Young & Healthy

Healthy Gaming Habits for Kids

Game on! Host Bo McMillan sits down with Child Life Specialist Matt Flynn on the latest episode of the Young & Healthy Podcast to talk about video games, screen time and healthy gaming habits. They talk about the game worlds kids love and balancing them with the real world. 
Matt explains the difference between passive scrolling on TikTok and active video gaming. He also shares his thoughts on how electronics and games can both support and challenge childhood development. Spoiler, there are skills kids can learn from gaming that can be applied to real-life situations.
Listeners will learn how to keep their kids safe in online gaming and make sure that their children are connecting instead of isolating themselves. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or gamer, this episode offers practical insights on screen time, healthy gaming habits, and childhood growth. Power up, grab a seat and dive in for an insightful conversation. 
Resources: 
To learn more about Child Life at Cincinnati Children’s, visit Child Life | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 
To learn more about game ratings, visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website ESRB Ratings | Entertainment Software Rating Board 
For other media and entertainment information to keep your family up to date on all things media, visit the following websites: 
Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families | Common Sense Media 
TechCrunch | Startup and Technology News 
WIRED - The Latest in Technology, Science, Culture and Business | WIRED 
Chapter Markers: 
00:00:53 – What is a Child Life Specialist? 
00:02:31 – Is There a Difference Between Scrolling and Playing Games? 
00:05:21 – In What Ways Do Electronics and Games Support Childhood Development? 
00:07:25 – How Can Skills Learned from Games Apply to Life? 
00:11:37 – Do Video Games Negatively Impact Childhood Development? 
00:13:22 – Are There Signs Screen Time Is Affecting Your Child? 
00:17:15 – How Can Parents Decide if a Game Is Appropriate for Their Child? 
00:22:10 – How Can Parents Keep Kids Safe in Online Games? 
00:26:48 – How Can Families Make Games Feel Connecting, Not Isolating? 
00:28:15 – Final Thoughts and Wrap Up. 

Infant Series: Understanding Your Baby’s First Screening

A few drops of blood from a heel prick shortly after birth is sent to the state lab for every baby born in a hospital, and most who are born at home. The screening looks for markers of critical health conditions and flags abnormal results to the family’s pediatrician, and to genetics specialists. In this episode of the Infant Series on the Young & Healthy Podcast, host Kate Setter sits down with genetic counselors Lisa Berry, LGC and Cecilia Goueli, LGC to answer the question: What happens next if a newborn screening shows an abnormal result? 
They explain everything families need to know about newborn screenings—from what to expect to how results are interpreted. Families will learn what to expect after an abnormal newborn screen, understand the possibility of false positives, and discover how to access support if a diagnosis is confirmed following screening. Don’t miss this insightful episode full of important guidance for new parents. 
Chapter Markers:
00:00:57 – What Is Newborn Screening and How Is It Done? 
00:02:48 – What Conditions Does Newborn Screening Detect? 
00:04:11 – How Is Newborn Screening Handled for Home Births? 
00:05:04 – Can Newborn Screening Be Done Too Late? 
00:05:45 – What Should Parents Expect After an Abnormal Newborn Screen? 
00:08:46 – Can Families opt Out of Newborn Screening? 
00:10:07 – Do False Positives Happen in Newborn Screening? 
00:11:06 – How Are Families Supported After a Flagged Newborn Screen? 
00:14:15 – What Do Follow-Up Tests Look Like for Newborn Screening? 
00:15:29 – What Does Guidance Post Diagnosis Look Like? 
00:19:59 – What Support and Resources Are Available for Families? 
00:22:54 – Final Thoughts and Wrap Up. 

Community Effort: Help Keep Kids with Autism Safe

Safety planning and preparation are essential for all children, but for kids on the autism spectrum, it is even more important. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Julia Anixt and Dr. Jen Smith, two pediatric autism specialists, to explore how families and community members can work together to help keep kids safe.  
We discuss the term elopement, what it looks like in the context of autism, and explore common reasons why kids may run off. Dr. Anixt and Dr. Smith share practical tips on how to make the home safer to make it harder for kids to run off and offer guidance on teaching kids different safety strategies such as identifying safe places, asking for help if lost and communicating basic personal information to help them stay safe. 
Dr. Anixt and Dr. Smith also give advice to families and the community on what to do if you notice a child has run off, including first steps and how to approach and support them in a calm way. We discuss how families can collaborate with schools to create safety plans to ensure their child's needs are met. They also offer advice for families who are just beginning to navigate these safety concerns.  
This episode is filled with practical insights and heartfelt reminders that keeping all kids safe, especially those who may be more vulnerable, is a shared responsibility. With awareness, preparation, and resources, we can build safer communities for all kids.  
 
Resources: 
Big Red Safety Box® by the National Autism Association 
 
Outreach and Community Education 

Emergency Ready: Simple Steps to Prepare

Emergencies like natural disasters, fires, or even power outages can happen any time, and staying prepared can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Nathan Timm, medical director of emergency management at Cincinnati Children’s, to explore easy ways families can prepare for unexpected situations without feeling stressed.  
Dr. Timm shares advice on how to talk with kids about emergencies in a way that helps them feel safe and calm. He also gives tips on first aid kits, including items every household should have, how often to check it, and where to keep supplies in your family home for easy access. We also talk about fire safety, including checking  fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are up to date. You’ll also learn how to create a simple starter checklist to prepare for natural disasters.  
This episode is packed with hospital recommended safety tips and small steps your family can take to make your home safer. Tune in to learn how a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your loved ones safe. 
Resources mentioned in episode: 
https://www.ready.gov/  
Other Resources: 
Emergency and Disaster Planning | Ongoing Support Resources 
Disaster Preparedness Resources for Families  
https://www.fema.gov/ 
For emergency kits and learn more about the Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/store/training-supplies 

Swallowed It! When to Worry and What to Do

Kids are endlessly curious—and somehow always getting into things. But what should you do if your child swallows something they shouldn’t? On this episode of Young & Healthy, host Bo McMillan sits down with pediatric GI specialist, Dr. Alex Nasr, to talk through what parents and caregivers need to know in these scary moments. 
Dr. Nasr dives into the most common objects kids swallow—coins, batteries, magnets and the newest shiny craze, water beads. He explains why batteries are especially dangerous and what steps to take if you suspect your child has swallowed a foreign object. Listeners will learn when it’s time to visit urgent care or the emergency room, and what treatment to expect. Plus, Bo and Dr. Nasr share practical tips to help prevent kids swallowing things they shouldn’t—and why it can be more common during the holidays. 
So, grab your headphones (wired ones, if you can) and tune in to this vital conversation to help keep your family safe and healthy. 
Resources: 
To learn more about the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) at Cincinnati Children’s, visit https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/d/dpic   
For free, confidential assistance 24/7/365, please call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with an expert at Ohio Poison Centers.