In part 1 of our safety series, we are discussing car seat & passenger safety. We are joined by Jennifer Rubin, UC Davis trauma prevention manager and coalition coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Sacramento. We review which car seats are appropriate for which ages, installation mistakes and how to ensure the safest possible ride every time for your most precious cargo. We also review bicycle and pedestrian safety tips.  

We thank Jennifer Rubin for joining us on this episode of Kids Considered but Drs Lena & Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

In this 2-part podcast series we review food allergies. Part 1 reviews what food allergies are and what they are not. We highlight the most common allergens and how to recognize a food allergy. We also discuss testing and management of food allergies. In part 2 we are joined by Robyn Lao, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of a child with food allergies to discuss living with food allergies, parenting tips and some of the amazing advocacy work her family has been doing for people living with food allergies in California.

 We would like to thank Robyn Huey Lao for joining us for this episode, and Dr. Erika Cherk - pediatric allergy immunology fellow for reviewing the content, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

In this 2-part podcast series we review food allergies. Part 1 reviews what food allergies are and what they are not. We highlight the most common allergens and how to recognize a food allergy. We also discuss testing and management of food allergies. In part 2 we are joined by Robyn Lao, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of a child with food allergies to discuss living with food allergies, parenting tips and some of the amazing advocacy work her family has been doing for people living with food allergies in California.

 We would like to thank Robyn Huey Lao for joining us for this episode, and Dr. Erika Cherk - pediatric allergy immunology fellow for reviewing the content, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

This episode explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare and impacting kids and teens. In medicine, AI is already being used for triage, documentation, diagnostics, and translation. We review its role in pediatric medicine and also discuss how teens are using AI for everything and while it can enhance learning, it also raises concerns about over-reliance, misinformation, and data privacy. Listen in as we review what is likely just the beginning of this new and important technology.

In this episode we review a recent Journal of Pediatrics study on TikTok skin care trends among kids and teens. We review the findings that many young children are flocking to skin care products that are expensive, overly complicated, and filled with potentially irritating or allergenic ingredients. We also touch base with Pediatric dermatologist Dr. Smita Awasthi to bust common skin care myths and share safe, age-appropriate recommendations.

There have been numerous news stories and discussions about the dangers of cooking with gas stoves in the household. Is this a real concern? Or is this just nonsense, a nothingburger? In this episode, we take a closer look at the concerns about gas stoves and possible risks to children and other family members, and we will share our concerns and suggestions. So listen to see what we cook up!

In celebration of PRIDE month, we discuss supporting LGBTQ+ youth. We review the differences between sex assigned at birth, gender identity and sexuality. We discuss evidence based gender affirming care and how to create inclusive spaces that help all kids thrive.   

This episode was written by Dr. Elizabeth Moore and Lena van der List

Cases of measles decreased >99% after introduction of measles vaccine in the 1960’s in the US. But in 2025, we’re seeing outbreaks of measles. Why is this occurring? Are vaccination rates high enough? Is measles dangerous? How effective is the vaccine? What about alternative preventive measures or treatments for measles? Listen to this episode as we cut through some of the measles misinformation that is circulating and discuss these questions and more.

Type 1 diabetes has been increasing in the US, affecting more families. If children are not treated appropriately, there is increased risk of several complications. We are joined by Pediatric Endocrinologist Dr. Lindsey Loomba-Albrecht to update us on type 1 diabetes and children, including why this occurs, when it is most common, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and advances in diabetes care. If someone in your family has type 1 diabetes, or you know a family affected, then listen to this episode!

This episode written by Drs. Loomba-Albrecht and Blumberg

We thank Dr. Lindsey Loomba-Albrecht, MD, Professor and Director of the Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship Program at UC Davis Children’s Hospital for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

Additional resources:

Photo courtesy of Flushing Hospital Medical Center

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, exposing all of us through the water we drink, the food we eat, and even the air that we breathe. There is increasing evidence that microplastic exposure increases the risk of certain cancers, lung problems, and our endocrine function. These effects are even more concerning for growing children. What can we do about microplastics, and how can we protect our children? We are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Moore in this episode to discuss practical steps that parents can take to decrease our children’s microplastic exposure.

This episode written by Drs. Moore and Blumberg.

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

Additional Resources:

 Photo courtesy of Americord