Real Talk with Kid Docs

The term neurodiversity is everywhere these days, but what does it mean? What does it include? Could it just be that you just have a "quirky kid"? About 20% of the population is thought to be neurodivergent. Common diagnoses that are under neurodiversity are autism and ADHD. Kids who have learning disabilities or who are gifted or gender fluid also are under this umbrella. To help teach us about this, our guest is my good friend Josie Bohling, LMFT (that means licensed marriage and family therapist). She treats not only teens, but also families to help families work together with these diagnoses. We will cover:-When to suspect that your child may have neurodivergence?-What to do if you suspect a diagnosis?-What resources are at your disposal?-What does this mean for your child and your family?More about Josie Bohling here!https://www.shadetreefamilycounseling.com/References Josie loves!Websites:Childmind.orgUnderstood.orgAdditudemag.comPodcast:Tilt Parenting- great for parenting neurodiversity and community- also has a website that has tons of resources for parents.Neurodiversitypodcast- great for learning how to advocate for your kid in the education system , as well as deep dives into neurodiversity presentations.Books:⁠What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life⁠ by Dr. Sharon Saline⁠Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-teen and Teenage Years ⁠by Shana NicholsThe Dyslexia Advantage-Brock Eide/ Frenette EideDr. Ross Green - any of his books will help with parenting with kids who struggle with emotion dysregulation and forming expectations that meet where your kid is at developmentally. 

Kid fall on their faces a lot. Dental trauma is super common. When is something a dental emergency- needing to see the dentist as soon as possible (i.e. that day)?On this episode, we welcome back Dr. Debbie Graham, pediatric dentist with over 27 years of experience in Salt Lake City. Three things need to be seen right away:1. A broken tooth2. A displaced tooth - still in the mouth but not in the right place3. A knocked out / lost permanent toothCheck out this episode for what to do in case this happens to you or someone you know. 

We do a deep dive into a common topic with our guest Dr. Debbie Graham, a pediatric dentist with over 27 years of experience. She is also the mother to four kids with real world tips!Cavities are one of the most common health issues affecting kids. What are they? How do they form? How does the dentist know that they are there? What can we do to prevent them?If I have a cavity, what can I expect? When can we "watch it" and when does it need to be filled? What happens during a cavity filling? Will it hurt?This is a great episode for parents and kids alike. Really, all people with teeth!

Have dental questions? So do we!We welcome Dr. Debbie Graham, a pediatric dentist in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has over 27 years of experience and also is the mother to 4 kids so she has practical real world tips!In the episode, we talk about:1. When and why to see a pediatric dentist.2. Tooth eruption- when do teeth come in? When should a parent be concerned about teeth coming in or not coming in. 3. Basics of dental care- we know about good old brushing and flossing but how do you take care of your kids teeth? Really, how do you get in there to brush and floss? We have some tips.

Let's get to know our hosts a bit more. Dr. Kara Wada, MD is a board certified Allergy Immunologist. She also has Sjogren's disease. Did you know that Sjogren's affects about 1 in 100 people? Many of them are undiagnosed and suffer with chronic symptoms. 30-40% of the time, lab tests are normal. Listen here as Kara teaches us lessons about both a doctor and patient living with the disease. 

In this episode of Real Talk with Kid Docs, we break down what's beneath dry skin and then talk about ways to build it up with common over-the-counter therapies. We also touch on eczema to introduce a more severe and chronic cause of itching, especially in young children. Spoiler alert... The best lotion / cream / ointment for your child is the one you have and the one you will use!

In this Episode of Real Talk we get into the yuck with what is going around everywhere right now, the Flu. What is it? How does it present? How long does it last? To test or not? To Tamiflu or not? All great questions and there can be some nuance so listen up so that you can be informed to make the best decisions for your family if you come in contact with unwelcome and regular wintertime companion.

