In this episode Holly Wayment speaks with Dr. Leah Brown of UT Health San Antonio about concussions and early identification of traumatic brain injury in youth sports, prompted by the recent Victor Wembanyama concussion.

They cover common symptoms, initial on-field assessment, red flags that require emergency care, why there is no same-day return to play, the importance of returning to learning before sport, and practical tips for parents, coaches, and athletes to protect young brains.

Host Holly Wayment and Dr. Lisa Carnell of NASA discuss how the recent moon mission will improve pediatric care.  The  Avatar bone marrow organ chips flown on Artemis II, personalized from astronaut blood to study radiation and deep-space effects on human tissues will change healthcare as we know it.  Wayment and Carnell discuss how this will directly personalize care.

The episode explains how these microphysiological systems can protect astronauts, guide long-duration mission health strategies, and translate to improved, less invasive pediatric care and cancer treatments on Earth.

On Artemis II NASA flew AVATAR bone marrow organ chips—USB-sized microphysiological systems made from astronauts’ own cells—to study space radiation’s effects on hematopoiesis and immune function during deep-space travel.

These personalized chips aim to protect astronauts on long missions and accelerate translational advances on Earth, offering new tools for pediatric precision medicine, reduced animal testing, and better treatments for blood and immune disorders.

Journalist Benjamin Hall joins Host Holly Wayment of  Pediatrics Now from London to recount his 2022 injury in Ukraine, the rescue and medical care that followed, and the vital role his family played in his recovery. They reflect on resilience, teamwork, and the strength he found in unimaginable crisis.

They also discuss turning his experience of being in a horrible and deadly bombing in Ukraine into a children’s book about courage, truth, and standing up for others.  He shares his practical and inspiring messages about resilience and supporting loved ones through hardship.

Holly Wayment interviews war correspondent Benjamin Hall about his 2022 injury in Ukraine, the harrowing evacuation, and months of recovery at military medical centers.

Hall reflects on resilience, the crucial role of family during healing, the little hedgehog talisman that connected him to his children, and how those experiences inspired his new children’s book about bravery and standing up for what’s right.

He also offers practical advice for families on supporting people through trauma and emphasizes community, action, and the strength found in helping one another.

Parents Lisa and Craig recount their son Ryan’s sudden, devastating onset of PANS—extreme OCD, emotional contamination, refusal to leave home, or even the couch.

Today we’re talking about PANS and PANDAS. These are conditions in which a child’s immune response to an infection—sometimes strep—can trigger sudden changes in behavior or psychiatric symptoms like anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, or tics. It’s uncommon, but when it happens the changes can be dramatic, which is why awareness among parents and pediatricians is important.

Immunologist Dr. Anthony Infante describes using targeted autoimmune testing (Cunningham panel) and IVIG antibody infusions, which gradually restored Ryan’s sleep, hygiene, and social life and ultimately returned him to a healthy, functioning young adult.

Host Holly Wayment talks to Pediatric GI specialist Dr. Anandini Suri who explains that constipation in children is often behavioral, frequently starting with rushed toilet training. She recommends patient toilet training, proper toilet posture with a stool under the feet, limiting screen time during bathroom visits, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate fluids, and regular outdoor activity.

For belly pain, try simple breathing exercises (for example, inhale 6 seconds, hold 3, exhale 8) and seek medical care if pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by blood. See a pediatrician if your child has fewer than three to four soft stools a week or if home measures don’t help. Probiotic or prebiotic drinks are generally safe but not proven to relieve constipation.

In this episode Host Holly Wayment talks with pediatric oncologist Dr. Shafqat Shah explains why most lumps and bumps in children’s necks are caused by common infections and usually resolve with time and supportive care. She reviews where lymph nodes are located, typical symptoms, and home care tips.

Dr. Shah also covers warning signs that need prompt evaluation — persistent or growing nodes, hard or fixed lumps, supraclavicular locations, prolonged fevers, weight loss, or other systemic symptoms — and explains when to call your pediatrician or seek emergency care.

Dr. Sarah Marucci joins Pediatrics Host Holly Wayment on Pediatrics Now for Parents to explain common gut symptoms, warning signs that need medical attention, and why everyday choices matter more than trendy supplements. They discuss diet, probiotics, fermented foods, H. pylori testing, and how gut health uniquely affects girls and women.

Practical takeaways: focus on fiber and varied foods, watch for bleeding or sudden weight loss, keep open conversations with kids about bowel habits, and seek care when symptoms persist.

Host Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Alice Gong where she explains explains newborn screening: a few drops of blood (done at 24–48 hours and again at 7–14 days in Texas) detect dozens of conditions early so babies who look well can get life-saving treatment.

The episode covers blood screening, hearing and critical congenital heart disease checks, common conditions like PKU, new treatments such as gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, and the importance of timely follow-up with your pediatrician.