Young & Healthy

Food Allergies: Oral Immunotherapy Treatment, Teal Pumpkin Project and More!

The holiday season is upon us, and this often means gatherings and celebrations with food. These gatherings and events can be stressful and dangerous for children who have food allergies. This week we we are pleased to welcome three food allergy experts.   
First, Christa Mills, food allergy coordinator and Registered Nurse, shares how we can all take part in the teal pumpkin project and shares some tips for inclusivity around the holidays. Next, Dr. Amal Assa’ad answers all of our questions about food allergies, symptoms, and treatments. She also shares what parents should do if their child has an allergic reaction. Our final conversation is with Dr. Justin Schwartz, a pediatric allergist who is an expert in oral immunotherapy for food allergies. We dive into what is oral immunotherapy treatment, the benefits of OIT, and who would make a good candidate for this type of treatment.   
To learn more about the Division of Allergy and Immunology, please visit https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/a/allergy-immunology   

Migraines in Children: Everything Parents Need to Know

Migraine – a disease with a strong genetic component – can affect as many as 10% of children and present as early as two years old. The headache is the most prevalent symptom of migraine, but there is a lot more to this disease than many people understand.    
This week on Young & Healthy, experts from the Headache Center, Dr. Marielle Kabbouche Samaha and Dr. Shalonda Slater, join us to answer all of your questions about migraine. We discuss the difference between a migraine and a headache of a different origin, the types of migraines, the stages of migraine, and red flags that may indicate a headache is a symptom of something else. Dr. Kabbouche Samaha and Dr. Slater also share how children can adopt healthy habits to improve migraine frequency, treatments that are available for children, and what to do if a migraine starts while at school.   
For more information on the Headache Center, please visit https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/h/headache-center.  

Pediatric Cancer Survivorship: Care for What’s Next

Reaching “survivorship” often feels like the finish line for families who experience a childhood cancer diagnosis, but it is so important to also have the right care after treatment has ended.  
On this episode of Young & Healthy, Dr. Melissa Erickson, Medical Director of Cancer Survivorship as well as Oncology Primary Care at the University of Cincinnati, and Dr. Ellen Chang, Pediatric Oncologist here at Cincinnati Children’s join us to talk about how they think about care for cancer survivors. They discuss the impact cancer treatment can have throughout a patient’s lifetime, the importance of long-term follow up care, and the many ways family members can support survivors.  
For more information on the Cancer Survivorship Center, please visit: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/c/cancer-survivor  

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