Wait, I thought there were THREE TRImesters in pregnancy. What is this FOURTH trimester?Join us as we talk with our guest, Dr. Cindy Rubin, MD. , IBCLC. Dr. Rubin is a pediatrician with more than 18 years of clinical experience. She has expertise in the Fourth trimester- the time period from birth through the first 12 weeks of a baby's life. This is a time of great change for both mom and baby. She is also board-certified in Breast Feeding Medicine. She is the owner of a direct patient care practice specializing in the care of mothers and babies in the newborn period.  In this episode, we talk about what the Fourth trimester is and what are the common issues that come up during this time. She is a wealth of information as are her website, YouTube channel and Social Media. You can find her at:⁠https://intouchpediatrics.com⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNrscwfgmtqWPXW9fE0od2A⁠Facebook: Cindy RubinInstagram @cindyrubinmd

Hmmm, the sign says no children under 5 years old allowed in the hot tub? Can my child safely use the hot tub if they are under 5 years old? The Drs. Vukin discuss the recommendation and nuance behind hot tubs and your children. Can you safely enjoy the occasion while still being aware of the dangers - we think so, and it all starts with understanding the 'why' behind the guidance. Join us for this bubbly episode!

In this episode of Real Talk with Kid Docs we are joined by Dr. Amit Shah, M.D., a fellowship trained Pediatric Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine physician in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to his inpatient and outpatient clinical responsibilities, he serves as Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. He joins us to talk about the importance of sleep for our children, the role that restful sleep serves in promoting emotional and behavioral regulation, neural development and more. He reviews sleep hygiene and the basics of good sleep. You don't want to miss this! (And, more to come for him in the new future!)Let us know your sleep questions! Email us at RealTalkwithKidDocs@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @RealTalkwithKidDocs

Febrile seizures are seizures (abnormal electrical activity in the brain) that occur in the setting of a fever. About 2-5% of all children will experience a febrile seizure in their life. They occur between 6months and 6 years with a peak around 12-18 months of age. Although common and benign, they can be scary- especially the first time your child has one in front of you. What do you do if your child has a seizure? If it was a febrile seizure, will it happen again? Should you pre-medicate for fever?Join us as we welcome Dr. Carey Wilson, M.D. to the show. Dr. Carey Wilson is a Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist as well as the Medical Director for the Comprehensive epilepsy clinic at Intermountain Healthcare Primary Children's hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am lucky to say I knew her when she was an intern and have gotten to watch her become an amazing physician and mother. 

What are seizures? What do they look like? What causes a seizure? What do I do if I think my child is having a seizure?Join us as we welcome Dr. Carey Wilson, M.D. to the show. Dr. Carey Wilson is a Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist as well as the Medical Director for the Comprehensive epilepsy clinic at Intermountain Healthcare Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. This episode is meant to be an introduction to seizures for the non-medical person- particularly parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches. This is a great one for anyone wanting to know more about seizures, how to recognize them and what to do if you see someone having a seizure. 

Anxiety is the leading mental health disorder in children. We welcome back by long time friend, Dr. Molly McVoy, M.D. Dr. McVoy is a a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the Training Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western Reserve. We all have some anxiety and that is helpful evolutionarily. You are afraid you might miss your flight so you get to the airport extra early. You are afraid you didn't lock the door so you check the lock again. That is normal. When does anxiety cross over into a disorder? When impacts the function of other aspects of your life. When you are a parent and think your child might have anxiety that is impacting his/her/their life, what do you say? What do you do? We are here to have real talk about anxiety and hope we leave you with some tools in your tool box. 

It seems like kids are playing competitive sports younger and younger these days. Is playing one sport year round ok? When is it safe for kids to start running? Lifting weights? How can you tell growing pains from something that needs to be check out?Join us on this episode with our guest Dr. Julia Rawlings, MD. Dr. Rawlings is trained in Pediatric Emergency Medicine with additional fellowship training in Primary Care Sports Medicine.  She is the team physician for the USA climbing team!What is sports specialization? How to recognize burnout and overuse injuries. Join us for this intro to sports! 

Here's the real talk...kids can be simultaneously the light and shadows of our lives. Toddlers present an even bigger challenge with their AGE-APPROPRIATE under-developed reasoning and challenges with emotional regulation. In comes Sara Whaley, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Parent Coach. She is the mother or 2 young children and our guest on today's show. We discuss toddler behavior and the important of setting appropriate expectations. We recognize the importance of getting our own needs met to fully be there for our children; and, my favorite, the idea of 'slowing down to speed up. Join us on this information packed episode and later for more episodes with Sara Whaley. Learn more about Sara on her website: https://joyfultoddlerparenting.com/

Ankle sprains are a common kid injury. When do you need to bring your kid in to see someone? When are xrays needed? How can you best help your child heal and feel comfortable at home?Join us on this episode with out guest, Dr. Sarah Turner-Pietruszka. She is a fellowship-trained sports medicine provider. Her clinical interests include the care of athletes and aspiring active individuals with musculoskeletal injuries. She is passionate about helping others lead as active a life as possible and hopes to provide high-quality, compassionate care for all her patients. Dr. Turner-Pietruszka has three children and a wonderful old dog. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family, biking, exercising, camping, listening to music, audiobooks, and crafting.

