Young & Healthy

Growing Pains & Play: Supporting Young Athletes Safely

As kids grow, their bodies change rapidly, and for young athletes, those changes can bring both opportunities and challenges. Dr. Jeremy Shapiro, a sports medicine and rehabilitation pediatrician, joins us to talk about how growth impacts musculoskeletal health and what families can do to support their young athletes.  
In this episode, we cover issues active kids may face as they grow, which sports may have a higher risk of injury during growth spurts, and the importance of stretching. Dr. Shapiro highlights how sleep, nutrition and hydration support healthy growth and development. We explore the benefits of sports diversification and why it’s good for kids to play multiple sports throughout the year instead of focusing on just one. 
This episode also introduces families to the world of adaptive sports. Dr. Shapiro is passionate about adaptive sports and highlights programs like Be.Well and The Bridge Adaptive Program, which make movement accessible and empowering for all children. 
Whether you're a parent, coach, or caregiver, this episode is packed with insights to help young athletes grow strong, stay healthy and keep doing what they love. Listen now. 
More Resources for Families: 
Learn more about be.Well Wellness Programs and the power of movement in our episode: The Power of Movement: Pediatric PT and the Magic of Be.Well 
For more information on be.well: Wellness Programs   
Explore The Bridge Adaptive Program:https://www.thebridgeadaptive.org/ 

Summer Eye Safety and Care for Kids

Sun, sand, and sunscreen – all key essentials for summertime fun. But did you know these summer staples can irritate your child’s eyes? On this episode of the Young & Healthy podcast, host Kate Setter sits down with Dr. Leah Owen, pediatric ophthalmologist and division director, to talk about simple ways to help your kids enjoy the summer while keeping their eyes safe. 
You'll hear about common summer eye injuries, irritants, and treatments – plus tips on what to do if your kiddo has sore eyes from swimming and how to stay safe during epic Nerf battles. Dr. Owen also explains what styes are and why they tend to pop up more in the warmer months. She shares practical advice on protecting young eyes from the sun, signs of poor vision to watch for and when it might be time to schedule an eye screening,  
Taking care of your eyes is an essential part of living young and healthy. So put on your shades, grab your headphones and tune in for this warm, fun, and knowledge-filled conversation. 

Firearm Safety: A Conversation Every Family Should Hear

Firearm injuries are the leading cause of death in children in the United States. This public health issue is heartbreaking, but it’s also preventable. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Richard Falcone, pediatric trauma surgeon and chief of staff at Cincinnati Children's, to talk about practical steps families can take to keep kids safe.  
We discuss the importance of firearm storage, different storage options and how to set clear boundaries with family or friends who may have firearms in their homes. Dr. Falcone also shares advice on how to talk to kids about firearm safety and why it's okay—and encouraged—to bring up firearm safety with your pediatrician. 
Whether you own firearms or your child may be around them in other homes, this episode offers guidance on how we can advocate for our kids and protect them from firearms.  

Namaste Together: Yoga for Kids

Ever wonder how something as simple as yoga can help kids feel calmer, stronger, and more in control—whether they’re at home, standing, sitting or in the hospital? In this new heartwarming episode of Young & Healthy, healthcare professionals and certified yoga instructors Nancy B. and Frankie M. join host Kayla McNeal to explore the powerful role pediatric yoga can play in healing and recovery. 
They’ll unpack how yoga goes beyond just poses—blending breathwork, gentle movement and mindfulness to meet children right where they are, even in a hospital bed. You’ll hear how just a few minutes a day can ease anxiety, boost focus, and support overall well-being. Plus, Nancy and Frankie share real-life stories, practical tips and creative ways to bring calm and connection into pediatric care through yoga. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about helping kids find strength and peace, one breath at a time. 

Cincinnati on a Budget: Summer Activities for Families

Summer is right around the corner and with it comes fun in the sun and plenty of time to make memories with your family. But let’s be honest—summer activities can get expensive. The good news is there are tons of things to do in Cincinnati that are free or super affordable for families.  
Linsey Kraeling is our guest. She’s a mom of 2 and lifelong Cincinnatian that knows the Queen City inside and out.  Linsey runs Tour de Cincinnati,  a go-to resource for discovering the best that Cincinnati has to offer—including food, events, parks, and hidden gems perfect for families.  
Linsey has all the best recommendations for fun spots and activities that are great for kids of all ages. Whether you have a baby, toddler, school-aged kids or teens, there are ideas in this episode for you! We talk about parks, museums, playgrounds, libraries and Linsey’s best tips for how to spend a few hours exploring. 
Local families and those visiting for a few days will all discover something new to do for the summer. Listen today. 
More resources from Linsey are available at Tour de Cincinnati and you can follow her on Instagram @linsinnati.  
Places mentioned in this episode: 
Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library 
Discovery Pass through Cincinnati Public Library 
Cincinnati Art Museum 
American Sign Museum 
Creeking in Cincinnati 
Parks Mentioned: 
Great Parks of Hamilton County 
Devou Park 
Winton Woods 
LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center 
Caldwell Nature Center 
Playgrounds Mentioned: 
West Fork Park 
Kingswood Park 
Home of the Brave Park