Every parent finds themselves wondering... "is that normal?" In this episode of Meaningful Medicine from Novant Health, pediatrician Dr. Shaoleen Daly joins us to talk about what behaviors, habits, and health concerns are considered typical during the important developmental window between the ages of 6 and 8, and when parents might want to dig a little deeper. From mood swings and picky eating to sleep patterns, bathroom habits, and attention spans, Dr. Daly offers expert insight to help caregivers feel more confident and informed. Whether you're navigating elementary school challenges or just wondering if your child’s quirks are normal, this episode offers the clarity and reassurance every parent needs. 

Learn more about Shaoleen Daly, MD 

Sudden cardiac arrest is rare, but when it strikes a young athlete, it’s often unexpected and devastating. In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, pediatric cardiologist Dr. Bill Hammill joins us to shed light on the warning signs, screening tools, and life-saving measures every parent, coach, and teammate should know. We explore what causes sudden cardiac arrest in otherwise healthy kids and teens, how Novant Health is helping families stay informed and prepared, and why access to AEDs and trained responders on the field can mean the difference between life and death. Because when seconds matter, preparation saves lives, and knowledge is powerful medicine. 

Learn more about William Hammill, MD 

Dr. Sarah Fox shares the latest colon cancer screening recommendations and also talks about healthy steps we can all take with our diets.

More than 25% of Americans experience some form of seasonal allergy. You know the symptoms – sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and congestion. Those who suffer are also willing to pay for relief, research suggests that the allergy treatment market will reach $31 billion by 2029. But what triggers seasonal allergies, and are there any hacks outside of nasal spray medication to try to prevent or at least make their impact less severe?

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Alicia Beal, a family medicine physician who is also board certified in lifestyle medicine at Novant Health, answers some of the most common questions about seasonal allergies. She also debunks myths and provides some helpful tips you can try at home.

Dr. Frederick Meine III discusses the link between stress and heart health, and how to reduce risk factors of heart issues. Dr. Meine, an interventional cardiologist, also talks about treatments for heart blockages.

Pediatric neurologist Dr. Sonia Varghese provides an overview of brain-related topics, from how much sleep children should get to when to be concerned about headaches.

Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth baby, there are always new questions for expecting mothers. And while we have unlimited access to “helpful” information online, it’s best to ask a trained obstetrician for guidance.

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Eboni Ogunbekun, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist (OBGYN) at Novant Health, answers some of the most common questions from patients. She also provides some helpful tips for first time moms to consider throughout their pregnancy.

Multiple Myeloma is an incurable cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, it’s rare. In the United States, the lifetime risk of developing the blood disorder that can compromise your immune system and cause anemia, kidney failure and bone disease is 1 in 131. However, it’s more common in men and twice as common in Blacks than whites. The reason is unknown.

Dr. Kathleen Elliott, an African American hematologist (blood cancer expert) at Novant Health, is laser focused on helping her patients enjoy a long life after their cancer diagnosis. In this episode Elliott shares how she tries to comfort a newly diagnosed patient. She also answers the most common questions and explains how the detection and treatment of multiple myeloma has advanced over the years.

Today, Elliott honors her sister’s memory by fighting incurable with advanced chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. While more research is needed to find a cure, she is proud to dedicate her life’s work to eradicating cancer cells, and helping her patients get back to the people and activities they enjoy.

Dr. Dorothy Parsley, an OB/GYN with Novant Health in Wilmington, provides an overview on a variety of contraceptive options. Discover how these contraceptives function and what factors you should consider when talking to your healthcare provider.

Between the ages of 3 and 5, children develop significant skills in all areas of development, including gross motor, fine motor, social, emotional, cognitive and language. These brains are busy at this age and parents should see increased independence, improved language, and the ability to engage in more complex play and problem solving.

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Hunter Slemp, a pediatrician with Novant Health, walks us through this important time of development to help parents understand what’s typical. With years of experience and an almost two-year old of his own, he’s supporting families through these foundational years with compassion and a practical perspective on what to look for during this time of rapid development.