Pediatricians get a LOT of poop questions. In this episode we address common questions for parents of kids of all ages - how long is too long in between poops? This poop is a weird color/consistency/smell. Is that ok? A variety of factors can affect your kids poop habits including fluid intake, food intake, stress, age, etc. Listen along as we discuss normal pooping expectations of kids of all ages and when to consider talking to your doctor about it. 

Ah, kids questions for me always come down to toots, poops, burps and other bodily noises! Do you know the answer?Listen along with your kids for maximal fun on this one!

Whooping cough is spreading around the country. This is just the latest epidemic of this highly contagious bacterial illness that has seen a large resurgence over many years now. Here are the questions we address:What is whooping cough? What are the symptoms? How contagious is it? How is it treated? What can I do to prevent it?

This comes up a lot. Parents wonder about flying with babies/kids for a number of reasons: -infectious risk-changes in air pressure on premature lungs-what about kids with asthma or lung disease or recent illness and flying?Flying is about the same as being at 5000-8000 feet so the same questions can be asked about traveling to an location at elevation like Salt Lake City or Denver.With the holidays coming up, we wanted to talk about this common parent question!

Kids get cuts and scrapes all the time. Have you ever wondered, should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) for this? Does it need stitches? In this episode of Real Talk With Kid Docs we are joined by Dr. Stephanie Spanos, Pediatric Emergency Medicine physician and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Utah. We focus our discussion on wounds and lacerations (the fancy word for cuts). Wounds are all unique and whether or not intervention is required depends on a number of variables including location, size, depth, and mechanism of injury.   As with any injury, if you are worried, this is always a reason to seek medical attention. If you have any thought that it might need stitches (the wound is wide open, the edges do not come together well and/or the edges cannot stay together), the sooner you get to medical attention, they better the outcome. Washing it out and addressing it as soon as you can helps prevent infection and increase the likelihood of a good cosmetic outcome.  Home care includes cleaning the wound with lots of water and applying pressure while in transit. Be aware that some areas of the body like the mouth and scalp bleed a LOT. Avoid putting anything else in the wound including soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, etc. If there is a foreign body stuck on the wound, leave it in place. It is holding pressure on the wound. We hope you enjoy Dr. Spanos as much as we did and that you take away lots of practical tips.

In Episode 36 of Real Talk With Kid Docs we tackle the oh so common complaint of earache. We discuss ear anatomy, etiology of ear pain and infections, common predisposing factors, exam findings, complications and treatment. Not all ear infections need to be treated and we discuss the variables that inform our treatment recommendations with antibiotics or supportive care. Come join us and I promise you will hear a lot of useful and practical information!

We are back again and this time addressing a question from a parent who wonders, "Do kids get sick more often in the back-to-school season and what can I do to keep my kids healthy?”  The short answer is “yes”.  It IS common for kids to get more frequent infections anytime they are around other people. Hand hygiene, social distancing, vaccines on top of a healthy foundation of adequate rest, good nutrition, movement are your best defenses. Viruses certainly predominate and can be recognized by general symptoms of fever, runny nose, cough, muscle aches, headaches, tummy aches and sore throat. A sore throat is a feature of VIRAL illness but what about strep throat? Strep throat is a BACTERIAL infection in the back of the throat (the pharynx) caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (also known as Group A strep). Pediatricians start to think about a bacterial infection when it is seen in isolation-a sore throat only or maybe with a headache or tummy ache but WITHOUT the more commonly recognized URI symptoms like runny nose and cough. When your doctor is concerned for strep throat, an easy throat swab done in the office with or without a bacterial culture is all that is needed to confirm or refute the diagnosis of strep throat. We treat strep throat with antibiotics (usually amoxicillin) to treat the infection but more importantly, to reduce the likelihood of post-strep sequelae such as rheumatic heart disease and post-streptococcal kidney disease.Is my kid getting sick too often? Check out Episode 5: House calls: “My child is always sick.” Frequency of colds and when to think it might be something else. 

