Pediatrics Now for Parents

Pediatric Surgery Update from a Surgeon Dad

Join Holly Wayment in this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, as she interviews Dr. Ian Mitchell, Pediatric Surgeon-in-Chief at University Hospital. Dr. Mitchell shares exciting news about the new pediatric surgery center in partnership with Morgan's Wonderland, specifically designed to cater to children and adults with special needs.
Discover how this state-of-the-art facility, equipped with five surgical suites, aims to serve patients with neurodevelopmental issues, autism, and other behavioral or anxiety problems. Dr. Mitchell also discusses common pediatric surgeries, such as hernia repairs and treatments for pilonidal disease, providing invaluable insights for parents.
Learn about the importance of honesty and connection in pediatric care, and how being a father has influenced Dr. Mitchell's approach to surgery. Tune in for a heartwarming and informative conversation that highlights the resilience of children and the transformative power of compassionate medical care.

A 24-Minute-Listen that Could Help Save Your Child's Life

Join us on this episode of Pediatrics Now as we delve into essential choking, water and heat safety tips as host Holly Wayment interviews a doctor on the front lines of emergency medicine, Priyanka Kandhal,  a pediatric emergency medicine doctor.  Dr. Kandhal shares her personal experiences as a new parent and provides invaluable advice.  From the dangers of choking hazards to the critical importance of water safety, she covers it all. Learn why you should avoid arm floaties for your kids, the significance of wearing bright-colored swimsuits, and the necessity of having multiple layers of protection around pools.
We also discuss heat-related illnesses, the importance of hydration, and the life-saving practice of rapid cooling in cases of heat stroke. Plus, get tips on how to ensure your child's safety in hot cars and the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccinations.
Tune in for practical advice that can help keep your children safe.

The Headache Diet: Part Two

Welcome to Pediatrics Now for Parents, the go-to podcast for health news in small bites for busy parents. In this episode, host Holly Wayment sits down with Dr. Sheldon Gross, a seasoned pediatric neurologist with 41 years of experience, to discuss a common issue: children's headaches.
Dr. Gross shares practical advice for parents on managing their child's headaches, including dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments that can be made even before consulting a doctor. He emphasizes the importance of eliminating certain foods and additives known to trigger migraines, such as chocolate, caffeine, and nitrites, and highlights the benefits of consistent meals, hydration, and proper sleep.
While most headaches are not serious, Dr. Gross advises parents to seek medical attention if headaches persist or worsen. He also discusses the process of reintroducing foods to identify specific triggers and stresses the importance of not ignoring frequent headaches.
Tune in to learn valuable tips and gain insights into effective, safe treatments for managing children's headaches. Don't miss this empowering episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents!

The Headache Diet: A Pediatric Neurologist's Approach to Migraine Prevention

The Headache Diet: A Pediatric Neurologist's Approach to Migraine Prevention
Welcome to Pediatrics Now for Parents, your go-to podcast for the latest health news, delivered in small bites for the busy parent. Hosted by Holly Wayment, a former health journalist now working at the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio, this episode dives into a topic many parents will find invaluable: the headache diet.
In this enlightening episode, Holly sits down with Dr. Sheldon Gross, a seasoned pediatric neurologist with 41 years of experience. Dr. Gross shares his journey from aspiring psychiatrist to passionate pediatric neurologist, inspired by a life-changing book that emphasized seeing patients as people rather than just cases.
The main focus of the episode is the headache diet, a non-pharmaceutical approach to preventing migraines in children. Dr. Gross outlines seven food groups to avoid, including chocolate, caffeine, deli meats with nitrites, aged cheeses, peanuts, artificial sweeteners, and foods containing MSG. He also discusses the importance of taking vitamin B2 and magnesium supplements, and maintaining regular meal and sleep schedules to prevent headaches.
Tune in to learn more about how these simple dietary changes can make a significant difference in managing your child's headaches. Don't forget to share this episode with other parents who might benefit from this valuable information.
Thank you for listening to Pediatrics Now for Parents. Stay tuned for more health tips and expert advice!

What Types of Cancer Are Becoming More Common in Teens?

Join us in this insightful episode of Pediatrics Now, where we discuss the journey of pediatric cancer survivors with Dr. Shafqat Shah from the University of Texas Health Science Center and University Hospital.
Dr. Shah, with over 30 years of experience in pediatric oncology, shares her expertise on the long-term health challenges faced by childhood cancer survivors, including the accelerated aging process and increased risk of secondary cancers.
We also delve into the importance of continuous medical support, the role of pediatricians in guiding  survivors, and the significance of vaccinations in this vulnerable group. Dr. Shah provides insight into what cancers appear to be happening more often in teenagers.
 

