Kids First Podcast

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile recounts her birth experience and discusses preeclampsia.  She also wraps up the podcast as she sadly leaves Kids First Pediatric Partners to move out of state with her family

Is your child being bullied?  Do you think your child may be the school bully?  Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile discusses the different classifications of bullying and what types of behaviors a bully exhibits.  Karen also reviews how children and parents can address bullying to stop the behavior.  Resources for this podcast can be found at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/bullying https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bullies.html https://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/info-facts.asp https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Bullying-Its-Not-Ok.aspx

Pediatric depression is a relatively common psychiatric condition that can continue episodically into adulthood.  In this podcast episode PNP Karen Gentile talks with Dr. Denise Gardner, a licensed clinical psychologist, about pediatric depression.  The topics reviewed in this episode include: Bad mood vs. depression How depression develops Assessing risk and suicidality Can I prevent depression in my child? Can I help my child with depression? How therapy can help with depression Accepting the diagnosis of depression and reducing stigma

In this episode Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile discusses vaping.  The FDA has recently declared an epidemic number of pre-teens and teens vaping, similarly the CDC has released new data regarding a very serious and potentially deadly pulmonary disease that is directly linked to vaping and is affecting our youth. In this episode we discuss: What is vaping? What are the ingredients in the vape oil? Is it safe for youth? What is the severe pulmonary disease afflicting the country from vaping and could it affect our children? Current statistics on the disease What to do if your child is vaping Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/p0906-vaping-related-illness.html https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/products-ingredients-components/vaporizers-e-cigarettes-and-other-electronic-nicotine-delivery-systems-ends http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/tobacco/e-cigarettes-and-vapes https://www.truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/4-things-parents-need-know-about-juul-and-nicotine https://www.aap.org/en-us/Documents/AAP-JUUL-Factsheet.pdf

Do you think your child may have ADHD? In our most recent podcast, Pediatric NP Karen Gentile sits down with psychology intern Edessa Mirzapolos to discuss Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD.  Edessa discusses how this disorder presents in the young child as well as how it is diagnosed.  We review the current treatment options and also explain ways in which parents and teachers can help their child live with and adapt to ADHD throughout their lives.  As a therapy intern Edessa also reviews the benefits of behavioral therapy for treating ADHD. Resources:  o   Taking Charge of ADHD, Revised Edition: The Complete Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell Barkley, Ph.D. o   Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare.  o   The Whole-Brain CHILD by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson o   The Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder organization also has a useful website (www.chadd.org)

Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile is joined today with special guest Carly Lapin, Board Certified Behavioral Analyst and our very own Medical Assistant Patsy Sotelo!  Patsy's son has ASD and she shares her own personal journey with the diagnosis and Carly helps Patsy with some of the challenging issues she faces daily.  In this episode we discuss: What is Autism Why does it happen/what causes it? Symptoms Typical age at diagnosis Patsy’s personal experience with her son’s diagnosis Potty training a child with ASD Positive reinforcement techniques Sleep training a child with ASD Food selectivity in a child with ASD Advice for parents with a new diagnosis Carly can be found at Carly@theplaceforchildrenwithautism.com https://theplaceforchildrenwithautism.com (847) 970-0748

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile reviews the risks of early sun damage and the rising incidence of skin cancer in adolescents and young adults.  To learn how to protect our kids from sun damage, Karen reviews the differences in sunscreen types and their ingredients, and the proper application procedures to ensure the best protection for our children. Resources: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/prevent/how-to-select-a-sunscreen https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html https://www.ascopost.com/issues/november-10-2015/why-melanoma-rates-are-increasing-in-adolescents-and-young-adults-especially-among-females/

If you've raised a toddler you know how difficult it can be navigating their mood swings, temper tantrums, and temperaments.  Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile sits down with Pediatrician Cathy DiVincenzo, MD to discuss discipline techniques.  Dr. DiVincenzo has 20 years of experience as a Pediatrician and also raised triplets!  She often lectures on the topic of discipline in our community and offers expert advice on how to tackle this difficult stage in parenting.  In this episode we discuss time-outs, time-ins, spanking, redirecting, speaking to your children, and the best techniques to avoid the dreaded public meltdown!  Resources: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Disciplining-Your-Child.aspx Books: Toddler 411, by Denise Fields and Ari Brown, MD Happiest Toddler on the Block, by Harvey Karp, MD Parenting with Love and Logic, by Foster Cline, MD and Jim Fay 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting, by Thomas Phelan, PhD