Our first parent question episode!Sara is a mom to five and one of her children has a chronic illness that requires the care and coordination with a lot of doctors. She wrote to us with these questions. In this episode, we discuss some tricky parent-medical team situations:1. How much, how often and just how do I communicate with my child's primary care doctor when we also have many other specialist doctors that we are seeing?2. Sometimes the doctors that know the most about a disease don't have a communication style that works for me and my family. It can feel like I have to chose "brains" or "bedside manner"? How do I navigate that?3. When do I get a second opinion? How do I do that without offending anyone and keeping the relationship with my doctors in tact while still seeking the best care for my child. This episode is great for anyone who has chronic disease or has a child with chronic disease. The short answer: you are in charge as the patient and as the parent. You chose what feels best to you and the provider who meets your needs. You are worth it. Your child is worth it. You know you and your child better than anyone else. Check out:-Episode 15: How to choose a doctor for your child-Episode 25: Advocating for your child. Navigating the healthcare systemWe would love to answer your questions! Send us an email at RealTalkwithKidDocs@gmail.com or hit us up on our Instagram @RealTalkwithKidDocs. Let us know if you or your child would like to be on the show as we answer your questions!

In episode 33 we are joined by Dr. Laura Bennett Murphy, a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor in the Division of Pediatric Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the University of Utah. Dr. Laura Bennet Murphy received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Duke University. She completed a Pediatric Psychology internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University.Our conversation centers on how to talk about death with our children. All living things will one day die - plants, pets, friends, family members - and being honest with our words and emotions is important to teach kids ways to understand their grief. Dr. Bennet-Murphy explains 'leaning into' the grief process to feel solidarity and emotional security with our kids; teaching appropriate vocabulary to describe the feelings associated with grief and using words as tools to work with our understanding of it; and, recognizing grief as a part of life and living. Episode References:Books:-The children's book series "A Little Spot of Emotion" by Diane Alber. This series features different emotions as the start of each book. Some of our favorites are Sadness, Frustration, Anger and Anxiety.-"Good Inside" by Dr. Becky KennedyMovies: -Inside Out-Inside Out 2Youtube video:-Good bye Mr. Hooper from Sesame Street, https://youtu.be/gxlj4Tk83xQSee less

It is September 2024 which marks a few milestones for these two Pediatricians:-It has been one year since Beth decided to take a break from a fast paced career in academic medicine to focus on her health and be a stay at home mom. -It has been almost 1 year (1 year next month!) since Joe left private practice Peds to hang up his own shingle as a Direct Primary Care (DPC) Pediatrician. -We are six months into this podcasting and coming in to our groove. Taking the road less traveled can happen for many reasons. You might want a change. You might be forced to make a change. You might be tired, frustrated or burntout from what you are doing. There might be a really exciting noew oppourtunuty. Changing course and taking the road less traveled can be scary and can also be the start of the path you have been needing. Join is as we talk about what we have learned in the year since Joe and I both left traditional medicine. 

Have you ever felt distressed by something that happened at work? Something you witnessed, something you felt forced to do, something you did not agree with? In healthcare, we see distressing things regularly. Sometimes we passively or actively participate in things we believe to be wrong. When it upsets us, that is moral distress. When we carry that hurt in a way that negatively impacts our lives, that pain becomes moral injury.We are honored to welcome back our guest, Dr. Amy Locke, M.D.Dr. Locke is Chief Wellness Officer, Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health, Professor of Family and Preventive Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology at the University of Utah.  She has internationally recognized expertise in professional well-being.  (More about Dr. Locke below.)In this episode, we discuss why moral distress happens, how to recognize it and what to do when it happens to us.  Book Reference: - "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle," by Emily and Ameila Nagoski More about Dr. Locke!Dr. Locke's research, education and clinical roles focus on helping people lead healthier lives through a focus on whole person health. She serves as Immediate Past Chair of the board of the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health and is Adjunct Faculty at the University of Michigan. She strives to increase education around wellness and integrative health topics both locally and nationally with a goal of increased access to services and a shift towards prevention and integrative health in conventional medicine. She is recognized for innovative curriculum design and transformative clinical programs to address lifestyle and prevent disease.   

