As kids grow, their bodies change rapidly, and for young athletes, those changes can bring both opportunities and challenges. Dr. Jeremy Shapiro, a sports medicine and rehabilitation pediatrician, joins us to talk about how growth impacts musculoskeletal health and what families can do to support their young athletes.  

In this episode, we cover issues active kids may face as they grow, which sports may have a higher risk of injury during growth spurts, and the importance of stretching. Dr. Shapiro highlights how sleep, nutrition and hydration support healthy growth and development. We explore the benefits of sports diversification and why it’s good for kids to play multiple sports throughout the year instead of focusing on just one. 

This episode also introduces families to the world of adaptive sports. Dr. Shapiro is passionate about adaptive sports and highlights programs like Be.Well and The Bridge Adaptive Program, which make movement accessible and empowering for all children. 

Whether you're a parent, coach, or caregiver, this episode is packed with insights to help young athletes grow strong, stay healthy and keep doing what they love. Listen now. 

More Resources for Families: 

Learn more about be.Well Wellness Programs and the power of movement in our episode: 

For more information on be.well: Wellness Programs   

Explore The Bridge Adaptive Program:https://www.thebridgeadaptive.org/ 

Sun, sand, and sunscreen – all key essentials for summertime fun. But did you know these summer staples can irritate your child’s eyes? On this episode of the Young & Healthy podcast, host Kate Setter sits down with Dr. Leah Owen, pediatric ophthalmologist and division director, to talk about simple ways to help your kids enjoy the summer while keeping their eyes safe. 

You'll hear about common summer eye injuries, irritants, and treatments – plus tips on what to do if your kiddo has sore eyes from swimming and how to stay safe during epic Nerf battles. Dr. Owen also explains what styes are and why they tend to pop up more in the warmer months. She shares practical advice on protecting young eyes from the sun, signs of poor vision to watch for and when it might be time to schedule an eye screening,  

Taking care of your eyes is an essential part of living young and healthy. So put on your shades, grab your headphones and tune in for this warm, fun, and knowledge-filled conversation. 

Firearm injuries are the leading cause of death in children in the United States. This public health issue is heartbreaking, but it’s also preventable. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Richard Falcone, pediatric trauma surgeon and chief of staff at Cincinnati Children's, to talk about practical steps families can take to keep kids safe.  

We discuss the importance of firearm storage, different storage options and how to set clear boundaries with family or friends who may have firearms in their homes. Dr. Falcone also shares advice on how to talk to kids about firearm safety and why it's okay—and encouraged—to bring up firearm safety with your pediatrician. 

Whether you own firearms or your child may be around them in other homes, this episode offers guidance on how we can advocate for our kids and protect them from firearms.  

Ever wonder how something as simple as yoga can help kids feel calmer, stronger, and more in control—whether they’re at home, standing, sitting or in the hospital? In this new heartwarming episode of Young & Healthy, healthcare professionals and certified yoga instructors Nancy B. and Frankie M. join host Kayla McNeal to explore the powerful role pediatric yoga can play in healing and recovery. 

They’ll unpack how yoga goes beyond just poses—blending breathwork, gentle movement and mindfulness to meet children right where they are, even in a hospital bed. You’ll hear how just a few minutes a day can ease anxiety, boost focus, and support overall well-being. Plus, Nancy and Frankie share real-life stories, practical tips and creative ways to bring calm and connection into pediatric care through yoga. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about helping kids find strength and peace, one breath at a time. 

Summer is right around the corner and with it comes fun in the sun and plenty of time to make memories with your family. But let’s be honest—summer activities can get expensive. The good news is there are tons of things to do in Cincinnati that are free or super affordable for families.  

Linsey Kraeling is our guest. She’s a mom of 2 and lifelong Cincinnatian that knows the Queen City inside and out.  Linsey runs Tour de Cincinnati,  a go-to resource for discovering the best that Cincinnati has to offer—including food, events, parks, and hidden gems perfect for families.  

