Kids Considered™ Podcast

In this episode we discuss menstruation in adolescents. We review typical ages for onset of menstruation, and the hormonal pathways that are involved with initiating puberty and menstruation. We discuss what is considered “normal” in terms of cycle length, amount of bleeding and associated symptoms. We also review conditions that may lead to delayed menstruation, or abnormal cycles (from very heavy, to irregular or absent) and talk about how to treat some of the commonly associated conditions. 

​​We would like to thank Dr. Juliana Melo, OB-GYN with a particular interest in adolescent gynecology at UC Davis for reviewing this episode, although Dr. Lena & Dr. Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

Photo from the New York Times 

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Daphne Say, pediatric gastroenterologist at UC Davis to discuss the all consuming topic of infant spit up, reflux and GERD. We discuss why this is so common in infants and which infants are more at risk. We review some signs that this may be evolving from a laundry problem (this is the most common!) to a medical problem. We also discuss ways to improve reflux symptoms- from positional techniques, to maternal diets, formulas and thickened feeds. We also review commonly used medications and the risks and benefits associated. 

We thank Dr. Say for joining us on this episode, although Drs. Lena & Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

Photo from ABM.me.uk

In this episode we cover the daunting task of teaching your teenager to drive. We review the common process for obtaining a learners permit and license and evidence based safety rules & recommendations for learners. We discuss some of the reasons teens are more vulnerable to accidents. And we review strategies for approaching teaching, how to role model positive driving etiquette and things to consider when choosing a first car for your teen.

This podcast discusses the popular sleep hormone melatonin. We discuss its role in promoting sleep and our circadian rhythm, review the studies that explore the supplements role in treating sleep issues in pediatrics and typical dosage and timing and for administration. We also highlight some of the issues with this common supplement including the lack of regulation around dosage and additives, risk for overdose and common side effects. 

We would like to thank Dr. Kiran Nandalike, Division Chief of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine for reviewing this episode. Although Drs. Dean and Lena take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

photo from wire.auburn.edu

In this summer re-play, we are re-posting an episode from 2019 with Amber K. Stott, Chief Food Genius and Founding Executive Director of the Food Literacy Center, a local non- profit that works in after school programs teaching children to love their veggies! In this episode we provide tips for parents to create a food adventurer, including how our own language and behaviors can create resistance to trying new foods.  

We thank Amber Stott for joining us for this episode, although we take complete responsibility for any errors or misinformation and acknowledge that some information may have changed since its original publication in 2019.

Photo from United Healthcare

In this summer re-play, we are re-posting an episode from 2018 on vegetarian diets. We discuss the reasons kids and teens choose to become vegetarian and talk about the health and climate benefits of a vegetarian diet. We also discuss key nutrients that may be missing from a vegetarian diet and how to ensure adequate intake of protein, calcium, iron, omegas and other micronutrients.

We thank Staci Collins – pediatric dietician at UCD for reviewing this episode, although we take complete responsibility for any errors or misinformation and acknowledge that some information may have changed since its original publication in 2018.

Photo from CHOP.edu

In celebration of PRIDE month, we are reposting a prior episode (originally released July 2019) on gender diversity and gender identification in children. In this episode we discuss when gender identity develops, review pronouns, and how to create a gender affirming environment.  We also discuss legal and medical options for gender affirming care in transgender youth and some of the controversies surrounding this topic. 

We thank Dr. Laura Kester- Prakash, adolescent medicine specialist at UCD for reviewing this episode, although we take complete responsibility for any errors or misinformation and acknowledge that some information may have changed since its original publication in 2019.  

In this 2-part episode we are joined by developmental pediatrician Dr. Scott Akins, to talk about temperaments. Specifically, those big reactor kids- the high energy, high demand, boundary pushers. We talk about strategies for caregivers and kids around discipline, boundaries, self-regulation and building strong and supportive bonds. We also discuss when there may be something like ADHD or sensory processing differences at play and when it is worth checking in with your child's medical provider about behaviors that may benefit from more therapies or supports. 

We would like to thank Dr. Akins for joining us in this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena  take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

Resources 

Photo from PBS Kids

In this 2-part episode we are joined by developmental pediatrician Dr. Scott Akins, to talk about temperaments. Specifically, those big reactor kids- the high energy, high demand, boundary pushers. We talk about strategies for caregivers and kids around discipline, boundaries, self-regulation and building strong and supportive bonds. We also discuss when there may be something like ADHD or sensory processing differences at play and when it is worth checking in with your child's medical provider about behaviors that may benefit from more therapies or supports. 

We would like to thank Dr. Akins for joining us in this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena  take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

In this episode we talk to pediatric emergency medicine physician, Dr. Julia Magana about pediatric head injury. Head bonks and falls are common in toddlers. As kids age, sports and other risky behaviors can also put them at risk for head injury. In this episode we review head injuries across pediatric age groups. We talk about how to respond to a head injury, mechanisms of injury and symptoms that warrant an evaluation, as well as when it may be appropriate to monitor at home. We also discuss the evidence based research from the pediatric emergency care applied research network that has helped develop guidelines about which pediatric head injuries require imaging.

We thank Dr. Julia Magana for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.