In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with Theresa Smith-Levin, founder of Central Florida Vocal Arts, about how music and the arts can play a powerful role in children's health and development. Theresa shares her "overnight nonprofit founder" story, explains how CFVA expands access to arts education for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity, and discusses how creative expression builds confidence, resilience, empathy, and emotional well-being. The conversation also offers practical insight into how families and schools can normalize creativity and help children find and use their voice.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/SIf9gR1Hy0s

Learn More: https://centralfloridavocalarts.org

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nvmozFJQ-r1T_fbiZbhIzJx5uG64Ms2M/view?usp=drive_link

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:16 Meet Teresa: Her Background and Journey 01:53 Founding a Nonprofit Overnight 03:31 Identifying Needs in the Arts Community 05:41 Central Florida Vocal Arts Today 07:01 Breakdown of Programs and Accessibility 10:24 Impact and Expansion 12:12 Barriers to Access in the Arts 14:22 Societal Undervaluing of the Arts 16:18 The Role of Arts in Mental Health 18:56 Fostering Creativity at Home and School 21:40 Avoiding Inhibition and Criticism in Artistic Expression 23:19 Arts, Free Play, and Education Policy 27:00 Celebrating Diversity in Talent and Education 30:05 Arts Access in Different Communities 33:14 Challenges in Implementing Arts in Schools 36:38 Changing Narratives: Making Arts Cool 39:41 Arts as Antidote to Loneliness and Disconnection 42:01 Performing Arts, Vulnerability, and Connection 44:28 Building Resilience Through Stage Experience 48:07 Handling Anxiety and Performance Nerves 51:01 Prescribing Arts to Foster Growth in Kids 53:52 The Arts Against Conformity 55:08 Reasons for Hope and the Power of Arts 56:02 Supporting Central Florida Vocal Arts 57:04 Rapid Fire – Teresa's Favorites & Opinions 59:30 Closing Thoughts and Thanks

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In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with David Thomas, LMSW - author, counselor, and co-host of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast - about the emotional lives of boys, exploring why anxiety and risk-avoidance are on the rise, how parents can move kids from emotional suppression to healthy expression using his "three Rs" framework (recognize, regulate, repair), the importance of free play and age-appropriate discomfort for growth, and practical tools families can use to help boys build emotional vocabulary, self-regulation skills, and true resilience.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/bfx9P05oSUQ

Learn More: https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17-_Asem4uBwXBYqrebhko2kO1_0h2kic/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 01:17 Meet David Thomas 03:07 Common Issues Boys Face 04:22 Trends in Boys' Mental Health 06:09 Rising Anxiety & Avoidance of Risk 10:46 Parenting Shifts & Overcorrection 13:12 Free Play and Child Independence 15:04 Why Write Raising Emotionally Strong Boys? 19:17 The 3 Rs: Recognize, Regulate, Repair 24:49 Practical Strategies for Teaching Emotional Skills 28:20 Healthy Masculinity Redefined 33:30 Co-Regulation to Self-Regulation 38:34 Parental Challenges & The Role of Control 41:41 Understanding the Rise in Anxiety 44:01 Overmedicalization & Cultural Trends 46:01 Practical Parenting Tips by Age 49:40 Breathing, Breaks, and Healthy Coping 52:44 Hopeful Trends in Schools & Pediatric Care 55:45 Building Optimism for Boys' Emotional Growth 57:34 Lightning Round: Advice for Parents 59:02 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with adolescent care counselor Matt Casada about how parents can better understand and support adolescents - especially those dealing with ADHD and executive function challenges. Matt explains why emotional regulation and a sense of safety are essential for attention, breaks down attachment styles and "zones of regulation," and offers practical strategies like sensory resets, visual checklists, and structured homework rhythms. He also highlights common but often missed teen struggles and shares simple daily habits that help kids feel seen, supported, and valued. WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/5_AtqCaFTN4 Learn More: https://www.lumencounselingorlando.com Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J5lH_I4MglmFFb4evVDVG66jYgvsj4Dw/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Matt's Journey into Counseling 05:41 Daily Life as a Counselor and Educator 09:03 Working with Teens & Neurodiversity 13:13 Understanding ADHD & Regulatory Relationships 18:55 Assessing Regulation & Zones of Regulation 24:06 Parenting Approaches & Modeling Regulation 29:35 Attachment Theory Simplified 33:54 Attunement vs. Accommodating in Parenting 36:14 Executive Function Explained 44:17 Developing Executive Function Skills 53:30 Challenges Teens Face & Subtle Issues 56:00 Mental Health Conversations for Parents 57:44 Parenting Worries & Focusing on What Matters 01:00:03 Starting Counseling & Setting Expectations 01:01:48 Trends in Adolescent Mental Health 01:08:05 Final Thoughts & Finding Help

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In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Michael Middleton and Sara Pate, APRN explain why vaccine timing is especially important for children. They outline how the CDC and AAP develop the schedule to protect infants at their most vulnerable ages, supported by decades of safety and effectiveness research. The discussion highlights that babies naturally encounter far more antigens in daily life than through vaccines, and delaying shots leaves them unprotected against serious diseases. The episode also clarifies the difference between approved, recommended, and required vaccines, emphasizing that following the standard schedule helps protect both individual children and the wider community.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/nhuns8K_97E

