Join Host Holly Wayment and UT Health San Antonio and University Health's Infectious disease specialist Dr. Deena Sutter.   They discuss recent Chikungunya outbreaks, how mosquito-borne viruses (chikungunya, dengue, Zika) spread, and who is most at risk. Dr. Sutter explains symptoms—especially Chikungunya’s debilitating joint pain—and severe outcomes for newborns and the elderly.

Dr. Sutter reviews practical prevention: remove standing water, use EPA‑approved repellents (DEET or picaridin) appropriately, wear long sleeves when needed, keep screens and air conditioning, and maintain flea prevention for pets to avoid flea‑borne typhus. She also advises when to see a doctor for fever, rash, or concerning exposures.

Join Holly Wayment on Pediatrics Now as she delves into the transformative power of self-compassion with expert Dr. Karen Bluth. Discover how self-compassion can help teens combat anxiety, depression, and stress, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. Dr. Bluth shares insights from her extensive experience, and practical tools for parents and educators to support teens, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness. This episode highlights resources available for those looking to explore self-compassion further, making it a vital listen for anyone involved in teen development.

Join Holly Wayment and Dr. Ted Wu on Pediatrics Now for Parents as they delve into the critical topic of sepsis, a potential risk for children following viral infections. Dr. Wu, a seasoned pediatrician and father, who works in the pediatric ICU, discusses the progression of this serious condition and its symptoms, often resembling the flu or a cold. He emphasizes the importance of early detection, citing signs like altered mental status, decreased urine output, and prolonged fever.

The episode highlights the balance between appropriate antibiotic use and prevention strategies, advocating for vaccinations to significantly reduce bacterial infections that may lead to sepsis. Dr. Wu also bridges personal experiences, stressing the crucial role of parents in recognizing their child’s unwellness and communicating effectively with healthcare providers. Tune in for insights that could help save young lives.

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, host Holly Wayment delves into the critical topic of sepsis with Dr. Ted Wu, a pediatric critical care physician and father of two. Dr. Wu shares his insights from the front lines of the pediatric intensive care unit, discussing how sepsis can develop from common viral and bacterial infections in children.

Listeners will learn about the early warning signs of sepsis, such as altered mental status, decreased urine output, and prolonged fever. Dr. Wu emphasizes the importance of being vigilant, advocating for your child, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers.

Additionally, the conversation highlights preventive  measures, including vaccinations, that significantly reduce the risk of bacterial infections leading to sepsis. Dr. Wu provides valuable guidance on when parents should seek emergency care and the role of hydration and fever management during illnesses.

Join Holly and Dr. Wu as they navigate this vital subject, offering parents crucial information to protect their children's health.

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, host Holly Wayment is joined by Dr. Ted Wu, a seasoned pediatric critical care physician, to discuss crucial topics surrounding child safety and health. With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Wu shares insights on the importance of prevention, particularly in avoiding accidental injuries in children.

The conversation delves into water safety, highlighting the significant risks associated with drowning, and emphasizes the need for vigilant supervision around pools and bodies of water. Dr. Wu underscores the role of preventive measures, like wearing life jackets, in safeguarding children.

Furthermore, Dr. Wu provides an overview of innovative treatments for children who have experienced near-drowning incidents, explaining how therapeutic hypothermia can aid in reducing brain injury following a lack of oxygen. The episode also touches on the humanistic side of pediatric healthcare, emphasizing the resilience of children and the collective efforts of medical professionals and families in achieving positive outcomes.

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, host Holly Wayment explores essential vaccine insights with infectious disease expert, Dr. J.B. Cantye, who is also a father of three. Discover updated COVID-19 and flu vaccination recommendations for children, understand the significance of the three-dose COVID vaccine regimen, and learn why both flu and COVID vaccines should be prioritized for your kids' health. Dr. Cantey shares the science behind vaccines, the benefits of cross-vaccine strategies, and how these preventive measures can boost lifetime immunity. Tune in for a concise yet informative discussion aimed at equipping parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about immunizations for their children.

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, hosted by Holly Wayment and the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio and University Health, we discuss the pressing topic of measles, which is on the minds of many parents. Joining the discussion is Dr. Jason Bowling a leading expert in infectious diseases with 15 years of experience, who provides a deep dive into the current measles outbreak. 

Bowling and Wayment explore the severe neurological condition SSPE that can develop years after measles recovery, the risks of pneumonia in children post-measles infection, and the importance of maintaining a high vaccination rate for herd immunity. They also address the complications of measles infections in healthy children and those with pre-existing conditions.

The discussion highlights the significant outbreak in Texas, with 717 confirmed cases, and the tragic loss of two children. Dr. Bowling emphasizes the ongoing risk of losing measles elimination status in the U.S. due to decreasing vaccination rates, and offers insights into symptoms, testing, and prevention measures. 

Part Two

Join Holly and Dr. David Roberts, a tenured associate professor of psychiatry at UT Health, as they dive into the transformative approach of motivational interviewing or M. I.

Discover how this technique empowers parents to help their children to make positive health choices by reflecting.  Whether it’s helping children with dietary challenges or adolescents navigating chronic conditions, motivational interviewing offers a unique way to foster meaningful communication. Dr. Roberts shares insights from 20 years of experience, shedding light on how anyone can harness these skills to facilitate lasting change. This is part one on motivational interviewing. In part two we’ll talk about how MI can help parents talk to their kids about chores. Could MI really work there?

Balancing Fatherhood and Leadership: Insights from Paypal and Venmo's Head of Customer Service

Join mother and host Holly Wayment on Pediatrics Now for Parents as she talks with Matthew Anderson, a father of five and Vice President of Customer Service for PayPal and Venmo. Anderson shares his personal experiences and offers valuable advice on navigating the overwhelming world of medical information, stressing the importance of partnering with healthcare professionals. He also discusses practical tips like maintaining a laminated medical history for efficiency during doctor visits. Anderson's inspiring mantra, "Come what may and love it," encourages embracing life's challenges as opportunities for growth. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about patience, partnership, and the resilient spirit required to care for children.