Guests: Dr. Deanna Barry D.O. and Dr. Phil Boucher M.D.  Both are pediatricians and owners of DPC practices-Dr. Barry owns Barry Pediatrics in Bath, Ohio-Dr. Boucher owns Frontier Pediatrics in Lincoln, Nebraska Our co-host, Dr. Joe Vukin owns Wayfaring Pediatrics, a DPC in Chapel Hill, North Carolina This is a follow up episode to Episode 23: Direct Primary Care (DPC), Part 1where we first talked with Drs. Barry and Boucher as to why they made the move to Direct Primary care from a conventional practice.  Follow along in this episode as we outline the pros and cons of DPC to see if it is the right fit for your family. PROS:1.    DPC offers better medical care because it allows a fluid conversation back and forth between doctor and patient as well as frequent touch points. 2.    The care provided is more efficient due to better access and ease of communication. It cuts out the middle management of a front desk staff and nursing triage and allows families direct access to their doctor. 3.    There's less hassle. Because the care is more efficient, there's time saved. Imagine being able to text your doctor directly rather than having to take a day off of work to make a clinic visit. 4.    It often allows for the ability to save money in other ways like being able to avoid the ER and urgent care visits when they're not necessary. 5.    In an era where medical bills are piece-meal, and confusing, it's a flat fee model that's transparent with cost and pricing upfront.  CONS:1. It is a different model and change, in general, can be hard and scary.2. It costs additional money that is outside of conventional insurance coverage.

Welcome to our first Quick Hits! This episode is meant to be a QUICK buzz through our most commonly asked questions.  Here are our most commonly asked questions in that first two weeks of life:1.       How often should my baby eat?2.       Is it ok that they spit up? How much is too much and when should I be worried and call the doctor?3.       How often should my baby poop and what should it look like?4.       What is jaundice and what do I need to know about it?5.       My baby is losing weight in that first week of life. Is that ok? How much is too much weight to lose? Want us to dive more into any of these topics? Have other questions? Send us an email at RealTalkwithKidDocs@gmail.com! We would love for our podcast to reach more people so please share an episode with someone you know!

We are hearing a lot about wellness these days, both at home and in the workplace. Today we are joined by our guest Dr. Amy Locke. Dr. Amy Locke, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer, Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health, Professor of Family and Preventive Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology at the University of Utah.  She has internationally recognized expertise in professional well-being, innovative curriculum design and transformative clinical programs to address lifestyle and prevent disease. (More about Dr. Locke below.)People are leaving the medical profession at an alarming rate. Healthcare is a caregiving profession much like parenting is a caregiving role. In the seemingly high pressure / high stakes job of parenting, we often neglect ourselves and our personal wellness. In this episode, Dr. Locke explains how a culture of wellness can improve organizational outcomes and personal wellbeing. We discuss identifying personal values, the importance of self-awareness and being deliberate about where we spend time.Tune in as this episode is applicable to medical professionals and really, anyone in the caregiving space! Book References:- "The Family Firm," by Emily Oster, PhD- "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle," by Emily and Ameila Nagoski- "Unlearn Your Pain," by Howard Schubiner, MDDr. Locke's research, education and clinical roles focus on helping people lead healthier lives through a focus on whole person health. She serves as Immediate Past Chair of the board of the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health and is Adjunct Faculty at the University of Michigan. She strives to increase education around wellness and integrative health topics both locally and nationally with a goal of increased access to services and a shift towards prevention and integrative health in conventional medicine.

KIDS' QUESTIONS is a place where kids can ask us anything and we will answer in a scientific and understandable way!This is meant to be listened to by the whole family! Bring us along on your next car ride!Send us your questions and you too can be on as a guest questioner! Email us at RealTalkwithKidsDocs@gmail.com. 

Welcome to our latest subset of Real Talk! KIDS QUESTIONS!Beth's son James (11 years old) is on the podcast as a guest questioner! Join us as I answer his question in a way that is scientific and also entertaining. This is meant to be listened to by the whole family! Bring us along on your next car ride!Send us your questions and you too can be on as a guest questioner! 

Welcome back to Episode 25 and thank you to all our loyal listeners! Please share an episode with someone you know! Beth recently had the honor of speaking at the National Scleroderma Foundation Annual Conference, July 20-22 in Seattle, WA.  Using her background as a Pediatrician, parent and person living with Scleroderma, she spoke to PARENTS of kids with Scleroderma at the "Kids Get Scleroderma Too" portion of the conference.  She discussed the challenges navigating the healthcare system and how to advocate for your child and yourself when you have rare, complex, chronic disease. In this episode we use her experience as a springboard to discuss strategies applicable for ALL parents to apply to their own kids - think constipation, headaches, belly pain, etc. The healthcare system is complex, fragmented and confusing. It is important that parents feel empowered to share the responsibility of managing their child's care. 

