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In this conversation, Linda H Flanagan and Jessica Hochman explore the complexities of youth sports today, discussing the pressures faced by young athletes, advocating for a more balanced approach to youth athletics. We discuss the importance of exercise, the risks of early specialization, and the mental health implications of competitive sports. The discussion emphasizes the need for free play, the debunking of myths surrounding sports and character building, and the design of an ideal sports curriculum that prioritizes enjoyment and well-being over competition. A really important conversation, especially for parents who have children involved in sports!  

About Linda:

Linda is a freelance journalist, researcher, and former cross-country and track coach. A graduate of Lehigh University, Flanagan holds master’s degrees from Oxford University and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy and was an analyst for the National Security Program at Harvard University. She is a founding board member of the New York City chapter of the Positive Coaching Alliance and a 2020–21 advisory group member for the Aspen Institute’s Reimagining School Sports initiative, and her writing on sports has appeared in The Atlantic, Runner’s World, and on NPR’s education site MindShift, where she is a regular contributor. A mother of three and a lifelong athlete, Flanagan lives in New Jersey.

Linda's website: click here  www.lindaflandiganauthor.com

To read her book, Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania are Ruining Kids' Sports--and Why it Matters: click here

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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In this conversation, Dr. Alaina Vidmar and Dr. Kamran Samakar discuss the complexities of pediatric obesity, emphasizing that it is a chronic disease influenced by genetics, biology, and environment. They highlight the importance of understanding the stigma surrounding obesity and the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that include medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes. The conversation also addresses the rising rates of childhood obesity, the challenges of weight loss, and the criteria for seeking help. They advocate for a patient-centered approach that meets families where they are and provides education on nutrition and health. This conversation explores the complexities of pediatric obesity treatment, highlighting the efficacy of GLP-1 medications, and the role of bariatric surgery. Transformative stories from patients illustrate the profound impact of these interventions on children's lives.

For more information please refer to.

https://www.chla.org/blog/experts/care-innovation/childrens-hospital-los-angeles-launches-pediatric-bariatric-surgery

https://www.chla.org/blog/experts/care-innovation/qa-when-bariatric-surgery-right-youth-obesity

https://www.chla.org/center-endocrinology-diabetes-and-metabolism/programs-and-services/healthy-weight-clinic

Instagram: @ChildrensLA

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

Episode 174 with Herbalist Tasha Rose and talk herbal medicine! We discuss common misconceptions, what herbs may be effective herbs for various ailments, and we also discuss some of the medical literature on natural remedies.

To learn more about Tasha Rose, here is her website:

Tasha's favorite place to buy herbs: Oshala Farm

Here are links to some published medical studies reviewing herbal medicine.

Peppermint and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): "Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24100754/ 

The study found that small-intestinal-release peppermint oil significantly reduced abdominal pain, discomfort, and IBS severity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31470006/

Lavender and Anxiety:

 "Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis."

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31655395/

Ginger and Digestive Health:

 Ginger Benefits"  According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, ginger aids digestion by relieving discomfort from bloating and gas.​

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits

"Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases"

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9654013/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019938/

 Elderberry Extract Reduces Duration of Cold Symptoms 

A study found that those who took elderberry experienced relief about four days earlier than those who took a placebo.

Does Elderberry Really Help with Cold and Flu symptoms This article reviews studies on elderberry & found some studies show significant benefits, others find minimal effects, at reducing cold symptoms

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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Dr. Lev Gottlieb, a neuropsychologist discusses his unique approach to neuropsychology and child development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among caregivers, and a strengths-based approach to treatment. He highlights the need for effective communication between parents and professionals and the challenges of navigating labels and accommodations in education. Dr. Gottlieb advocates for a comprehensive care model that focuses on the whole child rather than just their diagnoses, encouraging parents to trust their instincts and create open channels for communication.

About Dr. Lev Gottlieb: He is a neuropsychologist and UCLA Assistant Clinical Professor. He assesses children, adolescents, and adults, and coordinates their care. Dr. Gottlieb earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Pennsylvania and Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University School of Medicine. He completed specialty training in Neuropsychology at Children’s Hospital of Chicago, NYU Child Study Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, The Help Group, and UCLA, where he continues to serve on the clinical faculty.

Dr. Gottlieb has extensive experience providing evaluations and treatment to those with neurodevelopmental differences and acquired brain injuries, and has published and presented research on these conditions and their treatment as well as on learning, memory, and talent.

To learn more about Dr Gottlieb's clinic:

https://www.theintegratedclinic.com/

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

Today, Dr Jessica Hochman and Dr. Lisa Bienstock, pediatric dentist, discuss the nuances ] focusing on common concerns parents have regarding their children's "sucking" habits. They explore the importance of understanding non-nutritive sucking habits, for example the implications of breastfeeding, and the role of pacifiers  and thumb sucking on children's oral development. Dr. Bienstock emphasizes the importance of allowing children to stop these habits on their own terms and provides various strategies and tools for parents to support their children in this process. The discussion aims to reassure parents about common concerns regarding their children's oral habits and offers practical advice for fostering healthy dental practices.

