Boston Children's Answers Parentcast

Latest Episodes:

How can I encourage healthy eating habits for my child? Feb 01, 2024

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In a world filled with what people commonly call "kid food" – typically meaning highly processed and low nutrient options like boxed mac 'n cheese or chicken nuggets – it is important to help your kids establish healthy eating habits. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses the importance of a balanced, nutritious diet with licensed clinical nutrition specialist Carolina Ruiz-Valenzuela. Together, they answer questions such as: • What is healthy eating? • Why do people often avoid choosing a healthy diet? • What are the health risks of an unbalanced diet? • What is the glycemic index, and how can your family eat based on the glycemic index? • What should we look for when choosing which carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to eat? • What are the best ways to hydrate? • How can parents tell if their child’s diet is off? Remember, you are what you eat. Help your kids embrace a balanced diet, eat the correct portion size, and understand their hunger cues. When we instill this early on, we empower our kids to become lifelong healthy eaters.

How is gene therapy transforming pediatric health care? Dec 21, 2023

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Genes provide information/instructions that influence everything about you and your child, from the color of your eyes to the intricate functioning of your body. When a gene is missing or doesn’t work correctly, it can lead to various health issues. Enter gene therapy — a revolutionary technique that uses a person’s genes to treat or even cure diseases. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Christine Duncan, medical director of clinical research and clinical development, at Boston Children’s Gene Therapy Program. Together, they delve into the transformative impact of gene therapy on pediatric health care, especially in addressing rare diseases. Explore key questions with them, such as: • What are genetic mutations? • How does gene therapy work? • What makes gene therapy unique as a form of treatment? • Which pediatric diseases have FDA approved gene therapies today? • How does one learn if a gene therapy clinical trial exists for a specific condition? • Is gene therapy considered a safe approach? • What does the future of gene therapy look like? Get ready for a fascinating journey into the world of gene therapy and its profound impact on the future of health care — especially for kids.

How can child life specialists support your family? Nov 30, 2023

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Did you know there is a dedicated team within some hospitals whose sole mission is to make the experience the best it can be for your family? Join host Dr. Jennifer Arnold in a conversation with Caitlin McGowan, a member of Boston Children’s Child Life Services Department. In this episode, they delve into the invaluable support provided by child life specialists, addressing key questions such as: • How do child life specialists identify ways to make the hospital experience easier for patient families? • What innovative tools and therapies do child life specialists use? • What techniques do child life specialists use to alleviate stress for young patients? • How do child life specialists help educate families? • How do child life specialists tailor their methods based on the age of the child? • How do child life specialists help parents and health care providers have challenging conversations? The Child Life Services team is a versatile group that uses play, music, creative arts, and technology to help patients and families adjust to and understand health care. Tune in and discover how they're dedicated to making your entire family's health care journey more manageable.

How do I support my child with ADHD? Oct 26, 2023

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects the ability to pay attention and regulate impulse control. If your child has ADHD, they’re not alone: It is the most common neurodevelopmental condition in childhood, affecting up to seven percent of school-aged kids. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Anne Arnett, a scientist in Boston Children’s Division of Developmental Medicine. Together, they answer questions about ADHD, including: • What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD? • What causes ADHD? • When is ADHD usually diagnosed? • What are the different subtypes of ADHD? • What kinds of treatment are available for kids with ADHD? • What are the potential risks or consequences if ADHD is untreated? • How can we support kids with ADHD at home and in school? Kids with ADHD need to learn to self-regulate and direct their attention appropriately. Getting them the support they need — and having a little extra patience — will help them succeed.

How important is exercise for a child’s heart, body, and mind? Oct 20, 2023

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How is simulation helping to improve health care? Aug 28, 2023

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What can I expect if my baby has a cleft lip or palate? Jul 28, 2023

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You may not realize it, but you could know someone with cleft lip or cleft palate — conditions that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. That’s because while these diagnoses can be an unwelcome surprise for families, they are very treatable. In this episode, our host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses cleft lip and cleft palate with Dr. Carolyn Rogers-Vizena, an attending physician in Boston Children's Cleft and Craniofacial Center and the Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery. Together, they share information and recommendations for families, answering questions like: • What are cleft lip and cleft palate, and what is the difference between them? • How and when are cleft lip and cleft palate diagnosed? • What causes cleft lip and cleft palate? • What are some misconceptions related to cleft lip and palate? • What are the treatment plans for cleft lip and cleft palate? • Who is part of the care team for cleft lip and cleft palate? • How is simulation involved in surgical training for cleft lip and palate? • What are some possible complications if a child is not treated? • What research is currently being conducted in this area? It may sound like a daunting diagnosis, but both cleft lip and cleft palate can be repaired and cared for over time.

What do I do about my child’s ear infection? Jul 12, 2023

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As any parent can attest, ear infections are very common in kids. In fact, 80% will have at least one ear infection before reaching adulthood. But just because it's common doesn't mean it's easy for a child (or their parent) to endure. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses ear infections with Dr. Eliot Shearer, a physician at Boston Children's Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, which provides comprehensive care for ear, nose, and throat disorders. Together, they share advice for families and answer questions such as: • What are the signs and symptoms of an ear infection? • What’s the difference between an earache and an ear infection? • What are the different kinds of ear infections? • Are some people predisposed to having ear infections? • How are ear infections treated — do they ever go away without treatment? • What can parents do to help decrease the risk of their kids getting ear infections? • What are chronic ear infections, and how are they treated? • What are the risks of not treating chronic ear infections? If your child has frequent ear infections, please make sure that you take the time to discuss them with your pediatrician. You may want to consider further action, such as meeting with an otolaryngologist like Dr. Shearer to discuss treatment options.

When is anxiety something to worry about? May 22, 2023

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Is my child too focused on just one sport? Apr 24, 2023

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