Topical antibiotic ointments are unnecessary and more likely to cause an allergic reaction as many people are sensitive to these antibiotics. Good old fashioned soap and water are your friends for minor cuts and scrapes.The "ointment" part is great though!  Ointment is the term for the jelly-like stuff called by the trade names Vaseline or Aquaphor. Pat dry and then apply Vaseline or Aquaphor as an ointment to protect the skin and keep the area hydrated. Hydrated skin will heal more easily and scar less. 

In this episode of Real Talk With Kids Docs we dive into the world of Direct Primary Care (DPC) with  our guests Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Deanna Barry. Both are pediatricians and owners of DPC practices and each with meaningful insights into the differences between the traditional fee-for-service practice and DPC. Dr. Boucher is the owner of Frontier Pediatrics in Lincoln, Nebraska and Dr. Barry of Barry Pediatrics in Bath, Ohio.In Part 1 of our discussion we explore what exactly is direct primary care and what motivated them to make the switch to this practice model from the traditional fee-for-service practice. Practically, what does this mean for the practice of medicine and how have they seen their lives change in terms of career and personal satisfaction.In addition to their roles as pediatricians and practice owners, Phil and Deanna also spend their time helping other physicians making the transition to DPC with novel business strategies and spearheading national events like the Pediatric Direct Primary Care Mastermind conference. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we will talk about what it's like from the patient side to experience DPC.The following DPC resources are referenced in this episode.Frontier Pediatrics (⁠https://frontierpediatric.care/home⁠)Barry Pediatrics (⁠https://www.barrypediatrics.com/⁠)My DPC Story (⁠https://www.mydpcstory.com/⁠) - a podcast hosted by Dr. Maryal Concepcion talking about all htinkgs DPCDPC Mapper: ⁠https://mapper.dpcfrontier.com/⁠Perri Klass - A Good Time to Be Born: How Science and Public Health Gave Children a Future.

We are once again joined by our good friend Dr. Molly McVoy, M.D.. She is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as well as Training Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western Reserve in our home state ... Give me an O-H-I-O-!In episode 12, we did a broad overview of ADHD. We started with the hyperactive subtype. We ran out of time to delve into the the inattentive and combined subtype.Here, we review the definition and diagnosis of ADHD and then focus on the inattentive subtype, learning when and how these kids typically present to our attention. We discuss how gender may increase the likelihood of various subtypes and the importance of treatment of the whole person. We discuss the possibility of undiagnosed ADHD leading to other intrinsic and extrinsic behavior problems, thus reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. So much of behavior intervention is recognizing our parental bias and instinct, cleaning our 'lense' when appropriate, and seeing our kids for who they are. Kids are not intrinsically bad or malicious. Beneath their sometimes troublesome and aggravating behavior is a child with a need and it is our job as parents and caregivers to uncover this root cause. 

In this episode we are joined by Paige Dunmore, Physical Therapy Assistant with specialized training in pelvic floor health. She is a Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES) and knowledgeable mom of two!Listen along as we talk about that unique area of our bodies called the PELVIC FLOOR. Everyone has one, but we don't talk about it nearly as much as we should. What does your pelvic floor do? How do you know if it is too loose (pelvic floor laxity) or too tight (pelvic floor tension)?We discuss pelvic floor disorders related to pregnancy and childbirth.  Yes, BOTH vaginal and C-section deliveries impact your pelvic floor!  We also talk about common pregnancy issue called diastasis recti which (surprise!) also has to do with your pelvic floor!Learn why the pelvic floor is a very important but seldom talked about area for your body, especially for those who are or have ever been pregnant but also for anyone with a pelvic floor. Yes, even males and kids need to know about their pelvic floor health!  Hint, you don't have to live with peeing a little bit when you sneeze! Stay tuned for a future episode when Paige joins us again to talk about what to do to improve your pelvic floor health! 

