Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman

Latest Episodes:

Ep 141: Type 1 Diabetes and children: a conversation about treatment, support and hope! with Dr Laura Jacobsen Jun 17, 2024

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Dr. Laura Jacobsen, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Florida joins Ask Dr Jessica for a conversation about Type 1 Diabetes. She explains the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and the symptoms associated with type 1 diabetes. Dr. Jacobsen emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise in diabetes management. She also discusses the screening process for diabetes and the advancements in treatment, particularly the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). This conversation explores various aspects of diabetes treatment and support. It discusses the benefits of real-time information and alarms for low blood sugar, as well as advancements in insulin delivery devices. The conversation also touches on the future of diabetes treatment, including the potential for devices that combine glucose monitoring and insulin delivery. The possibility of a cure for diabetes is explored, along with the need for further advancements in the field. The importance of supporting parents and dispelling myths about diabetes is emphasized. Psychological support for children with diabetes and the value of diabetes camps are also discussed.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.
Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Ep 140: Managing summertime anxiety! Sleepaway camp, bees, swimming and more! with Dr Dawn Huebner Jun 10, 2024

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Ep 140 with Dr. Dawn Huebner, a clinical psychologist and author of mental health books for children (including the best selling "What to do when you worry too much") discusses her newest mini book series: Mini Books About Mighty Fears. This series addresses specific fears that commonly affect children. In this conversation we discuss 2 of her mini books “Facing Mighty Fears about Being Apart from Parents” and “Facing Mighty Fears about Animals” and review strategies to help with these common summer time stressors. Dr. Dawn Huebner discusses the step-by-step method for helping kids overcome fears, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and encouragement.

Takeaways

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective approach for helping children manage anxiety by addressing thoughts and behaviors.
Validating children's fears and practicing exposure therapy are important strategies for helping children cope with anxiety.
Parents should avoid common mistakes such as dismissing anxiety, overly accommodating, and trying to talk their child out of their feelings of anxiety.
Strategies for helping children cope with anxiety related to summer camps and fear of the dark include normalization, exposure, and building familiarity with the situation.
Gradual exposure and facing fears with empathy and encouragement can empower children to overcome anxiety and build resilience.

Quotes:

"The goal is to teach children to change their relationship with that uncomfortable feeling of anxiety and to learn to move towards rather than reflexively away from the things that are making them feel nervous

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Ep 139: Free Range Kids! How to raise safe, self-reliant children. With author and journalist, Lenore Skenazy! Jun 01, 2024

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Summary

This weeks podcast is with national treasure, Lenore Skenazy, who discusses the culture of fear and overprotective parenting. She shares her personal experiences and the backlash she faced for allowing her 9-year-old son ride the subway alone in NYC. The media jumped all over it, some even called her "America's worst mom", and this experience eventually led her to write the book "Free Range Kids".
Lenore challenges the assumption that children are fragile and need constant supervision, advocating for independence and the development of resilience in children. Lenore emphasizes the importance of trusting parents' intuition and tshe highlights the impact of media, litigious society, and the expert culture on parental fears. In this conversation, Lenore Skenazy discusses the challenges of overprotective parenting and the negative impact it can have on children's development. She emphasizes the importance of allowing children to experience conflict and difficult situations in childhood to prepare them for the real world. Lenore suggests practical steps, such as promoting collective action in schools and encouraging children to engage in independent activities, to counteract the culture of fear and foster independence in children.

Takeaways

Overprotective parenting can hinder children's development and prevent them from learning important life skills.
Experiencing conflict and difficult situations in childhood is valuable for preparing children to navigate the real world.
Misconceptions about safety and fear can lead to overprotection and limit children's independence.
Crime statistics show that the world is not more dangerous now, and it is important to challenge the perception of increased danger.
The media plays a significant role in shaping our perception of safety and can contribute to a culture of fear.
Promoting collective action in schools and encouraging independent activities can help counteract the culture of fear and foster independence in children.

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Ep 138: Integrative approach to a healthy gut microbiome, with Elisa Song MD May 27, 2024

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In this episode, Dr. Elisa Song is a holistic pediatrician and discusses her new book, 'Healthy Kids, Happy Kids,' and the importance of understanding the gut-brain connection and the role of the gut microbiome in overall health. This conversation explores the gut-brain connection and the importance of supporting a healthy gut microbiome for optimal neurotransmitter levels and overall well-being. The conversation also discusses the role of probiotics in gut health and the need for personalized recommendations based on specific health concerns. We also discussed key takeaways for gut health, identifying gut dysbiosis, and the importance of foundations for gut health.

Takeaways

The gut-brain connection is significant, with the gut microbiome playing a crucial role in neurotransmitter production and overall health. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in producing neurotransmitters and can impact mental health.
Supporting a healthy gut microbiome is essential for optimal neurotransmitter levels and overall well-being.
Probiotics can be beneficial for specific health concerns, but personalized recommendations based on strains and clinical indications are important.
Identifying gut dysbiosis may require comprehensive stool analysis, but focusing on foundations such as diet, sleep, and stress management is key.

To learn more from Dr Elisa Song, please visit her instagram @healthykids_happykids. Her book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids can be found on amazon or in most major book stores!

