Talk With A Doc

Host Jennifer Semenza welcomes guest, Dr. Elizabeth Meade, a board-certified pediatrician, and speaker for the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health to discuss the impact of social media on children and teenagers.

Dr. Meade emphasizes the importance of teaching kids how to use social media safely and appropriately, rather than simply discouraging its use. The conversation covers the benefits of social media for staying connected and fostering creativity, the potential dangers such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content, and the importance of privacy and data security.

Dr. Meade also shares practical advice for parents on monitoring their children's social media usage, setting ground rules, and educating them about online safety.

For additional information:

Here are links to the sites Dr. Meade mentioned in the episode:  American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health and Common Sense Media.

Check out the Providence blog for more information on this and all other health related topics.

Social Media: To get continued information on other important health care topics please connect with us on and LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok and X at Providence, and on Instagram under Providence Health Systems.

For all your healthcare information on the go, download the Providence app. Whether you’re tracking symptoms, scheduling appointments, or connecting with your healthcare providers, the Providence app has your back. To learn more about the app, check out the Wellness Brief podcast episode. Wellness Brief: Simplifying Care-There's an App for That

Connect with Us: Share Your Thoughts!

We value your insights and would love to hear your thoughts on our recent discussions. You can reach us at [email protected]. Let's shape the future of health together!

On this episode of Talk With A Doc: Wellness Briefs, host Jennifer Semenza welcomes Mary Mittell, the medical director for midwifery at Providence Swedish. Mary discusses the transformative power of midwifery care—highlighting its distinct approach compared to obstetricians and doulas. She discusses the personalized care midwives provide for low and moderate-risk pregnancies, the unwavering support during labor, and the importance of building lasting relationships with families. Mary also sheds light on the collaborative nature of midwifery within hospital settings and the crucial role it plays in addressing cultural considerations and health disparities in maternal and infant outcomes.

Check out the Providence blog for more information on midwifery and all other health related topics.

• Providence midwives offer more than pregnancy support

If you would like to discover information about the role of a doula, please check out the Wellness Brief on Doulas.

 Please check out the Lifecycle episodes on good prenatal care with Dr. Emily Norland.

• Steps To A Healthy Pregnancy
• Continuing the Prenatal Journey

If you would like to know more about the role of a doula, please listen to the Wellness Brief: Doulas

Social Media: To get continued information on other important health care topics please connect with us on and LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok and X at Providence, and on Instagram under Providence Health Systems.

For all your healthcare information on the go, download the Providence app. Whether you’re tracking symptoms, scheduling appointments, or connecting with your healthcare providers, the Providence app has your back.

To learn more about the app, check out the Wellness Brief podcast episode. Wellness Brief: Simplifying Care-There's an App for That

Connect with Us: Share Your Thoughts!

We value your insights and would love to hear your thoughts on our recent discussions. You can reach us at [email protected]. Let's shape the future of health together!

On this episode of Talk With A Doc: Wellness Briefs, host Jennifer Semenza welcomes Natasha Blanchard, a doula with Swedish First Hill in Seattle. 

During their conversation, Natasha talks about various aspects of doula care, including the historical context, the modern role of doulas, prenatal and postpartum care, and the importance of cultural considerations in providing care. She also emphasizes the personalized nature of doula support, the advocacy role doulas play, and the challenges they face in hospital settings. Natasha also points out the efforts being made to address health disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly among marginalized communities.

If you would like to discover information about the role of a midwife, please check out the Wellness Brief on Midwifery. 

 Please check out the Lifecycle episodes on good prenatal care with Dr. Emily Norland.

• Steps To A Healthy Pregnancy
• Continuing the Prenatal Journey

 
Check out the Providence blog for more information on doulas and all other health related topics.

• Providence’s Better Birthing Project honors tribal cultures
• Providence midwives offer more than pregnancy support

Social Media: To get continued information on other important health care topics please connect with us on and LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok and X at Providence, and on Instagram under Providence Health Systems.