Maycember  is a term used to describe the hustle and bustle of the end of the school year that seems as full, if not more full of things, as the month of December. End of the year testing, last games, awards banquets, graduations (starting at the age of  Kindergarten graduations! When did that become a thing?) The gifts, the cards, the gatherings. Whew! It is a busy time of year! We took a little break for all those life things and now we are back!  Listen along as Beth talks about her experience stepping into patient role with advocacy as the guest speaker for the National Scleroderma Foundation "Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma" 5K walk. In this busy time, one way to recenter to take care of our needs and the needs of our kids and families is, what do we REALLY NEED? This episode is framed around a child's (and all of our) four basic needs:1. To FEEL loved, not just BE loved. 2. To be IMPORTANT to someone.3. To be GOOD at something.4. To BELONG to a group of others.

I love summer but ugh! The need for sun protection always adds a layer of complexity when we are headed out the door for some fun in the sun. The choices are sunscreen are dizzying! Chemical barrier or physical barrier? Spray or lotion? What is my personal favorite sunscreen? Spray zinc oxide! It provides the best PHYSICAL barrier to the sun while is also spreadable and does not leave as much of a white cast as the lotion. Happy summer! 

In this episode of Real Talk with Kid Docs, we explore how to have the awkward and sometimes  difficult conversations with your children - you know, the ones about sex and drugs that we try to always push for another day. We are joined by Dr. Stan Brewer, D.O., a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist to help guide us. We are reminded of the importance in developing an open and honest relationship with your kids to support these conversations and really all conversations at any age. A few tips: -Start earlier than you think.  You want them to hear it from you first. -Follow your kid's lead and engage in their curiosity to develop the conversation. For example, it is very natural for elementary age children to have questions about body parts. Use that to guide the conversation. -Use language and terms that are correct and appropriate. Stick with a level that fits their maturity level.It feels like the tween and teen years are new and unfamiliar territory. Remember, you have been parenting for a while now. Build on things you have already talked about in their younger years. You may be more prepared than you think!Where do I even start? Well, often, the first question kids ask that makes a parent squirm is, "Where do babies come from?" Dr. Brewer recommends the following book series to start the conversation off with young kids so you can build them later. These books are recommended for ages 4-8 years. It's So Amazing! A book about eggs, sperm, birth, babies and families It's Not the Stork: A book about girls, boys, babies, bodies, families and friends It's Perfectly Normal: Changing bodies, growing up, sex and sexual healthAll by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley

Hi all.  It is Beth here.  I have Scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed just 8 months ago in September 2023 after 3-5 years of trying to figure out all of my vague symptoms.  I am the Master of Ceremonies for this event and I am inviting you to join me for the National Scleroderma 5k walk/run:  "Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma". It is on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 from 8-11 am at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am using my voice as both a doctor and a patient to raise awareness of a bigger issue:Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease, but autoimmune diseases are COMMON. They are underrecognized.  They difficult to diagnose and treat. Early recognition is key to preventing disability and unnecessary suffering.There are over 100 autoimmune diseases. Some autoimmune diseases are rare but there are a LOT of very common ones like Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus.  Even diseases that are not “known as” autoimmune disorders are autoimmune in nature —Type 1 diabetes, Celiac disease, Guillain Barre syndrome, Inflammatory bowel disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (the most COMMON cause of hypothyroidism). Taken altogether, 1 in 15 people has an autoimmune disease. Alone we are rare. Together, we are everywhere. Walks like this are meant to help people feel less alone by being surrounded by others who are like them. On June 8th, we walk to raise awareness and support for Scleroderma.  AND every day, we can share our stories and support one another as an autoimmune community that includes over 50 million people in the United States. Please come walk/run with us if you or someone you know lives with an autoimmune disease.To register for the walk:1.           Go to https://scleroderma.org/steppingout/2.           Under “Upcoming 2024 Stepping out to Cure Scleroderma Walks”, select the “Rocky Mountain Chapter” 3.           Click on Salt Lake City, June 8th, 20244.           Please join MY TEAM! Click on “Join a team” and enter my team name: “Phoenix Rising”. Why? A phoenix is a mythical bird that lives for 500 years. When it comes time to die, the phoenix bursts into flames and then rises from its own flames to be reborn. Autoimmune diseases are disorders of inflammation – fire in your body. That fire can consume you or you can be reborn from it. Please share!