On this special episode, Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile is joined by Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Denise Gardner, PhD to discuss anxiety in children.  The topics we touch upon include: The difference between every day stress and clinical anxiety The prevalence of anxiety in children How anxiety develops Common co-occurring disorders such as depression, ADHD, eating disorders Common emotional and physical manifestations of anxiety Preventing anxiety How parents can help the child manage anxiety When should we consider seeking therapy for my child How can therapy help my child   Parents interested in scheduling therapy with Dr. Gardner or learning more about PCPA can find this information on http://www.pcpachicago.com Additional resources: - Book recommendation: What to do when you worry too much (Huebner; ages 6-12; workbook for parents and children) - Apps - Head Space, Calm, Breathe2Relax - Websites: Anxiety Disorders Association of America (adaa.org)  

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile reviews developmental milestones for each new stage of your child's growth starting at 2 months through ages 5 years of life.  Learn what to expect your child should be doing with social/emotional development, language/communication development, cognitive development, and physical development.  Karen reviews when you should talk to your Pediatrician or Nurse Practitioner if your child is not meeting certain milestones Resources:  https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html https://brightfutures.aap.org/Bright%20Futures%20Documents/BF4_POCKETGUIDE.pdf

Previously recorded in 2018: Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease has been very prevalent in our community this year so Nurse Practitioners Karen Gentile and Jean Russo discuss this common virus also known as the coxsackie virus.  The following topics are discussed in this episode: Differences between Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease vs. Herpangina- both of which are caused by the Coxsackie Virus Signs and symptoms of the Coxsackie Virus What age group does it affect? Clinical presentation Incubation period When are children contagious? How is Coxsackie Virus transmitted? How can we prevent Coxsackie Virus? When can children can return to school Sequelae of coxsackie virus- peeling of the hands and feet, nail matrix arrest Complications of the virus-> Dehydration Adequate pain control & hydration as the treatment method Can sometimes affect adults More information can be found at:  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/infections/Pages/Hand-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease.aspx

Special guest Dr. Karina Gobin, a Board Certified Allergist and Immunologist, joins Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile to discuss our children's immune system!  In this episode we will cover: How many illnesses are expected per year/month When do we need to worry about fever When should we consider an immune deficiency Why we get fevers after vaccinations How to "boost" the immune systems and whether vitamins are recommended Special precautions to protect our newborns fragile immune system, especially when considering travel Dr. Gobin can be found at Allergy, Sinus, & Asthma Professionals www.asapillinois.com  

In this short pediatric pearl episode, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile discusses the recent recall of the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper and how to get a refund if you own the product.  Additionally Karen reviews the recent journal article in the May 2019 publication of Pediatrics that discussed recent findings on sleep-related infant suffocation deaths.  Karen will summarize how to keep your newborn baby safe while sleeping and how to prevent sudden infant death syndrome and suffocation.  

Dr. Karina Gobin, a Board Certified Allergist and Immunologist, joins Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile to talk about food and drug allergies.  In this episode Dr. Gobin discusses some of the signs and symptoms of food allergies, the age of presentation, and how food allergy testing is performed.  Dr. Gobin reviews the most common allergic foods and how food allergies are managed.  In the 2nd half of the episode we discuss drug allergies: the signs and symptoms of a drug allergy, if testing for drug allergies is a possibility, and how we manage drug allergies.   Dr. Gobin can be found at Allergy, Sinus, & Asthma Professionals www.asapillinois.com

In this episode Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile discusses safe forms of exercise for children and how the AAP views weight training.  Exercise safety and observing for red flags are also discussed.   Resource: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/fitness/Pages/Types-of-Exercise.aspx

Dr. Karina Gobin, a Board Certified Allergist and Immunologist, joins Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile to talk about environmental allergies.  In this episode she discusses the difference between indoor and outdoor allergies and when to expect each of these to strike.  The presenting symptoms of environmental allergies are reviewed and here's a hint...it's itchy!  We review when allergy testing should be considered and how allergy testing is performed.  Dr. Gobin recommends over the counter antihistamine to trial as a first line treatment for seasonal allergies as well as other allergy control options.   You can find Dr. Gobin at www.asapillinois.com

