rigorous physical demands that make them no less than sports athletes. Proper training, preparation, and care are essential not only for avoiding injuries but also for achieving long-term success.

Listen in as we uncover the intersection of the arts, athletics, and medicine, and learn how Boston Children’s is helping performing artist athletes reach their full potential.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children in the United States, and understanding it is key to helping kids live healthy, active lives. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold sits down with Erin Antonellis, a nurse practitioner with Boston Children’s Severe Asthma Program, who shares expert advice and insights about managing asthma in children. Listen or watch this episode to learn:

• What is asthma?

• How do asthma symptoms vary in severity among children?

• How common is asthma in children?

• What causes asthma in kids?

• What are the typical symptoms of asthma?

• What are the signs of an asthma attack?

• How can you help prevent asthma attacks?

• How is asthma diagnosed?

• How does asthma differ from reactive airway disease?

• What are the available treatment options for asthma?

• What is SMART therapy?

• What kind of specialists treat asthma at Boston Children’s?

• What is Boston Children’s Severe Asthma Program?

• What research is being done to improve asthma care for children?

• What is Boston Children’s Community Asthma Initiative?

• Can children with asthma safely participate in sports?

Whether you're navigating an asthma diagnosis for the first time or looking for the latest treatment options and prevention strategies, this episode offers expert guidance to help your family. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes focused on supporting your child’s health and well-being.

In this episode of Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast, we focus on a crucial subject for expecting parents: prenatal care.

Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by nurse Olivia Oppel, the Clinical Coordinator at Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center. Together, they provide valuable advice and insights on monitoring fetal development to help expecting parents navigate the journey to parenthood with confidence. Listen or watch the episode for answers to questions like:

• What is prenatal screening?

• What types of prenatal tests are available?

• What can an ultrasound detect, and what are the different ultrasound levels used?

• When can parents first see the fetus's anatomy during a prenatal scan?

• When are abnormalities typically detected in prenatal testing?

• Which prenatal tests involve more detailed procedures?

• When do genetic counselors typically get involved to discuss possible genetic testing?

• What factors should parents consider when choosing which prenatal tests to undergo?

• If something unusual is found during prenatal screening, what are the next steps for parents?

• What is a maternal fetal medicine specialist?

• What forms of advanced imaging can help diagnose fetal issues in utero?

• Can some conditions be treated in utero?

• Who makes up the multidisciplinary care team at Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center?

• How does the team plan for delivery and post-birth care?

• Does Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center collaborate with obstetric hospitals?

• What innovations are advancing the field of fetal surgery and medicine?

Whether you’re expecting or know someone who is, this episode offers expert insights into how to navigate the excitement and unknowns of pregnancy with confidence and care.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children and young adults worldwide. But what should you do if your child is diagnosed with diabetes, and how can you best care for them?

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold sits down with Dr. Katherine Garvey, director of the diabetes program and clinical chief for diabetes at Boston Children's Hospital, to explore these questions. Together, they address important topics like:

• What are the different types of diabetes?

• What causes type 1 versus type 2 diabetes?

• Is diabetes genetic, and are some populations more at risk?

• What are the key signs and symptoms parents should look out for?

• How common is diabetes in children, and how is it diagnosed?

• What are the latest treatments and technologies available for managing diabetes?

• What happens if diabetes isn’t properly managed?

• Who makes up the Boston Children's care team for kids with diabetes?

• How does physical activity affect diabetes care?

• How can parents support their child’s emotional well-being while managing diabetes?

• What cutting-edge research is being conducted on diabetes?

• What are Dr. Garvey’s doctor's orders for parents managing their child's diabetes?

With the right tools, education, and support, diabetes doesn't have to hold your child back. Tune in to learn more about how you can help your child thrive.

The teenage years can be both exciting and challenging for parents and teens. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Dr. Pamela Murray, an attending physician at Boston Children's Hospital's Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine. Together, they dive into the unique healthcare needs of adolescents, answering key questions, including:

• What is adolescent medicine?

• What age range does adolescent medicine cover?

• Which conditions are commonly treated within adolescent medicine?

• What sets adolescent medicine apart from other medical specialties?

• What specialized programs does Boston Children’s Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine offer?

• When should you consider seeking out an adolescent medicine specialist for your teen?

• What are the current areas of research in adolescent medicine?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your teen could benefit from specialized care during these formative years, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to learn more about supporting your teen’s health and well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Boston Children's pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Nora Renthal to to dive into the vital topic of bone health and growth in children. Dr. Renthal explains how to monitor and support a child’s growth, the significance of bone health, and the role of Boston Children’s Bone Health Program in providing comprehensive care.

Key questions they answer include:

• How can parents help maintain their children’s bone health?

• Why are calcium and vitamin D crucial for bone health?

• What role does exercise play in bone health?

• What are the risk factors for children with poor bone health?

• What factors contribute to bone strength in children?

• What gives kids’ bones flexibility?

• Do premature babies face unique bone health challenges?

• What environmental factors can lead to bone disease?

• How do doctors assess concerns about a child’s growth?

• What methods do clinicians use to determine a child’s growth potential?

• Who is involved in the multidisciplinary Bone Health Program at Boston Children’s?

• What current research is advancing our understanding of bone health?

• What are Dr. Renthal’s Doctor’s Orders for maintaining bone health?

Short stature is not necessarily a cause for concern. A thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals can determine if medical intervention is required. Regardless, parents hould focus on their child’s overall health and well-being rather than solely on height.