In this episode we welcome Dr. Kathleen Timme, MD, MEd to the show. Dr. Timme is a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Utah, Co-Director of Educational Scholarship & Innovation for the Department of Pediatrics, GME Director of Educational Development, and Fellowship Program Director for Pediatric Endocrinology.  She loves medical education and hosts the "Teaching in Medicine" podcast.Tall, short or somewhere in-between, there seems to be a fascination with height in our communities. In this episode we tackle what is 'short stature'.  Your child is in on the shorter side. When should you be worried that there is something wrong with his or her growth? Can this just be normal? What does a medical work up look like? What diagnoses is my doctor considering when ordering these tests? When should I see a specialist like an Endocrinologist? Just because we can provide therapies to increase final height, should we? Does this make any meaningful difference in a child's ultimate happiness or success? 

We often think of second and even third opinions when it comes to things like fixing plumbing or household issues. What goes through your head when choosing a primary care doctor for your kids? In this episode Beth and Joe break down what they think are important things to consider when seeking out a physician. Of utmost importance is the personal connection and synergy you feel with the individual and office. Make sure you interview your child's doctor in the same way you would interview other professions - do you share similar values regarding health recommendations? Is there an office policy on vaccines? What is the atmosphere of the office for issues relating to gender identity and LGBTQ+? Would you prefer a male or female doctor? All important and worth considering when searching for a doctor. It is so important to find the right doctor for child and your family and we are here to talk about how to go about it. 

We are excited about our upcoming episodes!-"More ADHD with Dr. Molly McVoy, MD". We will talk about a very underrecognized population-- girls and those with inattentive type ADHD. -"Growing pains?" What are they? When should I be worried about something more?-"Why is my child not growing?" A discussion of short stature with Pediatric Endocrinologist Dr. Kathleen Timme, MD

Let's face it, kids hurt and get hurt, a lot. "My tummy hurts." "My head hurts." Any parent of young children is all too familiar with these complaints. What is the best way to address this and how do we know when it might be something more? Because a diagnosis can be made in most situations by a history taking alone, knowing the right questions to ask is crucial. In this episode we talk about how to address common pain complaints using 'I have a tummy ache" as an example.  Listen along as we make suggestions on how to approach the child in pain.  What questions should you ask. We talk about the importance of teaching kids to 'listen' to their body and develop vocabulary to describe the various sensations they feel. We touch on common benign issues that cause belly pain. We give you some language to help you and your child talk to your doctor about it if you are concerned. 

In this episode we are again joined by our esteemed colleague Dr. Molly McVoy. Dr. McVoy is a a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the training director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western Reserve. We talk about standard treatment of ADHD with stimulant medicine. We discuss the profound efficacy and safety profile of these medications as well as common side effects. Additionally, we discuss what other therapies and school resources can help children with ADHD function. 

In this episode of Real Talk, we welcome our very first guest to the show - Dr. Molly McVoy. Dr. McVoy is a a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the Training Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western Reserve. We talk about the perception of a 'rise' of ADHD in children. Dr. McVoy walks us through the common presenting symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD all while peeling away stigma and demystifying this common condition. Learn about the wiring of the child brain and what symptoms may be suggestive of ADHD from both the parent and child perspective.

The weather is warming up and kids are getting outside. Then, ouch! A splinter!  Here is our quick tip on how to remove it as easily and with the least amount of discomfort for you and your child. 

On episode 10, we reflect on the last 9 episodes and what we have learned while making this podcast. Why did we start Real Talk? How has being a pediatrician impacted the way we parent? Similarly, how has being a parent affected the way we practice medicine? We share our struggles with parenting and our vulnerabilities in knowing how to best practice medicine so that, when you are having a hard day, you will know that you are not alone. 

In this episode we discuss why we think parenting is so hard and why we constantly doubt our parenting decisions.  Are the expectations we have for ourselves as parents reasonable? Are they driven by our values or what we see on the internet and social media? Parenting is hard AND thats okay. Here are our real thoughts.

Spring is in the air. So is the pollen! Does my child have seasonal allergies? In this episode, we go over the symptoms of seasonal allergies and how to treat them. Symtoms:Common-watery eyes-clear runny nose-snifflesSometimes:-sore throat (especially in the morning)-hoarse voiceTreatments:-allergen removal or avoidance-oral antihistamines: cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allergra)-nasal steroid: fluticasone (Flonase)-sinus rinses-oxymetazoline (Afrin)