Linsey has all the best recommendations for fun spots and activities that are great for kids of all ages. Whether you have a baby, toddler, school-aged kids or teens, there are ideas in this episode for you! We talk about parks, museums, playgrounds, libraries and Linsey’s best tips for how to spend a few hours exploring. 

Local families and those visiting for a few days will all discover something new to do for the summer. Listen today. 

More resources from Linsey are available at Tour de Cincinnati and you can follow her on Instagram @linsinnati.  

Places mentioned in this episode: 

Parks Mentioned: 

Playgrounds Mentioned: 

Toddlerhood comes with lots of surprises, and some can be a little scary.  Have you ever noticed your little one zoning out or holding their breath and that made you pause and question, “Is that normal?” You’re not alone. Toddler spells can be alarming for parents, and it can be hard to tell the difference between a harmless toddler spell and a seizure.  

In this episode, we’re joined by two pediatric neurologists, Dr. Marissa Vawter-Lee and Dr. Barbara Hallinan, to break down toddler spells vs. seizures. We talk about common toddler spells—like breath-holding or staring spells— what they look like, and what to do in the moment. We also cover how to tell a spell from a seizure, including signs and symptoms of seizures and what you should and shouldn’t do if your child is having a seizure. 

Routines are a series of steps that repeat regularly—some happen daily, while others happen in certain situations. But what happens when those routines get interrupted? In the newest episode of the Young & Healthy podcast, host Kate Setter talks with Dr. Alex Nyquist, a pediatric psychologist at Cincinnati Children’s, about how life’s changes can help shape routines and help kids grow. 

Listeners will learn how to develop routines to fit their child’s needs, how bedtime routines change over time, and why interruptions are a natural part of development. Dr. Nyquist also shares tips for re-establishing routines after vacations or big changes, preparing for summer, and even discusses whether routines can ever become too strict. 

No matter what your podcast routine looks like, tune in and discover how to keep growing, adjusting, and moving forward! 

Resources

Follow Young & Healthy on Instagram to stay up to date! 

Letting go is hard—on kids and parents alike. At what age can separation start causing anxiety for a child? What should parents and caregivers expect? In this episode of Young & Healthy, host Symfhani Fair-Harris sits down with pediatric psychologist Dr. Lynne Merk and child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Brian Kurtz to explore the ins and outs of separation anxiety. They break down its causes, common signs, and strategies to ease transitions for both kids and caregivers. Plus, they discuss when separation can be beneficial and how to recognize when professional support might be needed. 

Parenting isn’t always easy, and in the tough moments, grace can feel out of reach. So, grab your headphones, hug your little one, and learn how to navigate the art of letting go. 

Resources:  

Follow the Young & Healthy podcast on Instagram. 

Fear is something that we all have experienced at some point.  Whether it’s from watching a scary movie, facing a natural disaster, having a bad dream, or simply an overactive imagination, fear can be overwhelming, especially for children. When kids experience fear, they might not know what is happening in their bodies and how to process this emotion.  

In this episode Bo McMillian is joined by two child and adolescent psychiatrists, Dr. Desiree DiBella and Dr. Brian Kurtz, to talk about how kids understand fear and ways parents can help them process. They break down what fear is and some common ways it can show up in a child’s body. They also share how positive self-talk can impact a child, strategies parents can use to help navigate fear, when to seek professional help and more.  

Don’t miss this insightful conversation that is packed with practical tips to help kids feel secure during times of fear. 

Flu season is here, and sickness is everywhere—but what exactly is going around? In this episode, host Kate Setter sits down with Felicia Scaggs-Huang, MD, MS, a pediatric infectious diseases expert, to break down what’s happening in the community. They discuss the latest flu cases in the greater Cincinnati region, the developing measles outbreak in Texas, and what parents need to know to keep their families healthy. Dr. Scaggs-Huang covers everything from common and severe flu symptoms to when a doctor visit is necessary and what to expect from the flu vaccine. She then shifts to the rising measles cases across the country, sharing key symptoms, and how parents can protect their children. Put on your headphones, wash your hands, and tune in for this timely and informative conversation. 

Resources:

Utilize the Cincinnati Children's app

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