For all your healthcare information on the go, download the Providence app. Whether you’re tracking symptoms, scheduling appointments, or connecting with your healthcare providers, the Providence app has your back.

To learn more about the app, check out the Wellness Brief podcast episode. Wellness Brief: Simplifying Care-There's an App for That

Connect with Us: Share Your Thoughts!

We value your insights and would love to hear your thoughts on our recent discussions. You can reach us at [email protected]. Let's shape the future of health together!

Host Jennifer Semenza welcome back Dr. Alex Hamling, pediatrician at PACMED Canyon Park-Bothell and Clinical Instructor at University of Washington School of Medicine, to continue their discussion on various aspects of children's development from ages two to six. Healthcare for young kids is consistently evolving. Tune-in to stay up to date on best practices to keep your kids happy and healthy.

In this episode, Dr. Alex Hamling discusses the importance of encouraging young children to engage in physical play rather than spending time on apps. He emphasizes, laps not apps, that this practice will help children interact better with their peers and be more engaged during their early education years. 

He also provides information on physical and cognitive development milestones, interventions for children who may be lagging, the importance of early diagnosis for conditions like autism, and the role of a balanced diet. They also discuss common health issues such as ear infections and allergies.

Dr. Alex Hamling Bio

Alex Hamling, MD, MBA, FAAP is a board-certified pediatrician working at Pacific Medical Centers at their Bothell, WA campus.  He obtained his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and his MBA in Healthcare Management from the Fox School of Business at Temple University.  He completed his general pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medicine Center.

 He is Clinical Faculty at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine – Department of Family Medicine and Adjunct Faculty at Washington State University’s College of Nursing.
 
 He has been an active member as a board member in the Washington State Medical Association.  He has served on numerous committees through the American Academy of Pediatrics including teaching early career physicians through different leadership programs.

 During his off time, he enjoys geocaching, gardening, walking with his daughters to local coffee shops, and dancing (salsa, swing, tango, etc.)

Do you want to know more?

If you would like to know more about Type 1 Diabetes please listen to the Wellness Brief: Type 1 Diabetes.

Just a few of the related article from the Providence Blog:

• Advice From A Providence Pediatrician: Natural Remedies For Kids
• Cough Remedies: Treating Different Types of Coughs
• Understanding RSV: Signs and Symptoms
• The Stages of Child Development

Check out the Providence blog for more information on good pediatric care and all other health related topics. To learn more about our mission programs and services, go to Providence.org.

Follow us on social media to get continued information on other important health care topics. You can  connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and X.

For all your healthcare information on the go, download the Providence app. Whether you’re tracking symptoms, scheduling appointments, or connecting with your healthcare providers, the Providence app has your back.

To learn more about the app, check out the Wellness Brief podcast episode. Wellness Brief: Simplifying Care-There's an App for That.

Connect with Us: Share Your Thoughts!

We value your insights and would love to hear your thoughts on our recent discussions. You can reach us at [email protected]. Let's shape the future of health together!

In the third episode of the Lifecycle series, host Jennifer Semenza speaks with Dr. Alex Hamling, pediatrician at PACMED Canyon Park-Bothell, and Clinical Instructor at University of Washington School of Medicine. He discusses essential newborn care, which ensures the baby's health and helps parents feel prepared and confident in their roles. 

Dr. Hamling discusses why it’s essential for expecting parents to choose a healthcare provider or practice for their child in advance to avoid stress during the birthing process. While having a detailed birth plan is beneficial, flexibility is crucial, as circumstances may change to ensure a safe and healthy delivery. The conversation also provides valuable insights into current trends for caring for newborns and infants. He also talks about the health benefits of bonding and acknowledges the joy and challenges of this period.

 
Do you want to know more?