In this episode Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile provides a quick pediatric pearl on how to hand the dreaded public tantrum!  Karen provides quick tips on how to handle the situation and create boundaries for future conflicts.     Resource: Toddler 411 and 123 Magic

Nurse Practitioners Karen Gentile and Jessica Fanucchi discuss one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in children: constipation! In this episode we discuss the signs and symptoms of constipation, how to prevent constipation, and how we would go about treating it.  Tune in for tips and tricks on how to combat constipation using lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and behavioral techniques.  We discuss the various medications that may be recommended by your medical provider to assist with constipation or encopresis.     Resources: Video & Website: The Poo in You, https://www.gikids.org  

In our latest Pediatric Pearl podcast episode, Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile provides an update on the current status of the 2018-2019 Influenza Season in Illinois.  It's not too late to get your influenza vaccine as the virus is still widespread in the Chicago area. Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza

Do you struggle getting your child to eat their fruits or vegetables? Does your child protest food until he gets what he or she wants? Will your child only eat carbs or "beige" foods? This is a common problem amongst kids of all ages but it can start as soon as we begin to introduce solid foods.  Listen to our latest podcast as Nurse Practitioner Karen Gentile and Registered Dietician Gia Diakakis discuss how to be PROactive in preventing a picky eater and how to address kids who are already picky.  

Welcome to the first of our Pediatric Pearl series with Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Karen Gentile!  Pediatric pearls are quick tips that aim to discuss the most challenging parenting problems and are designed for parents who don't have 30-45 minutes to commit to a full podcast episode.  The pearl in this episode is healthy snack ideas for kids!  We get asked this question all of the time so Registered Dietician Gia Diakakis with Feed to Succeed is here to discuss what she recommends as a professional as well as how she approaches snacking in her own family.  

Our very own Sarah Nussbaum, RN is an expert at car seat safety and it's a good thing because there is SO MUCH to learn about how to keep your little ones safe while in the car.  In this episode we will discuss: American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations State of Illinois law on car seats Why it's important to keep your child rear facing because of their bone structure  What types of car seats are available: Infant, Convertible, Combination, High Back, Low Back Pinch test for correct fit The 5 steps to Seatbelt Aftermarket products and car seats Resources: https://thecarseatlady.com https://www.safekids.org https://www.nhtsa.gov  

Potty training your toddler is a wonderful new developmental milestone for both parent and child!  Nurse Practitioners Karen Gentile and Jessica Fanucchi discuss the theory of potty training while Registered Nurse Yael Cohen gives real life, practical advice on how she potty trained her 4 kids including what worked well and what didn't.   In this episode we will discuss the following potty training topics: Signs of readiness When to start potty training What age are most kids typically potty trained How to execute the day-of What to do if your child has many accidents on potty training day Potty chair vs. toilet seat insert How to overcome fearful pooping The child who was potty trained but having accidents again Late potty trainers How to incentivize your child appropriately The age in which bed wetting and accidents are normal

One of the most common secondary infections caused by the common cold is a middle ear infection.  In this episode we talk about middle ear infections and also touch briefly on swimmers ear and middle ear effusions.  In this episode you will learn:  Normal ear anatomy What is an ear effusion Does swimming or bathing cause an ear infection? What is the difference between swimmers ear and an ear infection? What causes an ear infection What are the signs and symptoms of an ear infection The most common age group affected by ear infections How can we protect kids from ear infections What to do if you suspect an ear infection in the middle of the night How to provide pain control to your child from an ear infection What is watchful waiting and how do we effectively use it to treat an ear infection? Perforated ear drums Flying with an ear infection or cold When should we consider an ENT referral, what are ear tubes, and when should we consider an ENT referral to discuss ear tubes? https://www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com/patient-care/faqs/ear-infection/

Fall and Winter are the seasons in which there is a rise in upper respiratory infections including croup.  Croup is a specific type of URI that causes a barky seal-like cough and sometimes difficulty breathing.  Croup often comes on suddenly and can be very scary for parents.  In this episode, Nurse Practitioners Karen & Jean discuss croup and help us to understand how to handle croup when it is suspected:   Signs and symptoms of croup The hallmark symptom of croup Sound bite of the classic “seal” bark cough At home treatment recommendations Steroids?  When should and when should we not use them?  The differences between mild, moderate, and severe croup When to consider an ER evaluation or when to call 911 When would an ENT referral be appropriate?   https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Croup-Treatment.aspx

