Kids Health Cast

In this special iteration of Kids Health Cast, we are sharing this 2019 episode featuring Dr. Avital Falk and we go over what parents and kids should know about addressing and coping with anxiety. She discusses anxiety in children and how it can affect their ability to function and learn. She shares important tips to help them cope with their anxiety and to learn important stress management techniques.

To schedule with Dr. Avital Falk

Jonathan Avery, M.D. discusses what parents should know about alcohol and substance use among college students. He also discusses how recent drinking trends like BORGs or hard seltzers have been impacting college campuses. He discusses the influx of alcohol-free drinks as alternatives in the beverage market. He highlights successful ways for harm reduction, mitigating risks, and how families can keep open lines of communications around these topics.

To schedule with Dr. Jonathan Avery 

Suzanne Straebler, Ph.D., PMH-BC and Melissa Klein, Ph.D. discuss what patients should know about eating disorders. They highlight the common types of disordered eating, including Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, and how they can impact any one of different backgrounds. They also share how the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased social media usage have led to lower self esteem and perception issues that can impact eating disorders. They also discuss how the Eating Disorders Service at WCM helps parents and children work through Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

Kalliope Tsirilakis, M.D. discusses what parents should know about Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). She shares common VOCs that could be present inside households and how the irritants can trigger asthma and allergies. She highlights the recent concerns and debates around gas stoves, as well. She provides tips for how families can protect indoor air quality in the spaces they occupy.

Alison Austin, M.D. discusses what parents should know about potty training. She goes over the ways that adults can prepare for toileting of their toddlers and how to assess when their children may be ready. She also shares how to reassure their kids when accidents happen with positive reinforcements during the training process.

To schedule with Alison Austin, M.D:

Alexander Chou, M.D. discusses his approaches to treating and caring for children with cancer. He reviews the genetic testing that would be available after a diagnosis and what parents should know about the high likelihood of curing pediatric cancers are curable, due to modern advances in medicines. He shares his philosophies and approach with multidisciplinary pediatric cancer care, including individual and compassionate treatment for every every kid, as well as addressing the emotional, mental, and psychosocial impacts on the family.

To schedule with Alexander Chou, M.D.

Andrea Beth Temkin, Psy.D. discusses what parents should know about youth depression and anxiety. She highlights the different types of depression, including episodes and disorders, as well the core symptoms to look out for. She reviews the red flags that parents can look for in their children, and the current therapies and medications available for treatment. She also goes over what parents can do to take care of themselves and model healthy behaviors to their children.

To schedule with Andrea Beth Temkin, Psy.D.,

Hannah Simon, M.D. discusses what parents should know about preventing bullying in children. She starts with defining what is considered bullying, both in-person and online, and the impacts of it on kids and families. She highlights the effects of it on the psychological well-being in children and how adults can intervene to help kids develop healthy ways to manage conflict, develop resiliency, and process their emotions. She also shares what to do if parents find out that their kids may be the bully and to resolve through active dialogue, problem solving, and concrete consequences.

To schedule with Hannah Simon, M.D

Elaine Barfield, M.D. discusses what parents should know about addressing constipation issues in children. She notes the factors that may impact regularity and consistency, including issues of holding and signs of pain to look out for in kids. She gives advice on behavioral management that parents can train in their children early on, including proper sitting postures and understanding the gastrocolic reflex.

Finally, she gives guidance to parents on laxative stool softeners and tools like the squatty potty.

To schedule with Elaine Barfield, MD

Dr. Karen P. Acker discusses what to know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV). She highlights the main symptoms of RSV and the differences between COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. She also discusses why children are at greatest risk for the serious illness. She reviews the best ways for parents to take care of their children at home and when it's important to seek additional medical treatments.

To schedule with Dr. Karen P. Acker