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AwrD37S670D4Hdk9a9nvV9VIhi2l2S4y/view?usp=sharing

🔗 Vaccine Episode Part 1: https://youtu.be/qjbkvEcW1_M 🔗 Vaccine Episode Part 2: https://youtu.be/NbpqaFdF_1Y 🔗 Vaccine Episode Part 3: https://youtu.be/nhuns8K_97E

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Series Overview 00:36 Vaccine Series Recap & Today's Topic 01:14 History Behind the Vaccine Schedule 02:47 Why the Vaccine Schedule Matters 03:35 Factors That Determine Timing 05:51 Parents' Concerns: Too Much, Too Soon? 08:06 Understanding Antigens and Immune Load 13:32 Debunking Overwhelm: What Science Shows 18:51 Alternative Schedules and Trust in Evidence 22:55 Vaccine Mandates: Approval, Recommendation, Requirement 26:12 Exemptions and State Differences 29:19 The Impact of Eliminating Mandates 32:59 Community Responsibility vs Individualism 36:26 Parenting Culture and Vaccine Hesitancy 38:25 Adolescent Vaccines: Tdap & Meningococcal 44:47 HPV Vaccine: Timing and Cancer Prevention 47:59 Wrapping Up: Sources, Trust, and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton and Sara Pate continue with part two of their three-part series on vaccines with a focus on safety. They discuss how vaccines are tested through rigorous pre-approval trials and monitored through ongoing post-approval surveillance, addressing common concerns about risks, ingredients, and the speed of COVID-19 vaccine development. The conversation also highlights the importance of systems like VAERS, the role of adjuvants, and the historical and current impact of diseases such as measles, rubella, diphtheria, and pertussis - emphasizing why vaccination remains vital today. The episode concludes by debunking myths about pediatricians profiting from vaccines and encouraging parents to seek trustworthy, local medical guidance.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/NbpqaFdF_1Y

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NriO36Vf59FFARW5EYDeSL9LiwpVmp9S/view?usp=sharing Vaccine Episode Part 1: https://youtu.be/qjbkvEcW1_M

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome Intro 00:17 Recap of Previous Episode 01:13 Vaccine Safety: Key Concepts & Parental Concerns 02:34 How Vaccines Are Tested and Approved 05:52 Vaccine Testing vs. Medication Testing 09:59 Post-Approval Vaccine Surveillance 13:14 COVID Vaccine Concerns Explained 17:18 Long-Term Side Effects & False Associations 21:35 What's in Vaccines? Ingredients & Additives 25:25 How Vaccines Are Monitored After Approval 30:16 Overview of Measles, Mumps & Rubella 36:51 Chickenpox & Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases 40:34 Types of Vaccines: Live vs. Inactivated 43:41 DTaP, Tetanus, and Related Vaccines 44:49 Hib & Pneumococcal Vaccine Success Stories 47:16 Do Pediatricians Profit from Vaccines? 49:16 Building Confidence & Trust in Care Providers 52:38 How to Find Trustworthy Medical Information 53:57 What's Next: Teen Vaccines & Vaccine Scheduling

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In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with Micki Meyer, Lord Family Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs for Engagement & Dean of Rollins Gateway, to discuss how parents can help their children prepare for a successful and healthy college experience. From move-in day emotions to fostering independence, Micki offers some practical strategies rooted in her decades of experience in student development. Whether your child is weeks away or years out, their conversation provides valuable guidance on preparing for college.

Learn More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-meyer-a84753a7

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZUn8ZDx2cuQfh8d2bLMe1QC8qAI21Vs9/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 03:00 Meet Mickey Meyer: Background & Experience 06:00 Role at Rollins & Student Affairs Overview 10:00 Defining College Readiness 14:00 Move-In Day Tips for Parents 18:00 Common Red Flags & Parental Boundaries 23:00 Helping Students Start College Strong 27:00 The Secret Sauce for College Flourishing 32:00 The Six Cs: Skills to Build Pre-College 39:00 When Is a Student Not Ready for College? 44:00 Beyond Admissions: Success After Acceptance 50:00 Parting Advice & Rapid Fire Questions

#CollegeReadiness #ParentingTeens #CollegeTransition #StudentSuccess #ParentingAdvice #HigherEd #CollegeLife #MentalHealthInCollege #PreparingForCollege #CaringWellPodcast #CollegeTips #MickiMeyer #CollegeMoveIn #StudentDevelopment

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In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Elizabeth Davis, a pediatric sports medicine physician at Orlando Health, shares her journey from aspiring neonatologist to championing young athletes' health. She discusses the diagnosis and treatment of concussions, common overuse injuries in youth sports, and the long-term impacts of early sport specialization. Dr. Davis offers practical guidance for parents on injury prevention, balanced training, and the importance of supporting a child's overall well-being in athletics.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/lY64JldfwgM

