In this 2-part episode we talk about caring for youth in the foster care system. We are joined by Dr. Hannah Snitzer, medical director and Gaby Espino Peralta a young adult with lived experience and family navigator for the CIRCLE clinic, a comprehensive and integrated medical home to children and families currently in or at risk of becoming involved with child welfare services. 

In part 1 episode we review possible reasons children enter the foster system, placement options, the barriers families face in working toward reunification and how trauma plays a role in development. 

We thank Dr. Snitzer and Gaby for joining us on this episode, but Dr. Lena  takes responsibility for any errors or misinformation 

Vaccines have been in the headlines a lot over the last few months. Changes to the recommended schedule, oversight and concerns over access have left many parents with unanswered questions. In this episode we check in with our resident vaccine expert, Dr. Dean, about the recent headlines. We provide rationale and evidence to support the importance of maintaining vaccine recommendations and access for all children. We highlight where parents can look for sound and scientific advice. We discuss specific vaccines including MMR, chickenpox, hepatitis B and COVID and review herd immunity and why school vaccine mandates help protect all children. 

The opinions expressed on the podcast are those of the hosts or guests. They do not reflect the views of UC Davis Health.

In part 3 of our safety series, we are discussing accidental ingestions with a focus on button batteries and magnets. We are joined by Dr. Minna Wieck, a pediatric surgeon with UC Davis. We review which toys and objects are highest risk for kids, what to do if you suspect your child has ingested a foreign body and the surgeon’s role in treating and preventing these devastating accidents.

 We thank Dr. Minna Wieck for joining us on this episode of Kids Considered but Drs Lena & Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

 Photo from radiopaedia

In part 2 of our safety series, we are discussing baby-proofing, injury prevention and water safety. We are joined by Jennifer Rubin, UC Davis trauma prevention manager and coalition coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Sacramento. We review common methods of accidental injury for young children and discuss tips to prevent accidental ingestions, falls and water safety. 

We thank Jennifer Rubin for joining us on this episode of Kids Considered but Drs Lena & Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

Resources

In part 1 of our safety series, we are discussing car seat & passenger safety. We are joined by Jennifer Rubin, UC Davis trauma prevention manager and coalition coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Sacramento. We review which car seats are appropriate for which ages, installation mistakes and how to ensure the safest possible ride every time for your most precious cargo. We also review bicycle and pedestrian safety tips.  

We thank Jennifer Rubin for joining us on this episode of Kids Considered but Drs Lena & Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

In this 2-part podcast series we review food allergies. Part 1 reviews what food allergies are and what they are not. We highlight the most common allergens and how to recognize a food allergy. We also discuss testing and management of food allergies. In part 2 we are joined by Robyn Lao, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of a child with food allergies to discuss living with food allergies, parenting tips and some of the amazing advocacy work her family has been doing for people living with food allergies in California.

 We would like to thank Robyn Huey Lao for joining us for this episode, and Dr. Erika Cherk - pediatric allergy immunology fellow for reviewing the content, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

In this 2-part podcast series we review food allergies. Part 1 reviews what food allergies are and what they are not. We highlight the most common allergens and how to recognize a food allergy. We also discuss testing and management of food allergies. In part 2 we are joined by Robyn Lao, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of a child with food allergies to discuss living with food allergies, parenting tips and some of the amazing advocacy work her family has been doing for people living with food allergies in California.

 We would like to thank Robyn Huey Lao for joining us for this episode, and Dr. Erika Cherk - pediatric allergy immunology fellow for reviewing the content, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

This episode explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare and impacting kids and teens. In medicine, AI is already being used for triage, documentation, diagnostics, and translation. We review its role in pediatric medicine and also discuss how teens are using AI for everything and while it can enhance learning, it also raises concerns about over-reliance, misinformation, and data privacy. Listen in as we review what is likely just the beginning of this new and important technology.

In this episode we review a recent Journal of Pediatrics study on TikTok skin care trends among kids and teens. We review the findings that many young children are flocking to skin care products that are expensive, overly complicated, and filled with potentially irritating or allergenic ingredients. We also touch base with Pediatric dermatologist Dr. Smita Awasthi to bust common skin care myths and share safe, age-appropriate recommendations.

There have been numerous news stories and discussions about the dangers of cooking with gas stoves in the household. Is this a real concern? Or is this just nonsense, a nothingburger? In this episode, we take a closer look at the concerns about gas stoves and possible risks to children and other family members, and we will share our concerns and suggestions. So listen to see what we cook up!