Kids Considered™ Podcast

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.

Additional resources:

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

Probiotics may theoretically benefit children’s microbiome. Although they are generally safe, is there evidence to show that they result in improved gut health for children? We are joined by Dr. Natasha Nakra in this episode to discuss both probiotics and prebiotics, and get to the bottom of making sure that your child has a happy and healthy microbiome.

We thank Dr. Natasha Nakra, Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

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

 Additional resources:

 Photo courtesy of NIH

It is not uncommon for newborns to have jaundice. This is due to elevated bilirubin, and may be a normal physiologic phenomenon. But if the bilirubin rises too high or too fast, this may pose a danger for the child. In this episode, we explain why jaundice occurs due to normal newborn bilirubin metabolism, what conditions may lead to increased risk of jaundice, how this is monitored, what are some of the consequences if this is not treated, and of course the common treatments and expected clinical course. So listen up as we shed some light on this subject!

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

We thank Dr. Christopher Kim, Medical Director Division of Pediatric Primary Care at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, for reviewing this episode, although Drs. Lena and Dean take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

Additional Resources:

Photo courtesy of Positive Parenting

Fluoride curious? Although fluoridated water and toothpaste have been around for years, recent public discussions regarding safety concerns may be confusing. In this episode, we will discuss why fluoride is important for healthy teeth, especially for children. How effective is fluoride? Can a child ingest too much? Does fluoride have any side effects? Does it affect IQ? Listen as we talk about these questions and more.

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

Additional Resources:

 Photo courtesy of Solventum

What to expect when you are expecting a 2nd or 3rd (or more!) child? How best to prepare the older sibling or siblings? How should you expect to integrate welcoming a new baby with the usual transitions that will be occurring with older children, such as toilet training and moving from a crib to a bed? Where and how is the best way to introduce the new baby to their older sister or brother? Listen as we explore these questions and more in this episode!

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

 Additional Resources:

 Photo courtesy of Jet Club

Teen screen time is increasing and may adversely impact sleep, attention, mental health and safety. In this episode we discuss the importance of consistent screen time limits to promote prosocial activities, sleep, homework and digital safety. What are the best ages to introduce smartphones and social media? Listen and find out!

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

Additional resources:

Photo courtesy of the University of California

In the United States, most 2-year-olds use a digital device daily, and 9 of every 10 children are introduced to a device before their first birthday. In this episode we review screen time recommendations for children under 6. We also highlight some of the most recent studies addressing its influence on language, attention, development and sleep and the issues that arise when trying to research this topic. 

In this episode we talk about the novel PATH program here at UC Davis. This program was implemented to promote accessibility to health care for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences. We talk with the co-directors, pediatric developmental pediatrician Dr. Scott Akins and pediatric surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kohler about their experiences caring for children with neurodevelopmental differences in the healthcare setting. We review the health disparities that exist within this population and ways that we as providers and parents can collaborate for a more successful approach to providing evidence based care for these kids and families. 

We thank Dr. Akins and Kohler for joining us for todays episode, although Drs Lena & Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation

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.