In this episode Dr. Lena is joined by Dr. Kelli Derrah, a pediatric resident physician at UC Davis. We discuss what to expect in the event your child is hospitalized. We review the most common reasons for hospitalization, common procedures including getting an IV, imaging or blood work and how to make these as pain-free as possible. We review different members of the care team- from doctors and nurses, to respiratory therapists and child life specialists- each person has an important role in helping your child get better. We review some tips for making the whole process easier for you and your child. We also highlight what a typical day will look like from morning rounds to ensuring your child is ready to go home.

Resources

What to Expect if Your Child is Admitted to the Hospital - HealthyChildren.org

Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department | UC Davis Children's Hospital

Preparing For Your Child's Hospital Stay - Child Life | UCLA Health

In today's episode we have the honor of talking to a parent and personal friend, Lori Leib about the experience of preterm delivery and being a parent in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Lori’s son, Jones, was born at 25 weeks gestation after a placental abruption and spent 4 months in the NICU before coming home. While we normally talk from the physician experience, we wanted to highlight the family-centered side of medicine. In this episode Lori shares her own personal experience, tips for parents or family members who are navigating the NICU, we discuss breastfeeding and pumping challenges and the importance of self care.

Resources

NICU Journal

NICU parent network

Hand to hold NICU parent support

Lori’s Instagram

Climate Change and Pediatric Health - Part 2

In this 2-part episode we review the impacts that climate change has on pediatric health. We are joined by Dr. Sonja Swenson and Dr. Naomi Bardach; two amazing pediatricians, climate activists and co-chairs the climate change and child health committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics CA- Chapter 1. We spend part 1 discussing the known impacts that climate change is having on pediatric health. Ranging from severe weather events, to air pollution and changes in disease patterns. In part 2 we provide practical tips for what individuals can do personally to reduce their impact on climate change and highlight current advocacy work to help ensure a better future for our planet and our kids.

We thank Dr. Swenson and Dr. Bardach for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

Resources

Talking with children about climate change- HealthyChildren.org

Climate Checkup for Children's Health: Little Changes With Big Impact - HealthyChildren.org

AirNow.gov

Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World: Hayhoe, Katharine

Climate Change and Child Health Committee - American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 1

Climate-Resilient California Schools

Greenhouse gas tracker

Photo from Get the kids outside

In this 2-part episode we review the impacts that climate change has on pediatric health. We are joined by Dr. Sonja Swenson and Dr. Naomi Bardach; two amazing pediatricians, climate activists and co-chairs the climate change and child health committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics CA- Chapter 1. We spend part 1 discussing the known impacts that climate change is having on pediatric health. Ranging from severe weather events, to air pollution and changes in disease patterns. In part 2 we provide practical tips for what individuals can do personally to reduce their impact on climate change and highlight current advocacy work to help ensure a better future for our planet and our kids.

We thank Dr. Swenson and Dr. Bardach for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

Resources

Talking with children about climate change- HealthyChildren.org

Climate Checkup for Children's Health: Little Changes With Big Impact - HealthyChildren.org

AirNow.gov

Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World: Hayhoe, Katharine

Climate Change and Child Health Committee - American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 1

Climate-Resilient California Schools

Sore throats are common, making up about 6% of primary care office visits. Only about ¼ of sore throats are caused by the bacteria strep. In this podcast, we review sore throats and how to differentiate strep from common viral causes. We discuss testing, treatments and home care remedies. We also review some of the complications of strep throat to be aware of.

Resources

Group A Streptococcal (Group A Strep) Infections - HealthyChildren.org

Strep Throat, Sore Throat or Tonsillitis: What’s the Difference? - HealthyChildren.org

When is a Sore Throat a More Serious Infection? - HealthyChildren.org

February 26-March 3rd is eating disorder awareness week. Unfortunately, eating disorders are common with one study estimating that 9% of people struggle with an eating disorder at some point. In this episode we review eating disorders, with a focus on anorexia and bulimia nervosa. We talk about how these disorders present, the associated medical complications and most importantly which treatments are effective at helping an individual get back on track with appropriate nutrition and body image.

If you or someone you know needs help with an eating disorder, reach out to your physician or the get help through various helplines here

Resources

NEDA- Awareness week

The Health at Every Size® (HAES®) Principles - ASDAH

Report: Economic Costs of Eating Disorders | STRIPED | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Identifying and Treating Eating Disorders - HealthyChildren.org

Eating Disorder Resources Help a Loved One - NEDA

Eating Well for Mental Health | Sutter Health

Eating Disorders | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders: What’s the Tipping Point? - The Emily Program

In this episode we discuss early childcare. We review different options for daycare, financial considerations and what specifics parents should look for in a high quality daycare program. We review the studies looking at benefits and drawbacks of early daycare enrollment on later academics and behavior. Of course, we talk about daycare illness and remind listeners that up to 11 respiratory illnesses per year the first 2 years of daycare enrollment is normal, although it sure doesn't feel normal while you are living through it!

Additional Resources

Child Care Aware

Choosing a Child Care Center - HealthyChildren.org

Head Start Services | The Administration for Children and Families

When to Keep Your Child Home From Child Care - HealthyChildren.org

In this podcast we review iron and iron deficiency and anemia. Iron is a nutrient that plays ​​an important role in making the proteins that transport oxygen throughout our bodies. If people do not have enough iron they can develop anemia. Unfortunately, anemia is common- with about 20% of children developing iron deficiency anemia at some point. In this episode we review iron requirements in infancy through adolescence, we talk about important dietary sources of iron. We discuss signs of anemia, screening and how to treat iron deficiency anemia with supplementation.

We thank Dr. Anjali Pawar, pediatric hematologist and oncologist at UC Davis Children's hospital for reviewing this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

Additional Resources

Pump Up the Diet with Iron - HealthyChildren.org

What Parents Should Know About Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Children | Hematology | JAMA Pediatrics

Anemia in Children and Teens: Parent FAQs - HealthyChildren.org