Kids Considered™ Podcast

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.

Photo courtesy of Gavi

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.

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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.

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 Photo courtesy of Americord

Neck injuries are pretty common in children and may be scary since a significant injury may result in paralysis or loss of sensation. In this episode, we are joined by Pediatric Emergency Medicine specialist Dr. Julia Magaña to discuss common mechanisms of neck injury, how neck injuries are evaluated, when imaging such as x-rays or CT scans are appropriate, and treatment of minor injuries. Don’t let a pain in the neck stop you from listening to this episode!

This episode written by Drs. Magaña and Blumberg.

We thank Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Health for joining us for this episode.

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Photo courtesy of Active Sport & Spine Therapy

Lead Exposure and Its Effects on Child Development

Although lead exposure in childhood is less common now than in the past, 3% of children in the US have elevated lead levels. And many parents may remember the numerous children exposed to lead relatively recently in Flint Michigan. Exposure to lead during childhood increases the risk for diminished intellectual and academic abilities, higher rates of neurobehavioral disorders and attention deficits, and lower birth weight in children. In this episode we discuss possible sources for lead exposure in childhood, routine screening for elevated lead levels, preventing lead exposure, and treatment of elevated lead levels.

This episode written by Drs. van der List and Blumberg

Additional resources:

Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma State Department of Health

Gun violence has surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death among children and teens in the US. What can we do to improve firearm safety to keep children safe from preventable injury and death? In this episode we are joined by Dr. Amy Barnhorst, director of the BulletPoints Project, to discuss the impact of gun violence on children including on their mental health, the media’s influence, and what families can do to improve firearm safety including safe gun storage.

This episode written by Drs. Barnhorst, van der List and Blumberg.

We thank Dr. Amy Barnhorst, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis Health, Vice Chair of Community Mental Health, and Director of the BulletPoints Project, for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

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Photo courtesy of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy