Kids Considered™ Podcast

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Moore to discuss the important topic of safe sleep in infants. We review evidence-based strategies for reducing the risk of sudden unexplained infant death (SIDS) including the importance of placing an infant on their back to sleep, ensuring a flat, firm sleep surface with nothing in the crib or bassinet and the protective role of breastfeeding and pacifiers. We also review popular misconceptions and sleep topics like smart bassinets and cardiorespiratory monitors. This episode will ensure every new parent and infant sleeps easier! 

Photo from HealthyChildren.org

In anticipation of the upcoming US presidential election on Tuesday, November 5th- this episode discusses how civic engagement and voting relates to our health. Voting is one of the main ways that community members can affect policies and laws that allow for access to resources like high-quality nutrition, education, housing, and health care. We review studies that show areas with higher voter turnout are more healthy and  adults who vote and who are more politically engaged have better mental health, achieve higher levels of education, and attain higher incomes. We also talk about different policies that may be present on the ballot and how they pertain to kids and resources to help listeners understand ballot measures and propositions. 

GLP-1 medications have been in the news recently highlighting their success in weight loss. In today's episode, we check in with Alex Nella, a pediatric physician assistant and registered dietician here at UC Davis, who specializes in obesity in youth and adolescents. We discuss traditional approaches to weight management in teens. We review these medications and the role they may play in treating obesity in the teen population. He also discusses some of the side effects, monitoring and safety data around this popular medication. 

We would like to thank Alex Nella, physician assistant and registered dietician for joining us on this episode, although Dr. Lena takes full responsibility for any errors or misinformation

Photo from everydayhealth.com

In this episode, we talk with pediatric allergist and immunologist Dr. Sunil Saini about asthma. We review symptoms of asthma and commonly co-occuring conditions. We discuss how asthma is diagnosed and some tests that may play a role in assessing asthma severity or common triggers. We also review medications used to treat asthma and how to follow an asthma action plan. 

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

Photo from TodaysParent

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