Young & Healthy

A Conversation about Poop: Constipation in Kids

Let’s talk about poop, specifically, constipation. Constipation is the inability to have a bowel motion or fully empty the bowels each day. It is a common GI problem, and so many parents know the struggle of managing constipation. 
On this episode of Young & Healthy, Dr. Temara Hajjat, a pediatric GI specialist, joins us to advise parents on how to handle constipation with kids of all ages. We discuss the causes of constipation, signs to look for, treatments and how to use them correctly and when kids should see a pediatrician or GI specialist. Dr. Hajjat also shares common misconceptions about constipation, and reassures us all that it’s important to talk about poop! 

Back to School: Recipe for a Successful School Year

This episode is your cheat sheet for the first few weeks of school, to help your kids start the year strong and set them up for success all year long.  
On this episode of Young & Healthy, Carissa Lloyd and Kenny Haber, former special-ed teachers, and school liaisons in our Center for School Services, have all the tips to help students – and their families! - get ready to navigate the school year. They discuss setting schedules for in-person and virtual learning, setting healthy academic goals, studying tips, and preparing for state tests. We also discuss IHPs, 504 Accommodation Plans, and IEPs – the plans that help every child learn in an environment that supports their individual needs. If you have a child starting a new school year, this episode is for you! 
To learn more about the Center for School Services, visit here: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/patients/resources/services/school-services  
For additional resources, please read: Tips for Communicating with Your Child's School

Creating a New Medication: From Recognizing a Need to FDA Approval

It’s a relief to have medications available when a member of your family is diagnosed with a new condition. But do you know how that medication was developed and what went into its approval for you to be able to use it?  
Dr. Marc Rothenberg has been working on a drug for the last decade to help his patients who have eosinophilic esophagitis. He’s our guest today, providing insight to how a new drug is developed; what the research, approval and distribution look like. He also shares more about how he and his team have given so much of themselves over the past many years to bring this drug to market for patients who previously haven’t had medication available. There is more to this process than we ever knew and we hope you will listen and learn more too. 
 
Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders Research:  
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/c/cced-research/research  

Anxiety in Kids: When It’s a Good Thing, When it Needs Attention, and How Parents Can Help

Anxiety is not a bad thing for children to experience. It is a feeling or emotion that involves tension, worried thoughts and physical responses. Anxiety is normal and is necessary to protect us from potential dangers, and motivate us to start or finish tasks. It exists on a spectrum from typical to needs intervention. On this episode of Young & Healthy, we explore this topic that we know parents are eager to learn more about.  
Dr. Suzanne Sampang, and Dr. Jeffrey Strawn join us to share their expertise about anxiety and anxiety disorders in children. They explain three types of anxiety disorders, common symptoms of each, and the impact of the pandemic on kids and the anxiety they experience. We also discuss symptoms that can look like anxiety but may actually indicate something else is going on, and strategies parents can use to check in with their child, and help them navigate situations that are anxiety inducing.  

Summertime in the Emergency Department: Injury Prevention for Families

It's summertime and kids are spending more time at the pool, playing outside, riding bikes with friends, and having grand summer adventures. Sometimes their adventures lead to injuries, making summer a busy time for the emergency department at Cincinnati Children's. But, summer activities don't have to end in an emergency visit; many injuries are preventable. 
This week on the podcast, Dr. Wendy Pomerantz, one of our emergency medicine doctors and Dawne Gardner, an injury prevention specialist, join us to talk about summertime injuries in the ED and how to prevent them, as well as information for parents to help them know what to do if an injury does happen.    
 
Blog: Grill Safety Do’s and Don’ts 
Blog: Preventing Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke: Remember to A.C.T.