The Justice Unity Support Trust, or JUST Birth Network was created to empower and improve the birthing experience of Black, African American, African, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander birthing women and people from across the sex and gender identity spectrum.

The network includes dedicated birth and postpartum doulas, childbirth educators and inpatient cultural navigators, who provide patients and their families with expert care and guidance throughout their pregnancy and birthing experience.

If you would like to know more about the role of doulas, midwives, or Type 1 Diabetes please check out these Wellness Briefs:

• Doulas
• Midwives
• Type 1 Diabetes

 Just a few of the articles on this topic from the Providence blog:

• How to navigate your pregnancy and newborn-related health care expenses
• Trouble breastfeeding? Lactation consultants can help
• What you need to know: All the feelings during the postpartum period
• Post-Partum Depression
• A Better Birth
• Q & A: Helping Mom and Baby
  
  

Check out the Providence blog for more information on good pediatric care and all other health related topics. To learn more about our mission programs and services, go to Providence.org.

Follow us on social media to get continued information on other important health care topics. You can  connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and X.

For all your healthcare information on the go, download the Providence app. Whether you’re tracking symptoms, scheduling appointments, or connecting with your healthcare providers, the Providence app has your back.

To learn more about the app, check out the Wellness Brief podcast episode. Wellness Brief: Simplifying Care-There's an App for That.

Connect with Us: Share Your Thoughts!

We value your insights and would love to hear your thoughts on our recent discussions. You can reach us at [email protected]. Let's shape the future of health together!

Dr. Alex Hamling Bio

Alex Hamling, MD, MBA, FAAP is a board-certified pediatrician working at Pacific Medical Centers at their Bothell, WA campus.  He obtained his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and his MBA in Healthcare Management from the Fox School of Business at Temple University.  He completed his general pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medicine Center.

 He is Clinical Faculty at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine – Department of Family Medicine and Adjunct Faculty at Washington State University’s College of Nursing.
 
 He has been an active member as a board member in the Washington State Medical Association.  He has served on numerous committees through the American Academy of Pediatrics including teaching early career physicians through different leadership programs.

 During his off time, he enjoys geocaching, gardening, walking with his daughters to local coffee shops, and dancing.

Dr. Norland provides practical advice for managing more severe pregnancy symptoms such as gestational diabetes, and hypertension. The episode highlights the importance of regular prenatal care, screenings, and mental health support, equipping expectant mothers with essential knowledge and resources for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.   

Host Jennifer Semenza welcomes back Dr. Emily Norland, an OB/GYN and chief of the OB/GYN Department at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, to discuss prenatal care and managing pregnancy symptoms. 

Do you want to know more?

The Justice Unity Support Trust, or JUST Birth Network was created to empower and improve the birthing experience of Black, African American, African, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander birthing women and people from across the sex and gender identity spectrum.

The network includes dedicated birth and postpartum doulas, childbirth educators and inpatient cultural navigators, who provide patients and their families with expert care and guidance throughout their pregnancy and birthing experience.

If you would like to know more about the role of doulas and midwives, please check out these Wellness Briefs:

• Doulas
• Midwives

 Just a few of the related article from the Providence blog:

• How to navigate your pregnancy and newborn-related health care expenses
• Trouble breastfeeding? Lactation consultants can help
• What you need to know: All the feelings during the postpartum period
• Your Culture and Your Pregnancy: 5 Tips for Advocating For Your Ideal Experience
• Moving Past Healthy Mom Healthy Baby for Black Mothers

Check out the Providence blog for more information on good prenatal care and all other health related topics. To learn more about our mission programs and services, go to Providence.org.

Follow us on social media to get continued information on other important health care topics. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and X.

For all your healthcare information on the go, download the Providence app. Whether you’re tracking symptoms, scheduling appointments, or connecting with your healthcare providers, the Providence app has your back.

To learn more about the app, check out the Wellness Brief podcast episode. Wellness Brief: Simplifying Care-There's an App for That.

