Pediatrics Now for Parents

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.

A Concussion Crash Course for Parents

Welcome to “Pediatrics Now”. In this podcast episode, Host Holly Wayment talks to Dr. Kenneth Nwosa, a renowned sports medicine specialist and head doctor for UTSA athletics. Our discussion revolves around the widely-unacknowledged issue of sports-related concussions, extending beyond contact sports like football, to include cheerleading and soccer, unveiling the real threat of these injuries to athletes.
Underscoring the immediate need for effective protocols, we delve into the consequences, prevention measures and recovery strategies for sports-induced concussions. We signal the key signs indicating severe conditions like potential brain bleed or spinal cord injury, emphasizing on the need for an athletic trainer on site for immediate evaluation and treatment.
Culminating with a talk about “Heads Up”, a CDC initiative aimed at educating parents, coaches, and athletes about prevention and management of concussions, we stress the urgency of this issue and the crucial responsibility of schools, universities, and sports organizations in ensuring the safety of their athletes.
Our guest, Dr. Ken Nwosa, offers expert insights into the far-reaching implications of concussions on an athletes' career, and underlines the growing focus on educating and staffing at sports events. While sharing his concerns on pressures faced by young athletes, he fosters the importance of enjoyment, various physical activities and valuable education.
In a blend of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, Dr. Nwosa connects athletic discipline to life's focus and energy, inspiring athletes to remember to enjoy the game and prioritize education. Explore this enlightening episode to understand the evolving perceptions of sports-related concussions and their impact on healthcare.

NF-1: Early Detection, Coping Strategies, and Comprehensive Care

In this enlightening episode of 'Pediatrics Now', distinguished healthcare experts join us to delve deep into the intricate aspects of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition affecting 1 in 3,000 children. We navigate through complex topics such as early detection, robust diagnosis, intricate neurological exams, and the impactful role of keen observation in identifying unspoken symptoms in children.
Our discussion explores the prevalent manifestations of NF1 from birth, the consequential implications if undiagnosed, and the integral part played by genetic counselors. The experts shed light on a multitude of associated conditions ranging from benign nerve tumors to more severe cases and how early detection can significantly improve the patient's quality of life.
Moreover, we delve into how social and developmental challenges can coincide with NF1, creating unique obstacles for children. Despite these challenges, personalized treatments and a multi-disciplinary approach can enhance the management of this disorder, reiterating the importance of a medical home.
The episode takes a closer look at the physical and psychosocial impacts of NF1 on patients and their families. It features constructive discussions around the complex nature and variability of NF1 manifestations, the importance of understanding family history, and the latest treatments available.
We wrap up the episode by discussing the crucial role of the Texas NF Medical Symposium and the professionals involved in addressing these complexities. Lastly, the experts share personal coping mechanisms outside of their professional sphere, emphasizing the importance of avoiding compassion fatigue and advocating for child patients. Unravel the challenging world of NF1 with us in this comprehensive episode of 'Pediatrics Now'.
Rachel's foccacia bread recipe.  Email address for NF1 inquiries: (wyattr1@uthscsa.edu).

New Asthma Guidelines: with Dr. Ed Brooks

In this episode of Pediatrics Now: We're joined by Dr. Ed Brooks, the Division Chief of Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Disease at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. With 30 years of experience in his field, Dr. Brooks revisits our show to discuss the updates to the national asthma guidelines.
He explains the significant change in the guidelines – the recommendation to use inhaled corticosteroids as needed during certain situations, such as during viral infections in children with intermittent but severe episodes of asthma. The update also includes a call for SMART (Single Maintenance And Reliever Therapy), which involves the use of a combination inhaler, like budesonide plus formaterol for people with moderate persistent asthma.
According to the new guidelines, individuals can utilize this combination up to eight puffs a day for children under 12, and up to 12 puffs a day for those older than 12. The data showed that the overall exposure to corticosteroids was less using SMART therapy, which signifies a significant reduction in hospitalizations or the need for oral corticosteroids.
Dr. Brooks also addressed concerns about medication shortages, advising that all inhaled steroids are about equal, and in instances of shortages, it would be safe to revert to a two-inhaler system. Join us for more insights on the updated asthma control guidelines. Talk to your pediatrician for more information.

The Next Healthcare Crisis?

Join our host Holly Wayment on a riveting episode of "Pediatrics Now" featuring Dr. Will Border, a renowned professor of pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. As the Chief Physician Wellness Officer and Director of Non-Invasive Cardiac Imaging at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Dr. Border has a unique perspective on a widespread issue — healthcare worker burnout.In this episode, he sheds light on the scale of the burnout problem in the medical field, revealing that up to 60% of physicians experience at least one symptom of burnout. Not only does he delve into the reasons behind the higher prevalence of burnout among women healthcare providers, Dr.Border also explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the crisis, especially for ER and critical care workers.Listen as Dr. Border shares his personal experiences and what motivates him to address this critical topic. He dives into the emotional challenges health practitioners face, the importance of support systems, and the urgency to better comprehend and effectively tackle burnout. He also discusses Brene Brown's work on perfectionism and self-compassion among physicians.Catch an insight-rich discussion filled with reflective moments, including an inspirational Nelson Mandela quote. Tune in to "Pediatrics Now" to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare worker burnout and the multilayered solutions needed to pull the medical field back from the brink of this crisis.

Measles Madness: 🤒A Discussion with Dr. J.B. Cantey

Welcome to Pediatrics Now for Parents. In this episode, Host Holly Wayment talks to  Dr. J.B. Cantey, a double board certified neonatologist and infectious disease expert with a Master's in public health. The measles outbreak across 15 states in the USA and its link to insufficient vaccination rates is the central topic of our discussion.
Dr. Cantey brings to light a crucial perspective, stating that the success of past vaccinations has led to a degree of out-of-sight, out-of-mind complacency. Diseases like polio, diphtheria, rubella, and measles, are now less of an immediate concern due to vaccination successes, which unfortunately leads to falling vaccination rates. However, failure to vaccinate children could potentially lead to the re-emergence of these diseases.
We also discuss the alarming decrease in contemporary vaccination rates and its causes, such as parent uncertainty, hesitation, and misinformation. Our focus then shifts to measles, as Dr. Cantey expounds the crucial role of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and emphasizes the importance of vaccinating children, irrespective of their age. We explore the potential severity of measles and the life-threatening complications it could lead to if left untreated.
Toward the end of the podcast, we provide detailed guidance for parents who have kids that missed their vaccines. Dr. Cantey strongly recommends seeking trusted healthcare advice and, unless a child is an exception, vaccinating them ASAP before potential exposure to infectious diseases. We round off our discussion by addressing concerns about areas with low vaccination rates and their implications on preventing outbreaks like measles.
Search for our episode titled 'Got Vaccines' in this Pediatrics Now for Parents newsfeed for more insights into the importance of vaccination for your child's health.