Young & Healthy

A Parent’s Role in Fostering Positive Self-Esteem

This week on the podcast, we talk to Dr. Beverly Smolyansky about self-esteem in kids. Low self-esteem has the potential to lead to children engaging in negative behaviors and activities that could impact their quality of life. It is vital that parents nurture positive self-esteem to maintain a child’s overall health. Join us as we break down why self-esteem is important, how parents can help improve a child’s confidence, positive self-talk vs. negative self-talk, when and how parents should praise their child, behavior modeling, and so much more.   
Additional Resources: 
5 Bigger-Picture Suggestions To Help Build Kids’ Self-Confidence  
 
American Psychological Association 

Eating Disorders: Exploring Biological Predisposition and Perfect Storms

Dr. Abigail Matthews, a clinical psychologist and associate director of the Eating Disorders program at Cincinnati Children’s, joins us to discuss her newest research on eating disorders and the effects the pandemic has had. We learn more about her study, discuss types of eating disorders, biological predisposition to disordered eating and the stressors that can cause a perfect storm for illness to develop. This is a must-listen episode, particularly for parents of tweens and teens.  
Resources:  
To learn more about the Eating Disorder Program, please visit: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/e/eating-disorders  
The National Eating Disorders Association https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/  

RSV 101: Helpful Info for Every Parent

This week on the podcast, we talk to Dr. Mary Carol Burkhardt about respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV. Listen in as we break down the symptoms of RSV and thoughts on why we’re seeing it so early in the year, bronchiolitis, advice for parents who are feeling the stress of so many respiratory viruses circulating in the community, if and when parents should take their child to the doctor and symptoms of bronchiolitis that indicate an ED visit is necessary. This one is jam-packed with helpful information for every parent.  
For additional information on bronchiolitis and to see a helpful video that shows what retractions look like when an infant is in respiratory distress, please visit: https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/healthy-living/bronchiolitis-a-new-parents-guide-to-one-of-the-most-common-winter-illnesses/  
For more FAQs on RSV, please visit: https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/safety-and-prevention/vaccines/6-rsv-faqs/ 
 
 

A Discussion on Suicide Prevention

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34. September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and it is imperative to have conversations about mental illness and mental health. In this week's episode, we discuss suicide prevention with Dr. Courtney Cinko, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Cincinnati Children's. Our conversation includes who is at risk for suicide, red flags parents should look for, how to have a conversation about suicide, resources, and so much more.   
To schedule an appointment with the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, please visit: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/p/psychiatry/programs  
To learn more about MindPeace, please visit: https://mindpeacecincinnati.com/  
For additional resources for suicide prevention, please visit: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/patients/suicide-prevention  
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 
 

How to Talk to Your Daughter About Menstrual Periods

Your little girl is growing up and is showing signs that she is about to start her period. Where did the time go? How should we talk to her about this? We know parents have many questions as they gear up to have this vital conversation with their daughter about periods.  This week on the podcast, Dr. Lesley Breech, a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologist here at Cincinnati Children's offers practical information about when and how to have this conversation. Listen as we discuss the average age a girl should start her period, how long first cycles should last, irregular periods and when to visit the doctor, plus, when to talk to your daughter about her period, and so much more.   
To learn more about the adolescent gynecology program, please visit the Young Women’s Center for Reproductive Health & Development. 
To learn more about Menstrual Suppression in Teens, please visit: https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/86/menstrual-suppression-in-teens  
Additional Resources: 
All About Periods:
https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/healthy-living/all-about-periods/
Center for Young Women’s Health:  
https://youngwomenshealth.org/