The 2018 and 2019 cold and  influenza season is just getting underway.  This episode, recorded for the 2017 and 2018 influenza season but applicable today, discusses how to keep your child safe this flu season.  The topics for this episode will include:   How to identify influenza vs. the common cold Common cold treatment recommendations Why antibiotics do not help alleviate symptoms of the common cold or influenza Influenza treatment recommendations (these recommendations are updated throughout each flu season, for the most up-to-date treatment recommendations go to https://www.cdc.gov/flu/) Facts regarding the influenza vaccine and the Flu Mist   Find us at www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com   Resources:  IDPH (Illinois Dept. of Public Health) Influenza Surveillance Website: http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/surveillance   CDC Flu Activity and Surveillance Website: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm

Nurse Practitioners Karen Gentile & Jean Russo are joined by a special guest and of our very own pediatricians Dr. Jenny Kim!  Dr. Kim explains one of our HOTTEST topics in pediatric primary care- fevers!  Some of the topics Dr. Kim covers in this episode:  What can affect our temperature fluctuations A true fever starts at 100.4F of a core body temperature Temperature measurement techniques Reasons why fever may be a GOOD thing The symptoms a fever will produce  When fever is considered an emergency When parents should call our office to let us know about their child's fever  Viral fevers can generally last 3-5 days Why do fevers come and go throughout the day What temperature is “too high” Why a fever doesn’t actually cause brain damage How, when, and why we should administer fever-reducing medications like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen Why do fevers sometimes go UP after giving fever-reducing medications Febrile seizures Fevers caused by vaccinations https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/default.aspx https://www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com/2015/04/how-to-treat-a-fever/ https://www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com/patient-care/faqs/fever/

Registered Dietician Gia Diakakis from Feed to Succeed in Glenview, IL joins us for an informative discussion on pediatric nutrition basics.  Gia answers our long burning questions about how we can set our kids up for success with a healthy diet that will last a lifetime!  Spoiler alert: She recommends feeding your child the same foods that the rest of the family is eating!   Topics Include:  Children's menu's in restaurants, portion sizes, and expecting your child to eat the same types of foods that you as a parent would eat.   Gia recommends the entire family get involved and active in healthy eating regardless of their weight or size Ways you SHOULDN'T talk to your child if they are overweight Sports drinks Chocolate milk as a sports drink When to offer your child juice and how much  Smoothies, are they good or bad?  How to handle picky eating How to be a good role model for your kids School lunches Balancing meals Do kids still "outgrow" baby fat? Check out our website for resources that will enhance your knowledge on pediatric diets and nutrition: https://www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com/services/nutrition/    

Experts recommend that infants start eating solid foods between ages 4-6 months of age, but where do we start?  This new journey in an infants life can be confusing for new parents, not to mention it may elicit fears of food based allergic reactions.  Karen and Jean talk about the AAP's current recommendations on how to advance your infant diet's from formula or breast milk to the addition of solid foods.  Join us for an interesting discussion about how to approach this milestone, learn when your baby is ready for solid foods, what food allergies may look like, and what ONE food all babies should avoid (hint: it's honey!).  Check out our resources listed below for text-based information on solid food introduction!  https://www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com/parent-education/introducing-solids-infant/ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Switching-To-Solid-Foods.aspx

