This podcast episode explains infant botulism, a rare but treatable illness caused by toxin from the bacteria Clostridium. Infants can develop botulism when spores - often from agricultural products, dust, or honey- grow in their immature gut. We discuss early signs of illness  including constipation, weak feeding, and low muscle tone. We also review the diagnostic process and treatment and importantly prevention.

In this podcast we discuss fungal infections of the skin, scalp and nails. We review how fungal infections are transmitted, how to recognize them as well as both over the counter and prescription treatment options. We also discuss when it's ok to treat at home and which signs warrant a closer look by a health care provider.

With spring in full bloom and the pollen dropping we are bringing back a timely discussion on seasonal allergies with allergist and immunologist Dr. Anh Nguyen. We discuss why environmental allergies develop, and why they are worse in some geographic areas. We review common symptoms and how to differentiate them from illness.  We review how the diagnosis of seasonal allergies is made and how they can be treated, from over-the-counter antihistamines to targeted allergy shots and oral immunotherapy. 

In this episode we are joined by Kathryn Ward, a registered dietician with expertise in sports medicine to discuss nutrition for the teen athlete. We review basic nutritional needs of the teenage athlete, discuss optimal meals and snacks – spoiler alert carbs get a lot of love in this episode. We also review some of the commonly used supplements and nutritional trends.

 Resources

On this episode we are joined by Dr. Amna Khan to discuss health equity and discuss tips for celebrating diversity and embracing cultural differences both in the doctors office and at home.

67% of children’s total daily calories in the United States come from ultra-processed foods. In this episode we are joined by Dr. Shushma Chamarthi, a primary care Pediatrician and Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine at Valley Children’s Healthcare to talk about ultra-processed foods. We discuss the definition of ultra-processed foods and the health impact we see from these ultra-processed foods and how to work towards improving children’s diets with some easy and affordable dietary changes.

In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Mallika Iyer-Horiuchi to discuss urinary tract infections in children including why they develop, who is at the greatest risk, common signs and symptoms, and treatment and prevention.

 This episode was written by Dr. Iyer-Horiuchi and Dr. van der List. Dr. van der List takes responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Janice Enriquez, a child psychologist and clinical professor in developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the UC Davis MIND institute to discuss strengthening the parent-child relationship. We review how to address problematic behaviors like tantrums and defiance with an emphasis on a type of therapy that can be utilized in early childhood called parent-child interaction, or parent child-care therapy. 

We would like to thank Dr. Enriquez for joining us for this episode but Drs. Lena & Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

In this episode we discuss the evolving landscape of telehealth with pediatric hospitalist and telemedicine researcher, Dr. Jen Rosenthal. We review tips for ensuring a smooth telehealth visit. We highlight which medical visits fit nicely within the context of telehealth and which complaints benefit from an in person exam. We also review how the things may change with implementation of artificial intelligence tools.

 This episode written by Drs. Rosenthal, Blumberg and van der List.

We thank Dr. Jennifer Rosenthal, Professor and Pediatric Hospitalist at UC Davis Children’s Hospital for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

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 2 episode we review the role of trauma informed healthcare, and how trauma and adverse childhood experiences impacts development, psychological and physical health. We discuss how to advocate for and support youth in the foster system. We also review some of the community resources and scholarships to help children in the system advance their education.

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