Kids Considered™ Podcast

Seasonal allergies are the 3rd leading chronic medical condition that affects children, with 40% of kids having them. In today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Anh Nguyen a pediatric allergist and immunologist. She helps us review what causes seasonal allergies. We also discuss common symptoms and how to differentiate them from common viral illnesses. We review how the diagnosis of seasonal allergies is made and how they can be treated, from over the counter medications to targeted allergy shots and oral immunotherapy. Don't worry- we ask about local honey too. 

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

We thank Dr. Anh Nguyen,  an allergist immunologist at UC Davis Children's Hospital for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

Supplemental Information:

Photo from YaleMedicine

In this special 100th podcast episode, Dr. Lena processes the first few months as a new mom. From labor and delivery of her baby girl, to the hospital stay, to the challenges of breastfeeding, baby gas and postpartum anxiety. We review the things she thought she knew as a pediatrician but immediately doubted once she was home. We hope this episode makes you laugh, answers some of your newborn questions and helps to normalize each families unique journey into parenthood.

This episode was written by Dr. Lena van der List

Photo from Dr. Lena's iPhone 

This podcast is all about school readiness! How do you know if your child is ready for kindergarten? How can you help prepare your child for attending school? There are many things you can do as a parent to help promote a healthy physical well-being, social and emotional development and language milestones. When the time comes for your child to start school, taking them to familiarize themselves with the school and  meet their teacher beforehand, in addition to having a structured morning and evening routine can help make the adjustment easier. Be sure to listen to this episode for more tips! 

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

Resources:

Photo from zero to three

With approximately 60 million children and teens participating in sports, it's no surprise that sports injuries are COMMON! In part 2 of this podcast on sports injuries, we review the most common injuries of the lower extremity- including acute and chronic knee injuries, shin splints vs. stress fracture and ankle injuries. We also cover additional tips for preventing youth sports injury including taking time off from the sport, proper form and safety gear, strength and flexibility training, and avoiding specialization in a single sport while young. 

This episode was written by Dr. Lena van der List and  Dr. Dean Blumberg. We would like to thank Dr. Nick Hatamiya, family medicine and sports medicine physician at UCSF and Nicole Friel, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with Shriners Children's Northern California for reviewing today episode.

With approximately 60 million children and teens participating in sports, it's no surprise that sports injuries are COMMON! In part 1 of this 2-part podcast on sports injuries, we discuss acute vs. overuse injuries, why growing children are more prone to injury and review the most common injuries of the upper extremity- including shoulder dislocations, little league shoulder and elbow and wrist fractures. We review the treatment and healing process and most importantly how to prevent these injuries from occurring in the first place. 

This episode was written by Dr. Lena van der List and  Dr. Dean Blumberg. We would like to thank Dr. Nick Hatamiya, family medicine and sports medicine physician at UCSF and Nicole Friel, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with Shriners Children's Northern California for reviewing today episode.

Tune into today’s episode to learn about all things childproofing! Childproofing is so important and can help you relax as a parent and get to enjoy spending time with your curious infants and toddlers. Join us as we take you room to room and review the highest yield tips for creating a safe home. Some of the main ways to prevent accidental injury in the home include anchoring heavy furniture, covering door knobs, and using baby gates. The episode also discusses water safety and other important items such as keeping medications and cleaning supplies out of reach.

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

Photo from SBchildproofing

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communication difficulties and restrictive repetitive behaviors. The presentation is highly variable from child to child. ASD is very common, with 1 in 44 children in the US now qualifying as having an autism spectrum disorder. During this 2 part series we are joined by Dr. Sarah Dufek, a clinical psychologist at the UC Davis M.I.N.D institute.

In today’s podcast we review screening for autism in the outpatient setting with a tool called the MCHAT, we discuss how early can autism be diagnosed, signs to look out for and how families go about getting an official autism diagnosis.  We also discuss the most evidence based treatments for autism and how to transition teenage individuals with autism to further education, careers and independent living. 

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

We would like to thank Dr. Dufek, a clinical psychologist at the UC Davis MIND institute for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Lena and Dr. Blumberg  take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

 Supplemental information:

photo from AdysArmy.org

In today’s episode, we discuss the wonderful world of snacks! It is common for kids, and especially younger kids, to eat more frequently — about 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. Snacks are a great way to help your child eat more fruits, veggies, and other important things like fiber. However, excessive snacking of non-nutritious foods can also lead to obesity and disinterest in meal time. The best options for snacks are fresh fruits and veggies or whole-grain crackers and cereals. As kids get older, it is important to make sure that they have nutritious snacks and are properly hydrated before a sports game or practice. Join us for a review of snacking and how to get the most out of snack time. Pro tip — planning ahead and having healthy snacks on hand can help with a busy schedule! 

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

Supplemental information:

Photo from Children's Hospital Colorado

Is your child a perfectionist? Maybe the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? In today’s episode we discuss perfectionism.

More than 1 in 4 adolescents in the United States identify as being a perfectionist. Perfectionists set high and unrealistic expectations for themselves in everything they do. While children with this trait may have many desirable characteristics such as school and extracurricular successes, it can also lead to significant mental health and self-esteem issues if not addressed. In today’s podcast we review this common trait, what is, how it can develop and how to mitigate the toxic effects of perfectionism.

This episode was written by Drs. Dean Blumberg and Kylie Abeson

Supplemental Resources:

Photo from glogster.com

Join us for part 3 from the Milestones Matter Series! Today’s topic focuses on social-emotional milestones.

We are joined by Dr. Ruchi Punatar, a fellow in developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the UC Davis MIND Institute, to discuss social-emotional milestones. Throughout your child’s wellness checks, your pediatrician will conduct developmental screening and surveillance in order to monitor your child’s development and check in with you regarding any concerns or questions you may have. Today, we discuss typical social development patterns such as social smiling, first laughs, imitation of others, and cooperative play. We review red flags, as well as screenings for disorders of social-emotional development such as Autism. We also discuss useful resources you can utilize to help track your child’s development. Always be sure to talk to your pediatrician with any concerns or questions you have - remember every child’s development timeline is different!

This episode was written by Drs. Ruchi Punatar, Lena van der List, Dean Blumberg & Abby Michalak.

Resources:

zero to three - social emotional development

Healthy Children- Boost Your Babys Development at Home

CDC - Act Early

CDC milestones app

Help me grow Sacramento

First 5 Sacramento

Photo from thelovedchild.net