Kids Considered™ Podcast

In this episode we review scoliosis, a common pediatric skeletal abnormality that results in a lateral curvature of the spine. We review the types of scoliosis, causes and focus our discussion on the most common type- adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We also discuss how scoliosis is diagnosed, what degree of spinal curvatures we worry about, and how we predict whether the scoliosis will worsen over time. We review which people may benefit from treatment with bracing or even surgery. 

We we would like to thank Dr. Rolando Roberto, Pediatric spine surgeon at UC Davis Children’s Hospital for reviewing todays episode, although Dr. Lena and Dr. Dean take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation

 Photo from Spine Universe

This week’s podcast reviews head lice, an extremely common and itchy pediatric condition! Head lice, or pediculus humanis capitis, can affect anyone and is not related to cleanliness or hair type. In this episode, we review the life cycle and transmission of lice. We talk about the most common treatments and how they are applied. We also review home remedies- mayonaise anyone? We discuss how no-nit policies for returning to school are not recommended nor needed to stop the transmission of lice. Listen to the full episode to learn more about head lice and the different available treatments! 

This episode was written by Dr. Lena van der List,  Dr. Dean Blumberg and Abby Michalak. 

In today's podcast we review the topic of noise and the harmful effects of environmental sound exposure on developing ears. We review how to minimize potential damage from sound, picking appropriate headphones and toys. We discuss screening for hearing loss at routine well child visits and some easy tips to implement at home. 

This episode was written by Dr. Dean Blumberg and Dr. Lena van der List.  We thank Dr. Jamie Funamura, a pediatric otolaryngologist at UC Davis Children’s Hospital for reviewing this episode. 

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Photo from Best Products

While teen pregnancies in the U.S. are reaching an all-time low, there are still approximately 750,000 teen pregnancies every year, with a majority being unplanned. In teen pregnancies, it is essential that women are made aware of all the options available to them. Options for an undesired or unsafe pregnancy may include having the baby, adoption, or terminating the pregnancy, also known as abortion. With new abortion restrictions making headlines recently in various states across the U.S., we review this important medical option and why availability to safe and timely abortions is crucial to the health and well-being of women and teens. Be sure to listen to the full episode to learn more about abortion. 

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Photo from HealthyChilren.org

In today’s podcast, we review the college application process. When is the right time to start thinking about life after high school? What factors may influence a teen’s decision to attend college, community college or a trade school. We discuss the components involved in a college application, how to make your application stand out and how parents can support their children throughout this process. In addition, we will review a checklist of things to consider before your teen leaves home for the first time. 

This episode was written by Dr. Lena van der List, Dr. Dean Blumberg and Neha Valluri.

Today’s episode is an evidence-based update regarding the new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2022  guidelines for safe sleep and breastfeeding. 

Most parents know that the safest way for babies to sleep is on their back, alone in their crib with nothing else in the crib.  Practices that are known to be highest risk for sleep-related deaths include sleeping on a soft surface, sleeping with someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, prematurity, and being less than 4 months of age. The new recommendations expand to include avoiding inclined sleep surfaces and recommend avoiding hats, weighted sleep sacks, and wearable monitoring devices. 

The AAP has also changed their guidelines to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby for up to 2 years or as long as mutually desired. The update provided on breastfeeding is aimed at helping to gain support from employers and medical providers, as well as working to eliminate disparities in breastfeeding. 

Listen to today’s episode for the complete update and more information on safe sleeping practices and breastfeeding guidelines. 

This episode was written by Dr. Lena van der List,  Dr. Dean Blumberg and Abby Michalak 

We would like to thank Dr. Adrienne Hoyt-Austin, pediatrician, lactation consultant and breastfeeding medicine researcher at UC Davis Children's hospital for reviewing this episode. 

Photo from msu.edu

In this episode we discuss the ongoing Monkeypox virus outbreak. We review how it originated, how the virus is transmitted and discuss if it's something we have to worry about as pediatricians and parents. We review common rash mimics in kids- and what differentiates these rashes from Monkeypox. In addition, we discuss ways to prevent and treat the virus. 

This episode was written by Dr. Dean Blumberg  and Dr. Lena van der List 

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Obesity is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States, with nearly 20% of children 2-19 meeting criteria for obesity. In this podcast we discuss what risk factors contribute to developing obesity and how it is diagnosed. We review the most common co-occuring conditions including diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and liver disease. Most importantly, we review how to treat and prevent obesity with diet and lifestyle choices, and discuss when medications or surgery may be indicated. 

This episode was written by Dr. Sara Brundage and Dr. Lena van der List 

We would like to thank Dr. Dennis Styne endowed chair of  pediatric endocrinologist at UC Davis and Alexander Nella, a registered dietician and physician assistant at UC Davis for reviewing today's episode. 

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Photo from Childhood Obesity SIG - NAPNAP

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome - what is it and what can we do about it? 

Every 15 minutes in the United States a baby is born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). This diagnosis refers to babies who are born to mothers who are addicted to opioids, or strong prescription pain medications, that easily cross the placenta. Newborns with NOWS may experience irritability, trouble sleeping and feeding as they withdraw from the medication. We discuss how this is treated- for many babies breastfeeding is safe and recommended! We also review the stigma surrounding NOWS and empower mothers who struggle with opioid addiction to seek help to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies. 

This episode was written by Dr.  Kara Kuhn-Riordon, Dr. Dean Blumberg and Dr. Lena van der List 

We thank Dr. Kara Kuhn-Riordon,  a neonatologist at UC Davis Children's Hospital for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

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Photo from Honest.com

Whats the fuss over formula?

Many families have been hearing a lot about baby formula in the news recently. From a rare outbreak of a bacterial illness to shortages and panic buying. In this episode we review infant formulas. Around 25% of babies will be exclusively formula fed. We discuss the many different formula options on the market and what makes them unique. We review how to safely prepare formulas, and why homemade formulas are dangerous for little ones.  We also discuss when specialty formulas may be needed for specific medical conditions. Remember, always talk to your pediatrician to help make the best plan for your baby’s growth and development! 

This episode was written by Dr. Lena van der List, Dr. Dean Blumberg and Abby Michalak

We thank Staci Garrison, Registered Dietician at UC Davis Children's Hospital for reviewing  this episode, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

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Photo from Raising Children Network