Season 6

Consent and Communication: Building Healthy Relationships

The topic of consent can feel tricky to navigate, but it’s a conversation that should start early and continue often. On the newest episode of the Young & Healthy podcast, Ashley Cremeans, a social worker with the Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Cincinnati Children’s, sits down with host Kate Setter to explore how consent can be discussed across different ages and stages of development. 
Ashley discusses how families can approach conversations about consent during adolescence, reinforcing that consent is ongoing, can be withdrawn at any time and applies in many everyday situations. She offers practical guidance on helping children identify trusted adults and confidently communicate their boundaries — from playtime to physical affection and beyond. 
Ashley also dives into the complexities of teen relationships, including situations in which consent cannot be given. She explains consent laws within the tri-state area, equipping parents and caregivers with the knowledge they need if deeper conversations arise. 
This episode provides tools to help kids stay safe and feel empowered. Be sure to tune in and share it with your friends and family. 
Full Transcript and Show Notes Here: Consent and Communication: Building Healthy Relationships - Cincinnati Children's Blog
Resources: 
For more information from the Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Cincinnati Children’s, visit Research | Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children 
For resources on healthy dating relationships, visit Healthy relationships for young adults | love is respect 
Listen to Empowered Kids: A Guide to Boundaries | Young & Healthy and dive deeper into what boundaries for younger kids look like 
Check out amazon or other book distributors to find resources like Only for Me  

Understanding Blood Donation: A Guide for Families

Blood donation has a vital role in care at Cincinnati Children’s and is truly a lifesaving resource. The impact of donating just once can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who need care. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Kristina Prus, director of transfusion medicine and Emily Kimball, physician outreach consultant, to talk about why blood donation matters and how donated blood is used in hospitals like Cincinnati Children's.  
Did you know that nearly all of the blood used for Cincinnati Children’s patients comes directly from our local partner, Howorth Blood Center? Dr. Prus and Emily explain what the Hoxworth Blood Center is and how our partnership directly impacts patients. They also walk through what blood donation really entails, what the term “blood products” means and how much blood Cincinnati Children’s uses on an average day. In addition, they dive into the importance of different blood types and share practical tips on ways families can support blood donation efforts if they feel nervous about giving blood or aren’t able to donate themselves.  
This episode is filled with clear, helpful information about how blood donation works, why it matters and how each of us can take part in helping save lives. 
Full Transcript and Show Notes: Blood Donation Doesn’t Have to Be Scary: Tips for Families - Cincinnati Children's Blog
Resources  
Hoxworth.org  

Is It Bronchiolitis? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Care

Bronchiolitis is one of the most common illnesses affecting babies and young children during the winter months. It’s one of the leading reasons families end up in pediatric offices, urgent care and the emergency department. We know that this can be an exhausting and stressful experience for caregivers, so in this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brad Sobolewski to break down what parents need to know to navigate bronchiolitis.  
Dr. Sobolewski explains how bronchiolitis is different from bronchitis, what causes it and why babies get it more often than older kids. We talk about RSV as the leading cause of bronchiolitis and what treatment looks like.  
As many as 90% of babies will get bronchiolitis by the time they’re 2, so it is important to know the early signs to watch for, and the best way to observe your baby’s breathing at home. You’ll hear practical, realistic guidance like why “suctioning, feeding, and love” are often the most effective treatments at home and which symptoms are reassuring versus concerning.   
Whether your baby is currently sick or you’re preparing for respiratory illness season, this is an episode you won't want to miss out on. 
To read more about bronchiolitis, check out: Bronchiolitis: A Parent’s Guide to One of the Most Common Winter Illnesses