It’s almost time for kids who were babies through the pandemic to start kindergarten – but are they ready? In the latest episode of Young & Healthy, host Kate Setter talks with Dr. Kristin Copeland, Dr. Lauren Porter, and Vera Brooks from Cincinnati Public Schools about kindergarten readiness and child development.

Listeners will learn what educators look for when assessing readiness and how the measures we took in 2020 and 2021 can impact classroom outcomes. Our guests delve into their work with kindergarteners, offering insights from their recent study that includes findings about effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on early childhood education. They share steps parents can take now to ensure their children are ready for kindergarten, highlighting the importance of fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment.

Don’t miss this important conversation that will provide listeners with actionable steps to support every child's journey into kindergarten.

Resources:

To read more about the study, visit: Study Confirms Fears that COVID Pandemic Reduced Kindergarten Readiness - Research Horizons (cincinnatichildrens.org)

When babies start teething, teeth emerge and so do a variety of other symptoms. It’s all a normal part of babies getting older, but it is often a challenging time for babies and their parents. In this episode, join Bo McMillian as he talks with Dr. Klein, a pediatrician, and Dr. Ruck, a pediatric dentist, to learn about teething.

In the first half of the conversation, Dr. Klein gives us an overview of teething. We dive into symptoms and different techniques to soothe teething pain. Additionally, listeners will learn what parents should avoid when trying to comfort their babies during this time.

In the second half, Dr. Ruck tells us about the teething timeline and highlights uncommon but normal occurrences to watch for. We also cover when to start brushing your baby’s teeth, how to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste, and when your baby should first visit the dentist. Whether you’re a first-time parent or have been through this before, this episode offers practical tips and insights to help your little one navigate the teething stage.

Navigating periods can be a challenge, especially in the beginning. It's important to have open conversations with your kids about menstrual hygiene. On the latest episode of Young & Healthy featuring Dr. Lesley Breech, pediatric gynecologist, Sharon Riley, pediatric nurse practitioner, and our host, Kate Setter, we cover everything newcomers to periods need to know. From choosing the right products to staying fresh and confident, we've got you covered. Plus, we'll provide essential tips on product changes and cleanliness to avoid issues like Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Remember, this journey is yours. Grab your headphones, settle in, and dive into an empowering conversation that can help you unravel the secrets to a happy and healthy period experience!

Listen here to learn How to Talk to Your Daughter About Menstrual Periods

It’s official, ticks are gross. But we can’t just pretend they don’t exist. Every year, there are hundreds of cases of Lyme Disease in Hamilton County, Ohio alone, and every case starts with a tick bite. In this episode, Bo McMillan sits down with Dr. Felicia Scaggs-Huang, a pediatric infectious diseases expert, to learn about ticks and Lyme Disease. She tells us about types of ticks, how to spot symptoms of Lyme, how to prevent bites and be tick safe outside. Tune in to arm yourself and your family against these tiny but troublesome little creatures.

Tongue ties are a complex subject, which can be challenging for families to navigate. On this episode of the infant series in Young & Healthy, we sit down with pediatrician, Dr. Jenny McAllister, and speech language pathologist, Marsha Lee Watson, to learn about tongue ties in babies and older kids. Join us as we explore common types of restrictive tissues, first feeding challenges, and the impact tongue ties can have on swallowing. We'll discuss signs for parents to watch for, breastfeeding pain, and when to seek help. Dr. McAllister shares how she and other experts at Cincinnati Children’s are working to identify tongue ties earlier, treatment options like frenotomies, and long-term feeding issues that can arise in older children. Tune in for valuable guidance and insights on navigating these challenges with your child's care team.

This week on Young & Healthy, host Kate Setter and Dr. Don Gilbert, pediatric neurologist, sit down to explore the world of childhood tics. A tic is a patterned movement or sound that looks or sounds the same every time it is performed. Dr. Gilbert explains how common tics are in kids and what we need to understand about them, as well as the misconceptions surrounding tic disorders and the different types of tics: motor, verbal and complex.

Today’s episode explores the dynamic nature of tics, touching upon how stress, anxiety, and even activities like sports and music can influence their expression. Listeners will learn about co-occurring conditions, treatment and management of tics, and whether tics change over time. Dr. Gilbert offers empowering guidance on communicating a child's tic to teachers, friends, and family members, fostering a supportive environment. Tune in for an incredibly informative conversation about tic disorders, filled with valuable insights and expert advice.

With Ohio’s legalization of recreational marijuana, the risks of marijuana edibles to kids may be on the minds of families more than ever. On today’s new episode of the Young & Healthy podcast, we sit down with Dr. Shan Yin, Medical Director of the Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), to discuss how to keep children safe from marijuana edibles and how to properly store drugs - including prescription and over the counter medications – as well as dispose of them. Learn the crucial steps caregivers can take if they suspect their child has ingested marijuana, including treatment options. Explore expert advice on safely storing marijuana and other medications to prevent accidental access and gain valuable insights on discussing this topic with kids. You won’t want to miss this informative episode!

Resources:

For free, confidential assistance 24/7/365, please call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with an expert at Ohio Poison Centers.

To read more about this topic on the blog, visit 4 Must-Know Facts About Marijuana Edibles (cincinnatichildrens.org)

To learn more about the Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), visit Drug and Poison Information Center | Cincinnati Children's (cincinnatichildrens.org)

To learn more about National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, visit Diversion Control Division | National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (usdoj.gov)

For a list of year-round dropoff locations, visit Year-Round Drop-Off Locations - Search Utility (usdoj.gov)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have similar acronyms, but the two gastrointestinal issues are very different. On today’s episode of Young & Healthy, Dr. Danny Mallon and Dr. Temara Hajjat, pediatric gastroenterologists at Cincinnati Children’s, dive into conversation that explores the differences between IBS and IBD, particularly in children. While these conditions may emerge later in life and some have genetic components, understanding how the gut communicates with the brain is crucial to helping your child feel their very best. We'll uncover the nuances of symptoms, the relationship between gut and brain function, and the importance of treating patients holistically by addressing physical, social, and emotional well-being. Join us as we navigate this vital conversation and learn why asking questions is not just okay, but essential!