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

In this conversation, Dr. Candice Feinberg, a clinical psychologist and CEO of ROWI, a mental health center for teens. In this episode we talk about her book "No Parent Left Behind: How to Parents Teens from Love Instead of Fear".  We talk about the art of setting boundaries with teens-- emphasizing the need for parents to approach parenting from a place of love rather than fear. The discussion highlights the significance of in-person connections and the necessity of seeking support when facing parenting challenges.

For more information on ROWI:

https://rowiteen.com/

And to get Dr Feinberg's book:

https://lioncrest.com/books/no-parent-left-behind-candice-feinberg/

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

Today's guest is Dr. Art Mollen, longevity health expert and best selling author, and he gives practical tips to parents to help establish healthy eating habits for children.  We discuss the role of parents in modeling healthy behaviors for their children, the necessity of exercise, tips to avoid eating from boredom, and more. Dr Mollen is celebrating his 80th birthday this month and he is the epitome of health---mentally and physically--so thank you to Dr Mollen for imparting your words of wisdom!

About Dr Mollen:

He is a nationally renowned health and fitness expert. His medical practice, The Mollen Clinic, emphasizes the benefits of preventive medicine. Dr. Mollen has always been a proponent of exercise and diet as the primary treatment modality for many diseases. Through the use of exercise and diet, Dr. Mollen attempts to reduce the dosages of prescription medications that patients may be taking.

Dr. Mollen has authored several best-selling books devoted to nutrition and fitness: Run for Your Life (1978), The Mollen Method (1986), Dr. Mollen’s Anti-Aging Diet (1992) and Dr. Mollen’s Anti-Aging Program (2005). He has made appearances on The Larry King Show, Good Morning America, and Oprah.

A marathon runner and triathlete, he is Founder of the 3TV Phoenix 10K & Half Marathon. Presently, Dr. Mollen is a member of the Arizona Governor’s Council on Health, Physical Fitness & Sports.

If you're interested in participating, this November 9th 2025 will be the 50th anniversary of Art Mollen's yearly run: 50th annual Pheonix 10K (with options to run a 1 mile, 5K, 10K or half marathon!). 

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

Ep 169 of Your Child is Normal! (Note the new podcast title!!!) 

On today's episode Dr. Michael Goran discusses the impact of sugar on children's health, the challenges of reducing sugar intake, and practical strategies for families to manage sugar consumption.  Dr Goran’s approach is practical, he doesn’t advocate for no sugar, just less if it.   He offers actionable steps for parents to help their children develop healthier eating habits. The discussion also highlights the significance of teaching kids about nutrition and making informed choices regarding sugar.

*To listen to Dr Goran as a past guest, and learn more tips to help lessen sugar in your family life, you can refer back to episode 69!

Takeaways

• Short-term effects of sugar can motivate children to reduce intake.
• A week-long sugar fast can reset cravings and preferences.
• Teaching kids to read labels helps them make informed choices.
• Moderation is key; complete deprivation is not sustainable.
• Quality over quantity: choose better treats when possible.

Dr Goran is one of the worlds leading experts in the field of childhood obesity, and author of “Sugarproof: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar That Are Putting Your Child’s Health at Risk and What You Can Do.” Dr Michael Goran is a Professor of Pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.  He is Program Director for Diabetes and Obesity at the Saban Research Institute.Dr. Goran also serves as Co-Director of the USC Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute. Dr. Goran is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and received his Ph.D. from the University of Manchester, UK.Dr. Goran has published over 350 professional peer-reviewed articles and reviews. He is the Editor of the “Childhood Obesity: Causes, Consequences and Intervention Approaches” published in 2017, co-editor of “Dietary Sugars and Health” published in late 2014, and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief for Pediatric Obesity.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cScRDJ1MLFDfkuKFZlqhdW6BepwKzjrs

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

In this conversation, pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Irina Dralyuk discusses the importance of lung health, especially in light of recent fires affecting air quality in Los Angeles. She explains the significance of air quality indices (AQI), and its limitations.  She reviews the use of air purifiers and masks, to protect lung health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children with pre-existing conditions.  She emphasizes the importance of post-exposure care, the role of vitamins and homeopathic remedies, and the impact of nutrition on lung health. Dr Dralyuk also addresses exercise considerations during times of poor air quality, school safety measures, and the current trends in pediatric respiratory issues. She concludes with an optimistic outlook on lung healing and recovery, reassuring parents about the resilience of the lungs and the body's ability to heal itself.

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us a text

Ep 167: I was lucky enough to be a guest on "This is So Awkward" hosted by the amazind, smart and funny duo, Dr Cara Natterson and Vanessa Bennett" and I thought my audience would enjoy hearing this conversation as well.  In this episode we talk about winter illnesses, vaccine anxiety, common injuries, travel tips with children and more! This is So Awkward is a fantastic podcast---I recommend checking it out for more on puberty, tweens and teens!   

Also, this podcast is coming out as Los Angeles has been dealing with unprecidented  fires.  if you live in Los Angeles, or have been affected by the fires I am deeply sorry.  

Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman [email protected].

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.