Anxiety disorders are on the rise in children and teens, but there are resources and evidence-based treatments to help kids who are struggling lead productive, happy lives. In this episode, two Lurie Children's experts, child and adolescent psychologist John Parkhurst, PhD, and clinical social worker Mallory Hilliard, LCSW, CADC, explain the signs, symptoms and causes of the anxiety disorders. They explain how family support and potential interventions, including therapy and medication, can manage the disorder and help kids thrive.

Firearms are the number one cause of death for kids in the United States. It's a startling statistic that Lurie Children's physician and mass shooting survivor, Dr. Emily Lieberman, wants to change. This episode covers the importance of secure gun and ammunition storage to help prevent accidental and intentional shootings, the mental health impact of witnessing gun violence, legislative changes to curtail gun violence, and how parents can navigate these difficult topics with their children. This episode also includes a recounting of Dr. Lieberman's personal experience in a mass shooting.

Exposure to lead at a young age can disrupt brain development, making lead intoxication a serious health concern. But lead lurks in many places and knowing where it may be hiding and how to protect children from exposure is important. Dr. Helen Binns, a pediatrician and director of the Lead Evaluation Program at Lurie Children's, specializes in caring for children exposed to lead and conducts significant research on the topic. Dr. Binns unpacks the myriad ways children might come into contact with lead, potential health risks, and strategies for contact prevention.

It's never too early or too late to talk with children about the dangers of substance use. In this episode, Dr. Mariah Rahmandar, a Lurie Children's attending physician in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Lurie Children's and the Medical Director of the Substance Use and Prevention Program, discusses how parents can help prevent drug and alcohol use in their children and offers strategies for helping kids who have already developed a substance use disorder.

For families with dogs or who spend time around them, understanding dog behavior is essential to the safety of both children and pets. Kelly Ballantyne, DVM, DACVB, a veterinary behaviorist, addresses the potential risks of having dogs in the home and offers tips for avoiding negative encounters, especially dog bites. This episode offers a comprehensive guide for families to foster a safe and harmonious environment for both their children and pets.

Reading and interactive learning can have a profound impact on a child's brain development. Dr. Mariana Glusman, Attending Physician in Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care at Lurie Children's, shares how parents can nurture their children's cognitive, emotional and social development through meaningful, engaging interactions at home. As a passionate advocate for Reach Out and Reach, a program in pediatrician's offices that promotes literacy, Dr. Glusman shares the powerful benefits of regular reading with children, how parents can aid in the early relational health of their children, and how they can support their child's development in a multilingual home.

The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on a growing mental health crisis in the United States, impacting a record number of teens and many younger children, too. In this episode, Lurie Children's pediatric psychiatrist, Aron Janssen, MD, shares ways parents, communities and healthcare providers can give kids the support they need. Dr. Janssen is the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs in the Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health here at Lurie Children's. He sees patients and conducts research on pediatric mental health and behavioral health.

Concussions have a major impact on the daily lives of millions of children each year. In this episode, Jaqueline Turner, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, discusses the importance of concussion prevention and management for young patients and offers insights into rule changes in youth sports to help prevent these injuries. She highlights the need for parents and caregivers to be informed on the signs of concussions and how early diagnosis and treatment can lead to faster recovery.

The hosts of Kids' Health Matters, Dr. Nina Alfieri and Dr. Rob Sanchez, talk about what you can expect on upcoming epsiodes of the show. Alfieri and Sanchez are both pediatricians at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and new parents. Get to know this doctor duo and some of the topics they plan to cover during the first season of this show.

Find out more about Kids' Health Matters, a podcast for parents and caregivers from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.