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Ep 137: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, how to diagnose and treat! With gastroenterologist, Dr Iris Wang (Part 2) May 20, 2024

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Episode 137 with Dr. Iris Wang, an assistant professor at Mayo Clinic and adult gastroenterologist continues her conversation to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We review treatment options, including laxatives, antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and even hypnotherapy (Dr Wang is one of the few physicians who is also trained in IBS hypnotherapy!). The speakers also provide information on finding qualified providers and the use of FDA-approved apps for IBS treatment. The conversation concludes with a discussion on probiotics, peppermint oil, and the FODMAP diet as potential treatment options for IBS.

Takeaways

IBS is a complex condition that often presents with unexplained symptoms, and diagnosing it can be challenging.
Understanding IBS as a software issue, involving the enteric nervous system, microbiome, and vagus nerve, is crucial for effective treatment.
Accepting the diagnosis of IBS is important for patients' well-being and recovery.
Primary care providers can play a significant role in diagnosing and treating IBS, reducing the need for specialist referrals.
Treatment options for IBS include antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and dietary interventions like the FODMAP diet.
We discussed apps to consider for treatment:
App based CBT: Mahana
App based hypnotherapy: Regulora

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Ep 136: Preventing constipation in kids! With gastroenterologist Iris Wang MD, author of "Boo Can't Poo!" May 13, 2024

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Episode 136 with Dr. Iris Wang, an assistant professor at Mayo Clinic and a general gastroenterologist and we are going to discuss her new children's book that teaches kids how to how to go to the bathroom. Many adults deal with constipation that stemmed from childhood, and Dr Wang explains how we can prevent constipation in early childhood, without use of medication. We discuss diet, water, exercise, probiotics, relaxation, and proper "sitting" positions to help make going to the bathroom easier!
Dr Wang is a general gastroenterologist, and her clinical focus includes, in addition to constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders (see next episode!). Her new book is called “Boo Can’t Poo” and it is available for preorder and will be available June 18th.
For more information about Author Xiao Jing "Iris" Wang:
Instagram: @mayoclinicpress

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Ep 135: A public health miracle: preventing HIV transmission from mother to child. With Dr Mitch Besser, founder of Mothers 2 Mothers. May 06, 2024

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Are you ready to feel inspired?!? Episode 135 of Ask Dr Jessica with founder of Mother's to Mother's Dr Mitch Besser. Dr. Mitch Besser discusses his journey from being an OBGYN in the United States to creating the Mothers to Mothers (m2m) program in South Africa, which aims to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV . In this episode Dr Besser explains how m2m persevered despite funding and cultural challenges. Since beginning in 2001, m2m has achieved remarkable success in reducing transmission rates and improving the lives of mothers and their children. It has created nearly 12,000 jobs for women living with HIV, and reached more than 15 million people with critical health services in sub-Saharan Africa. Currrent enrolled m2m clients now have a 0.5% mother-to-child HIV transmission rate.

Dr Mitch Besser has dedicated his career to the public health needs of women. After graduating from Harvard Medical school, in 1999, he joined the University of Cape Town, assisting with the development of services for pregnant women living with HIV to prevent mother-to child transmission of HIV. It was through that work that he recognized a need for further support to help improve medical and social outcomes of HIV in the South African community, and he then founded m2m. Dr Besser has received many awards including the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and the US Presidential Citizen's award.

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Ep 134: How to balance quality time vs earning money in parenting? Part 2: Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit Apr 29, 2024

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Part 2 of Ask Dr Jessica with Mike Rucker--the conversation continues about incorporating fun into parenting. Many of us parents are often so busy making a living, that it can feel we are not spending enough quality time with our children. Dr Mike Rucker explains the importance of valuing time over money --and the benefits of focusing on quality experiences rather than material possessions.
In addition to being the author of "The Fun Habit", Dr Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, a father and a husband.

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Ep 133: Why we need to schedule time for fun and experiences! Part 1: Mike Rucker, PhD, Author of "The Fun Habit" Apr 22, 2024

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Episode 133 of Ask Dr Jessica with Mike Rucker, PhD, author of "The Fun Habit" . The conversation explores the concept of finding joy and pleasure in everyday life, rather than solely pursuing happiness as an end goal. He explains why we need to prioritize scheduling time for fun activities and creating core memories.

Takeaways

Finding joy and pleasure in everyday life is more sustainable and fulfilling than solely pursuing happiness as an end goal.
Being present and mindful in the moment can enhance the enjoyment of daily activities.
Blend fun into daily routines and co-create experiences with loved ones
Plan and schedule fun activities to ensure they happen

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Ep 132: A holistic approach to seasonal allergies, with integrative pediatrician Elisa Song MD Apr 15, 2024

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In this episode, Dr. Elisa Song discusses integrative medicine and its role in treating allergies. Dr. Song emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of allergies and using a combination of conventional medicine with alternative approaches to achieve optimal results. She also provides practical tips for managing allergy symptoms, such as using nasal saline sprays and HEPA filters. Additionally, Dr. Song shares insights on mold exposure and the potential health effects of mold. She also talks about the challenges of testing for mold and mycotoxins. Dr. Song provides advice for preventing and managing allergy symptoms.

Integrative medicine combines conventional and alternative approaches to provide personalized treatment for allergies.
Practical tips for managing allergy symptoms include using nasal saline sprays, HEPA filters, and avoiding allergen exposure.
Homeopathic remedies, such as Apis mellifica and histaminum, can provide relief for allergy symptoms.
Testing for mold and mycotoxins can be challenging, and there is no standardized or foolproof method.
Preventing allergy symptoms can involve measures such as using local honey, acupuncture, and reducing sugar and dairy intake.

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