Connect with Us: Share Your Thoughts!

We value your insights and would love to hear your thoughts on our recent discussions. You can reach us at [email protected]. Let's shape the future of health together!

Dr. Emily Norland dives into the essential steps for a healthy pregnancy, covering everything from visiting an OB/GYN, taking prenatal vitamins, proper nutrition, and monitoring key milestones. She also shares valuable tips on selecting an obstetric care provider, the importance of prenatal visits, and managing common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, heartburn, and constipation. Dr. Norland emphasizes the need for personalized care and addresses both emotional and physical challenges during pregnancy.

Join host Jennifer Semenza as she kicks off the first two episodes of the "Talk With A Doc: Lifecycle: Health For A Better World" series with guest Dr. Emily Norland, an obstetrician-gynecologist, and chief of the OB/GYN Department at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.

Do you want to know more?

The Justice Unity Support Trust, or JUST Birth Network was created to empower and improve the birthing experience of Black, African American, African, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander birthing women and people from across the sex and gender identity spectrum.

The network includes dedicated birth and postpartum doulas, childbirth educators and inpatient cultural navigators, who provide patients and their families with expert care and guidance throughout their pregnancy and birthing experience.

If you would like to know more about the role of doulas and midwives, please check out these Wellness Briefs:

• Doulas (set to publish on February 18)
• Midwives (set to publish on February 25)

 Just a few of the related articles from the Providence blog:

• How to navigate your pregnancy and newborn-related health care expenses
• Trouble breastfeeding? Lactation consultants can help
• What you need to know: All the feelings during the postpartum period
• Your Culture and Your Pregnancy: 5 Tips for Advocating For Your Ideal Experience
• Moving Past Healthy Mom Healthy Baby for Black Mothers

Check out the Providence blog for more information on good prenatal care and all other health related topics. To learn more about our mission programs and services, go to Providence.org.

Follow us on social media to get continued information on other important health care topics. You can  connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and X.

For all your healthcare information on the go, download the Providence app. Whether you’re tracking symptoms, scheduling appointments, or connecting with your healthcare providers, the Providence app has your back.

To learn more about the app, check out the Wellness Brief podcast episode. Wellness Brief: Simplifying Care-There's an App for That.

Connect with Us: Share Your Thoughts!

We value your insights and would love to hear your thoughts on our recent discussions. You can reach us at [email protected]. Let's shape the future of health together!

Host Jennifer Semenza welcomes Dr. Marcie Drury Brown, pediatric endocrinologist and medical director at Providence in Portland, Oregon, to discuss type 1 diabetes. Dr. Drury Brown provides valuable tips on managing type 1 diabetes for adolescents and their families, covering both physical and mental aspects.

Do you want to know more?
 

If you're looking for a diabetes camp near you, you can do so here: Find a Camp | American Diabetes Association

Check out the Providence blog for more information on good prenatal care and all other health related topics. To learn more about our mission programs and services, go to Providence.org.

Follow us on social media to get continued information on other important health care topics. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and X.

For all your healthcare information on the go, download the Providence app. Whether you’re tracking symptoms, scheduling appointments, or connecting with your healthcare providers, the Providence app has your back.
 
To learn more about the app, check out the Wellness Brief podcast episode. Wellness Brief: Simplifying Care-There's an App for That.
 
Connect with Us: Share Your Thoughts!

We value your insights and would love to hear your thoughts on our recent discussions. You can reach us at [email protected]. Let's shape the future of health together!

There is a continuous need for donated blood. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood, and donations contribute to saving approximately 4.5 million lives annually.

Host Jennifer Semenza welcomes Dr. Daniel Getz, Chief Medical Officer for Providence Inland Northwest Service Area and former emergency room physician, to discuss the essential need for blood donations.

Dr. Getz provides insights on how donated blood is utilized in medical settings, the importance of maintaining a steady blood supply, and offers tips for preparing to donate blood.