Kids Considered™ Podcast

In this episode we talk to pediatric emergency medicine physician, Dr. Julia Magana about pediatric head injury. Head bonks and falls are common in toddlers. As kids age, sports and other risky behaviors can also put them at risk for head injury. In this episode we review head injuries across pediatric age groups. We talk about how to respond to a head injury, mechanisms of injury and symptoms that warrant an evaluation, as well as when it may be appropriate to monitor at home. We also discuss the evidence based research from the pediatric emergency care applied research network that has helped develop guidelines about which pediatric head injuries require imaging.

We thank Dr. Julia Magana for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

In this episode Dr. Lena is joined by Dr. Kelli Derrah, a pediatric resident physician at UC Davis. We discuss what to expect in the event your child is hospitalized. We review the most common reasons for hospitalization, procedures including getting an IV, imaging or blood work and how to make these as pain-free as possible.  We review different members of the care team- from doctors and nurses, to respiratory therapists and child life specialists- each person has an important role in helping your child get better. We review some tips for making the whole process easier for you and your child. We also highlight what a typical day will look like from morning rounds to ensuring your child is ready to go home. 

Photo from Idahocapitalsun

In today's episode we have the honor of talking to a parent and friend, Lori Leib about the experience of preterm delivery and being a parent in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Lori’s son, Jones, was born at 25 weeks gestation after a placental abruption and spent 4 months in the NICU before coming home. While we normally talk from the physician experience, we wanted to highlight the family centered side of medicine. In this episode Lori shares her own personal experience, tips for parents or family members who are navigating the NICU, we discuss breastfeeding and pumping challenges and the importance of self care. 

In this 2-part episode we review the impacts that climate change has on pediatric health. We are joined by Dr. Sonja Swenson and Dr. Naomi Bardach; two amazing pediatricians, climate activists and co-chairs the climate change and child health committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics CA- Chapter 1. We spend part 1 discussing the known impacts that climate change is having on pediatric health. Ranging from severe weather events, to air pollution and changes in disease patterns. In part 2 we provide practical tips for what individuals can do personally to reduce their impact on climate change and highlight current advocacy work to help ensure a better future for our planet and our kids.

We thank Dr. Swenson and  Dr. Bardach for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

In this 2-part episode we review the impacts that climate change has on pediatric health. We are joined by Dr. Sonja Swenson and Dr. Naomi Bardach; two amazing pediatricians, climate activists and co-chairs the climate change and child health committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics CA- Chapter 1. We spend part 1 discussing the known impacts that climate change is having on pediatric health. Ranging from severe weather events, to air pollution and changes in disease patterns. In part 2 we provide practical tips for what individuals can do personally to reduce their impact on climate change and highlight current advocacy work to help ensure a better future for our planet and our kids.

We thank Dr. Swenson and  Dr. Bardach for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

Photo from muncie by 5

Sore throats are common, making up about 6% of primary care office visits. Only about ¼ of sore throats are caused by the bacteria strep. In this podcast, we review sore throats and how to differentiate strep from common viral causes. We discuss testing, treatments and home care remedies. We also review some of the complications of strep throat to be aware of. 

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

Photo from HealthyChildren.org

February 26-March 3rd is eating disorders awareness week. Unfortunately, eating disorders are common with one study estimating that 9% of people struggle with an eating disorder at some point.  In this episode we review eating disorders, with a focus on anorexia and bulimia nervosa. We talk about how these disorders present, the associated medical complications and most importantly which treatments are effective at helping an individual get back on track with appropriate nutrition and body image. 

If you or someone you know needs help with an eating disorder, reach out to your physician or the get help through various helplines here

In this episode we discuss early childcare. We review different options for daycare, financial considerations and what specifics parents should look for in a high quality daycare program. We review the studies looking at benefits and drawbacks of early daycare enrollment on later academics and behavior. And of course we talk about daycare illness and remind listeners that up to 11 respiratory illnesses the first 2 years of daycare enrollment is normal, although it sure doesn't feel normal while you are living through it! 

In this podcast we review iron and iron deficiency anemia. Iron is a nutrient that plays ​​an important role in making the proteins that transport oxygen throughout our bodies. If people  do not have enough iron they can develop anemia. Unfortunately, anemia is common- with about 20% of children developing anemia at some point.. In this episode we review iron requirements in infancy through adolescence, we talk about important dietary sources of iron. We discuss signs of anemia, screening and how to treat iron deficiency anemia with supplementation.

We thank Dr. Anjali Pawar, pediatric hematologist and oncologist at UC Davis Children's hospital for reviewing  this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

As we kick off  2024 and close in on 5 years of podcasting we reflect on some of our personal goals for the new year and offer suggestions for creating resolutions as a family. We highlight best practices around common goals of improving sleep, physical activity & nutrition. We review screen time recommendations and offer tips on how to cut down on media in your home. We even offer some easy goals around child safety and injury prevention. We discuss making space for our mental health and the importance of resolutions that tap into our own personal wellness and help to find meaning in our daily lives.

Thank you so much for your support over the years. Happy new year and we look forward to continuing to learn together in 2024. 

Photo from sunshinewhisperers