Learn More: https://www.arnoldpalmerhospital.com/physician-finder/elizabeth-davis-md

Key Takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rxzH_jgnMgmnblUcpfID0mkmESDqCuq4/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Sports Medicine with Dr. Elizabeth Davis 03:21 Transition to Non-Operative Sports Medicine 07:05 Understanding Concussions and Brain Injuries 10:56 Understanding Concussion Severity and Recovery 14:59 Guidelines for Managing Concussions in Youth Sports 18:37 Managing Anxiety and Academic Accommodations 22:33 Understanding the Risks of Repeated Concussions 26:20 Innovative Blood Test for Traumatic Brain Injury 30:12 Understanding Growth Plate Injuries in Children 33:57 Avoiding Early Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes 37:53 Barriers to Youth Sports Participation 41:52 The Impact of Early Sports Specialization on Youth 45:23 Importance of Dynamic Warm-Ups for Young Athletes 49:04 Identifying Stress Fractures in Athletes 52:50 Balanced Protein Intake for Kids 56:58 Resilience Through Sports: Preparing Kids for Adult Life 1:01:14 Celebrating Community Care

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#pediatrics #sportsmedicine #youthsports #concussions #childathletes #injuryprevention #athletehealth #parentingtips #sportsnutrition #caringwell #middletonpediatrics #earlyspecialization #mentalhealthinsports #youngathletes #sportsdoctor

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton begins a multi-part series on vaccines co-hosted by pediatric nurse practitioner Sara Pate. After getting to know Sara and her passion for pediatric and mental health care, the conversation shifts to a thoughtful, science-based look at how vaccines work and why they matter. The episode dives into Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Polio - covering how these vaccines protect both individuals and communities, why they're given at specific ages, and addressing common concerns around safety.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/qjbkvEcW1_M

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 02:28 Pursuing a Career in Pediatric Mental Health 08:03 Understanding the Immune System and Vaccines 11:17 Understanding Immunization and Vaccine Timing 14:36 Impact of Hepatitis B Vaccine on Infants 17:31 Hidden Epidemic of Hepatitis B 20:26 Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccines 23:07 How Vaccines Work in Communities 26:12 The Spread of Hepatitis A by Children 29:18 Polio Vaccination: A Medical Miracle with Unintended Consequences 32:29 The Importance and Challenges of Eradicating Polio 35:33 Navigating Trust in Medical Information 38:36 Navigating Trust and Information Overload for Parents 41:22 Navigating Trust in Medical Information 44:13 The Responsibility of Providing Parental Advice 47:22 The Privilege of Discussing Parental Issues

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In this episode of Caring Well, Operations Manager and longtime team member Laura drops in to chat about her journey at Middleton Pediatrics, then Dr. Middleton and Dr. Von Edwins discuss the importance of early hearing screenings, and other recent topics in pediatric care - including RSV updates, infant food safety concerns, teen sleep patterns, and exciting advances in gene editing.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/FCQVc6FHGBo

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 03:23 Navigating Healthcare Communication 06:43 Being in the "Mom Era" and Parenting Insights 09:55 The Impact of Hearing Loss on Development and Social Life 13:08 Understanding Hearing Loss in Children 16:45 Understanding RSV in Infants 20:08 Recognizing Respiratory Distress in Babies 23:10 Understanding RSV and Its Seasonal Patterns 26:36 Understanding Borrowed Immunity for RSV Protection 30:00 Concerns Over Lead in Baby Food: Past and Present 33:39 Understanding Lead Exposure and Its Impact 37:03 Rising Flu Deaths and Vaccine Impacts 41:00 The Importance of Trust and Expertise in Society 44:41 Gene Editing Breakthroughs in Medicine 48:03 Long-Term Effects of Childhood Allergies 51:22 Balancing Persistence with Routine Changes

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In this episode of Caring Well, host Dr. Michael Middleton sits down with Cami Slater, a counselor with 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and college students, most recently as a college professor at UCF and a middle school counselor, to explore how parents can help their kids thrive in middle school. From identity development and peer relationships to building resilience and navigating social media, their conversation offers practical insights for supporting your child through one of their most formative seasons.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/Udk2oPeJJEQ

Learn more: https://www.camislater.com

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Helping Your Child Thrive in Middle School 03:21 School Counseling for Kids' Unique Needs 07:01 Navigating Identity in Middle School 10:39 Navigating Confidentiality and Communication with Parents 14:10 Conversations with Older Kids About Sensitive Topics 17:38 Over-Parenting and Lack of Independence 21:05 Understanding Middle School Language 27:45 Navigating Friendship and Mental Health 31:19 Impact of Social Media on Middle Schoolers' Mental Health 34:53 The Impact of Social Media on Students 38:21 Impact of Devices on Child Attention and Development 41:56 Signs Your Child Should Tell an Adult 45:14 Engaging Kids in Conversation: Tips for Parents 48:47 The Importance of Arts and Emotional Learning 52:23 Accessible Counseling in Schools 54:56 Rapid-fire Questions

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