When Cancer Runs in Families: Genetic Testing and Support for Pediatric Oncology

In this episode of Pediatrics Now, we delve into the complexities of cancer in children, particularly when it runs in families. Joining us are Dr. Gail Tomlinson, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, genetic counselor Kirsten Murray, and clinical psychologist Dr. Leanne Embry.Dr. Tomlinson shares her extensive experience in treating pediatric cancer and the importance of identifying genetic predispositions. She explains how different types of cancers manifest at various ages and the role of genetic evaluations in managing risks for families.Kirsten Murray discusses her journey from crisis counseling to genetic counseling, emphasizing the importance of guiding families through the genetic testing process. She elaborates on the criteria for genetic testing and specific syndromes like Leigh-Fraumeni syndrome.Dr. Leanne Embry highlights the psychological support provided to families facing genetic testing and cancer diagnoses. She shares her personal experience working with children with cancer and the crucial role of psychological preparation and support.Tune in to learn about the latest advancements in genetic testing, ethical considerations, and the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team working to support children and families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Bug Bites and Stings: Part 2 with Dr. Tess Barton

Welcome to  Pediatrics Now for Parents with your host, Holly Wayment. In this episode, Dr. Tess Barton, a pediatric infectious disease expert, talks about insect-borne illnesses and their impact on children.
Dr. Barton delves into the risks associated with ticks, including Lyme disease and its less-known cousin, STARI. She offers practical advice on tick prevention, especially for those living in wooded areas or spending time outdoors.
The conversation also covers fleas and chiggers, their prevention, and treatment strategies. Dr. Barton explains how to identify different types of insect bites and provides insights on handling spider bites, particularly those from venomous spiders like the brown recluse and black widow.
Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on protecting your family from insect-borne diseases and more. Thank you for joining us on Pediatrics Now.

Bug Bites and Stings: Part 1

In this episode of Pediatrics Now, host Holly Wayment welcomes back Dr. Tess Barton, a pediatric infectious disease expert at University Hospital and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, to discuss the common bug bites parents might encounter during the summer. Dr. Barton explains how to distinguish between mosquito and bedbug bites, the signs of a bedbug infestation, and effective treatment options for bug bites.
Dr. Barton shares practical advice on preventing bedbug infestations, including how to inspect hotel rooms and manage infested items. She also covers the dangers of mosquito bites, the effectiveness of various repellents, and the importance of preventing mosquito-borne diseases.
Listeners will learn about other common biting insects, such as fleas, chiggers, and scorpions, and how to identify and treat their bites. Dr. Barton emphasizes the importance of flea control to prevent diseases like murine typhus, which is prevalent in San Antonio.
Tune in for expert insights and tips on keeping your family safe from summer pests.

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Substance Use

In this eye-opening episode, Holly welcomes Dr. Jennifer Sharp Potter, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center and director of the Be Well Institute, to discuss the critical issue of youth substance use.
Dr. Potter sheds light on the alarming trend of decreasing ages for first-time alcohol and drug use in the United States, with children as young as 12 being exposed. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs and initiating conversations about substance use to create a supportive environment for young people.
The discussion delves into the stigma surrounding substance use and the historical perspective of addiction treatment, highlighting the evolution from viewing it as a moral failure to recognizing it as a medical issue. Dr. Potter also addresses the dangers of sharing medications and the rising threat of fentanyl contamination in illicit drugs.
Additionally, the episode explores the misconceptions about marijuana, its increased potency, and the risks it poses to young people, particularly those with mental health conditions. Dr. Potter underscores the need for proper education and the importance of modeling healthy behaviors for children.
The conversation concludes with a look at the resources available through the Be Well Institute, including outpatient treatment programs, recovery support services, and housing programs for young adults. Dr. Potter provides valuable information on how to access these services and the critical role of naloxone in reversing opioid overdoses.
Join us for this vital discussion on addressing youth substance use and the steps we can take to protect our children and communities.

A Wake Up Call About Melatonin and Healthier Sleep Habits with Dr. Karen Hentschel-Franks

Host Holly Wayment talks with the esteemed Dr. Karen Hentschel-Franks, a fellow at the Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, for a candid discussion on the rampant use of melatonin as a sleep aid. Drawing attention to the shocking 11,000 recorded incidents of children visiting the ER due to accidental overdoses, this episode serves as a crucial wakeup call for parents everywhere.
Despite being a naturally-occurring hormone, melatonin's usage as an over-the-counter supplement for inducing sleep gives rise to challenges due to its lack of FDA regulation. This leads to potential inconsistencies in composition, dosage recommendations, and possible overdose symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and irritability.
Dr. Franks highlights a significant knowledge gap amongst parents regarding melatonin's proper dosage, given the absence of standard guidelines for different ages and weights. This could result in unintentional overdoses in children, hence she suggests parents to specifically seek ‘USP Verified’ Melatonin products for safety and accuracy.
Our conversation also touches upon the critical aspect of long-term effects and the importance of ‘sleep hygiene,’ which are beneficial habits designed to encourage healthier sleep patterns. She details her approach in practice, which emphasizes on behavioral interventions and sleep hygiene over medication. She provides compelling advice and alternatives for combating dependence on melatonin while promoting a more relaxed bedtime mindset.
In addition to providing insights into melatonin use and misuse, Dr. Franks underscores the importance of a positive pre-sleep routine for children. She uses real-life examples to reveal the value of positive reinforcement and the caregiver’s role in creating a healthy bedtime routine.
The episode concludes with practical advice for parents implemented by Dr. Franks herself, focusing on promoting natural sleep over relying on sleep aids like melatonin. This inspiring conversation provides a valuable perspective on improving children's sleep through behavioral measures and healthier lifestyle habits.