Do you think your child may have a social media addiction?  Is social media use preventing your child from sleep or giving them poor self esteem?  Do you think your child may be bullied on social media? Special guest Dr. Nirmeen Rajani, a Clinical Psychologist from Primary Care Psychology Associates, reviews the effects of social media use on children and teens in a wonderful discussion called "Does My Child really have 500 Friends".  She talks with NP's Karen and Jean about the various social media platforms including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, WhatsApp, Musical.ly, and LinkedIn.  The positive and negative effects of social media use on youth are discussed.  In Dr. Rajani's podcast, we hear confessions from students about how social media makes them feel and how it affects their sleep and their behavior. Over use of social media can lead to addiction-type behaviors in which Dr. Rajani can successfully treat in the office.  Methods on how to speak to your child about healthy, safe, and appropriate use of social media are recommended.  Methods of monitoring the child's potential over-use of social media are reviewed and how to talk to your child about bullying online are presented.   www.pcpachicago.com www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com Concrete talking points for parents: Hey, I’m curious about the new social media sites youth use now a days...  What do you like about (FB, Snapchat, YoBo...) What have your interactions been like on (site)? How did you feel when you saw the picture of your friend vacating in Paris and you had to be in summer school? What kind of friendships do you hope for? Are your social media interactions fulfilling? Do they make you feel any negative emotions? Have you thought about your usage? Can we work together to make it more meaningful for you? Have you ever felt pressured into doing or saying something on (site) that made you uncomfortable? You know I would always protect you right? Do you need to talk to someone about how you feel?  References:  Carroll, J.A. & Kirkpatrick, R.L. (2011). Impact of social media on adolescent behavioral health. Oakland, CA: California Adolescent Health Collaborative. Chau, C. (2010). You Tube as a participatory culture. Wiley Periodicals, Inc., 128, 65-74. Clarke-Pearson, K., O’Keeffe, G., (2011). The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families. Retrieved fromhttp://pediatrics.aappublications.org Rosen, L.D., (2011). Social Networking’s Good and Bad Impacts onKids. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Karen Gentile and Jean Russo talk about how and when to introduce screen time to infants, toddlers, and adolescents.  This includes modalities such as Skype, Face Time, iPads and tablets, TV, and cell phones.  In this episode, we discuss the health risks and dangers of early or inappropriate screen time use.  Follow us at www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com Screen time information retrieved from www.healthychildren.org and www.aap.org 

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Karen Gentile and Jean Russo talk about techniques that will help you successfully sleep train your toddler or older child including how to manage nap times, transitioning out of the crib and into a toddler bed, executing schedule changes, and how to handle the child who still won't sleep.  Infant sleep training was previously discussed in Episode 4.  References for this podcast include Toddler 411 by Denise Fields and Ari Brown. Visit us at www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com for more resources or to schedule an appointment! 

Learn how to keep your little one safe this summer with safety tips from our very own Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Jessica Fanucchi.  In this episode we talk about pool safety and drowning prevention as well as playground safety and considerations, insect repellent, lyme disease, and ATV/bike safety.  

Dr. Mimi Boren, one of our Pediatricians and Lactation Consultants discusses breastfeeding basics.  She reviews the health benefits of breastfeeding to both the baby and the Mom, including the emotional benefits and bonding experiences expected during the breastfeeding process.  We learn about what to expect during the first few days of nursing and what our excellent team of Lactation Consultants at the Chicago Breastfeeding Center at Kids First Pediatric Partners can do to best support Mom's in this new role as a nursing mother!

Are you traveling out of the country soon?  Guest Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Pat Lawrence discusses the Kids First Travel Health Clinic.  On this episode, Pat discusses who should consider making an appointment at the travel clinic and how far in advance the consultation should be scheduled.  Pat also reviews basic travel safety tips, routine vaccinations that are important for traveling with young children, obtaining any special travel vaccines for special destinations.  Pat talks about travelers diarrhea and basic food and water precautions while visiting foreign countries.  We review how to protect your family from Zika virus and Malaria by using insect repellent with DEET.  An overview of Pat’s travel clinic can be found at:  https://www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com/services/travel-clinic/ Specific destination information can be found at:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Karen Gentile and Jean Russo discuss newborn sleep patterns, sleep transitions, and how to sleep train your baby through the first year of life.  Jean gives real life examples of how she sleep trained her two sons successfully using the methods discussed in the podcast.  The two most popular methods: the Weissbluth method and the Ferber method are compared.  Find us at https://www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com/about-us/podcast/ Book recommendations: Baby 411 by Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems by Dr. Richard Ferber

Spring has sprung! Chicago’s seasonal allergy season is in full swing, and our patients are feeling the pollens in the air. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Karen & Jean discuss allergic rhinitis, the symptoms and how to treat the symptoms. Find us at www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Karen Gentile and Jean Russo introduce the Kids First Podcast, an evidence-based educational discussion about pediatric health conditions and concerns designed for parents. Karen and Jean will discuss their backgrounds as pediatric healthcare providers and the goals of the podcast.   Find us at www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com