Ever wonder why your kiddo outgrows clothes overnight or seems endlessly hungry? They might be going through a growth spurt! In the season five kickoff of Young & Healthy, pediatricians Dr. Mary Carol Burkhardt and Dr. Nick DeBlasio join host Kate Setter to dive into the fascinating world of growth spurts. They’ll break down what’s happening during these phases, patterns parents might notice, and how long growth spurts typically last. The conversation also touches on the difference between growing pains and growth spurts, plus when it might be time to consult a pediatrician. Don’t miss this episode filled with practical tips to keep your kiddos growing strong, inch by inch! 

As we turn off the mics and close out season 4 of Young & Healthy, the whole team gathers for a special episode to reflect on an incredible year. We’re sharing our favorite episodes and answering some fun fall-themed questions so you can get to know us and the podcast a little better! 

This season, we’ve covered it all from bedwetting to sunscreen for kids. Whether you’re a first-time parent navigating parenthood or a seasoned pro, we hope after listening that you feel informed, empowered and heard. 

Season 5 kicks off in January, and there’s plenty more in store. Until then, take a trip through our past seasons and don’t forget to follow the show and leave us a review! 

Kayla’s Favorite Episode- Bedwetting: Practical Advice for Families  

Nanette’s favorite episode-Eye Care Essentials for Kids  

Bo’s favorite episode- Snooze, Don’t Lose: Create healthy Sleep Habits Early  

Symfhani’s favorite episode-Sunscreen Explained: Tips for Parents  

Kate’s favorite episode-Sip or Skip? The Truth about Trendy Drinks 

Kids today juggle a lot—playing sports, homework, studying for exams, and sometimes caring for siblings. Not to mention their regular school responsibilities. While it is great to see them involved, the heavy load can sometimes become overwhelming, leading to stress.  

In this episode, Kate Setter chats with Dr. Brian Kurtz, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Dr. Melissa Young, a pediatric psychologist, about how kids can better balance their responsibilities. They explore the most common stressors affecting young people, physical symptoms of stress, and strategies to help them create balance in their life. They also talk about the role parents play in unintentionally contributing to their child’s stress and how parents can start the conversation to help their kids. Tune in to this insightful episode, filled with helpful advice for managing it all.  

Kids are going crazy for coffee shop drinks and boba teas, but are these drinks okay for teens and tweens? In this episode of Young & Healthy, host Kate Setter sits down with Registered Dietitian Samantha Zalewski to have a conversation about what’s in these trendy drinks. She shares insights on caffeine, sugar, and other ingredients caregivers should be mindful of. We talk about healthier drink options and learn what “natural energy” really means. Plus, find out what physical signs to watch for that could mean your child is having too much caffeine.  

Potty training is a huge milestone for both children and caregivers, but it’s a process that varies for every child and can’t be rushed. In this episode of Young & Healthy, host Symfhani Fair-Harris chats with pediatricians Dr. Mary Carol Burkhardt and Dr. Nick DeBlasio to explore the ins and outs of potty training. They discuss the best time to introduce the potty, how to recognize signs your child is ready—or not ready—to begin, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies to create a positive, stress-free potty-training experience. The doctors also share advice for caregivers facing resistance from their child and address conditions that might impact a child’s potty-training journey. Tune in for practical tips and expert insights! 

It's important to ensure your child's vision is ready for the classroom as school for many has just started. In this episode of Young & Healthy, host Kate Setter sits down with Dr. Leah Owen to explore the essentials of eye care for kids. Dr. Owen discusses the importance of routine eye exams, what pediatricians look for during check-ups, and when it might be time to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist. 

We also dive into common signs that a child may have vision problems, such as squinting, and getting too close to screens or books to see better. Additionally, Dr. Owen shares tips on daily habits and nutrition that can promote eye health, as well as advice for families navigating their child’s first pair of glasses or contacts. Listeners will learn about the impact of screen time on young eyes and some surprising facts about how our vision works. Whether your child has perfect eyesight or needs a little extra help, this episode offers valuable insights to keep their eyes healthy and their learning on track. 

Do you have a toddler who struggles to fall asleep at night? Or a school ager who has stayed up way too late through the summer? Or are you simply fascinated by sleep and want to learn more? In today’s episode of the Young & Healthy Podcast, host Bo McMillian chats with Dr. Kelly Byars about all things sleep. Listen today to the newest episode of the podcast to learn how you can help your kids, and yourself, sleep better every night. 

Learn from Dr. Kelly Byars about the impact of blue light on kids’ brains, the role of sleep detractors and enhancers, and what he calls the golden age of sleep. He tells us how to set up routines and maintain a consistent sleep environment, so kids get the sleep they need. 

Don’t snooze on this valuable information! Subscribe to Young & Healthy where you get your podcasts. 

Resources

Learn more about the Sleep Center at Cincinnati Children's.

On today's episode of Young & Healthy, Bo McMillian talks with Dr. Theresa Guilbert about asthma in kids. They explore what asthma is, symptoms of asthma in kids and why it's more common in places like Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Guilbert explains the causes of asthma, which kids might be more likely to develop the disease, and some ways parents and caregivers can treat and manage it so kids can stay healthy and active. 

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or just curious, this episode is packed with helpful information to keep your family healthy.  

Is your kids’ skin protected as well as it should be when they’re outside this summer? The realistic answer for many families is - probably not! 

In the newest episode of the Young & Healthy podcast, Kate Setter sits down with pediatric dermatologist Dr. Kalyani Marathe to learn more about what every parent needs to know about sunscreen for kids – even parents who already have high sunscreen IQ. 

This episode covers the differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens and explores the various types of application methods – spray, stick, lotion, cream. Dr. Marathe explains how often you should re-apply sunscreen to ensure little ones are protected, ingredients to avoid, and recommendations for trusted sunscreen brands. We talk about infants in the sun and makeup that has sunscreen.  And those spray sunscreens everyone loves... most people use them incorrectly. Listen today and learn the right ways to keep your kids safe in the sun. 

It’s almost time for kids who were babies through the pandemic to start kindergarten – but are they ready? In the latest episode of Young & Healthy, host Kate Setter talks with Dr. Kristen Copeland, Dr. Lauren Porter, and Vera Brooks from Cincinnati Public Schools about kindergarten readiness and child development.  

Listeners will learn what educators look for when assessing readiness and how the measures we took in 2020 and 2021 can impact classroom outcomes. Our guests delve into their work with kindergarteners, offering insights from their recent study that includes findings about effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on early childhood education. They share steps parents can take now to ensure their children are ready for kindergarten, highlighting the importance of fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment. 

Don’t miss this important conversation that will provide listeners with actionable steps to support every child's journey into kindergarten. 

Resources: 

To read more about the study, visit: Study Confirms Fears that COVID Pandemic Reduced Kindergarten Readiness - Research Horizons (cincinnatichildrens.org)