Parentcast Parentcast: Season 2

When you think of athletes, you might picture players suited up in football pads, lacrosse gear, or soccer jerseys. However, performing arts athletes — such as dancers, figure skaters, and musicians — lead lives that are at least as physically demanding as those of traditional athletes, and they deserve the same level of specialized care.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Dr. Ellen Geminiani, a Boston Children’s sports medicine physician and Team USA physician for U.S. Figure Skating, to explore the world of performing artist athletes. Together, they answer critical questions, including:

• What does it mean to be a performing artist athlete?
• How do their demands differ from those of traditional sports athletes?
• What challenges do they face, such as body image concerns and nutrition issues?
• What is relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), and how can it affect these athletes?
• What is Boston Children’s Performing Artist Athletes Program, and how does it support this population?
• Who is part of the multidisciplinary care team in this program?
• What can performing artist athletes do to prevent injuries, and what injuries are most common in this group?
• What research is being done to improve care for performing artist athletes?
• What are Dr. Geminiani’s “doctor’s orders” for families supporting performing artist athletes?

Performing artist athletes undergo rigorous physical demands that make them no less than sports athletes. Proper training, preparation, and care are essential not only for avoiding injuries but also for achieving long-term success.

Listen in as we uncover the intersection of the arts, athletics, and medicine, and learn how Boston Children’s is helping performing artist athletes reach their full potential.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children in the United States, and understanding it is key to helping kids live healthy, active lives. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold sits down with Erin Antonellis, a nurse practitioner with Boston Children’s Severe Asthma Program, who shares expert advice and insights about managing asthma in children. Listen or watch this episode to learn:

• What is asthma?
• How do asthma symptoms vary in severity among children?
• How common is asthma in children?
• What causes asthma in kids?
• What are the typical symptoms of asthma?
• What are the signs of an asthma attack?
• How can you help prevent asthma attacks?
• How is asthma diagnosed?
• How does asthma differ from reactive airway disease?
• What are the available treatment options for asthma?
• What is SMART therapy?
• What kind of specialists treat asthma at Boston Children’s?
• What is Boston Children’s Severe Asthma Program?
• What research is being done to improve asthma care for children?
• What is Boston Children’s Community Asthma Initiative?
• Can children with asthma safely participate in sports?

Whether you're navigating an asthma diagnosis for the first time or looking for the latest treatment options and prevention strategies, this episode offers expert guidance to help your family. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes focused on supporting your child’s health and well-being.

In this episode of Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast, we focus on a crucial subject for expecting parents: prenatal care.

Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by nurse Olivia Oppel, the Clinical Coordinator at Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center. Together, they provide valuable advice and insights on monitoring fetal development to help expecting parents navigate the journey to parenthood with confidence. Listen or watch the episode for answers to questions like:

• What is prenatal screening?
• What types of prenatal tests are available?
• What can an ultrasound detect, and what are the different ultrasound levels used?
• When can parents first see the fetus's anatomy during a prenatal scan?
• When are abnormalities typically detected in prenatal testing?
• Which prenatal tests involve more detailed procedures?
• When do genetic counselors typically get involved to discuss possible genetic testing?
• What factors should parents consider when choosing which prenatal tests to undergo?
• If something unusual is found during prenatal screening, what are the next steps for parents?
• What is a maternal fetal medicine specialist?
• What forms of advanced imaging can help diagnose fetal issues in utero?
• Can some conditions be treated in utero?
• Who makes up the multidisciplinary care team at Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center?
• How does the team plan for delivery and post-birth care?
• Does Boston Children’s Fetal Care and Surgery Center collaborate with obstetric hospitals?
• What innovations are advancing the field of fetal surgery and medicine?

Whether you’re expecting or know someone who is, this episode offers expert insights into how to navigate the excitement and unknowns of pregnancy with confidence and care.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children and young adults worldwide. But what should you do if your child is diagnosed with diabetes, and how can you best care for them?

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold sits down with Dr. Katharine Garvey, director of the diabetes program and clinical chief for diabetes at Boston Children's Hospital, to explore these questions. Together, they address important topics like:

• What are the different types of diabetes?
• What causes type 1 versus type 2 diabetes?
• Is diabetes genetic, and are some populations more at risk?
• What are the key signs and symptoms parents should look out for?
• How common is diabetes in children, and how is it diagnosed?
• What are the latest treatments and technologies available for managing diabetes?
• What happens if diabetes isn’t properly managed?
• Who makes up the Boston Children's care team for kids with diabetes?
• How does physical activity affect diabetes care?
• How can parents support their child’s emotional well-being while managing diabetes?
• What cutting-edge research is being conducted on diabetes?
• What are Dr. Garvey’s doctor's orders for parents managing their child's diabetes?

With the right tools, education, and support, diabetes doesn't have to hold your child back. Tune in to learn more about how you can help your child thrive.

The teenage years can be both exciting and challenging for parents and teens. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Dr. Pamela Murray, an attending physician at Boston Children's Hospital's Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine. Together, they dive into the unique healthcare needs of adolescents, answering key questions, including:

• What is adolescent medicine?
• What age range does adolescent medicine cover?
• Which conditions are commonly treated within adolescent medicine?
• What sets adolescent medicine apart from other medical specialties?
• What specialized programs does Boston Children’s Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine offer?
• When should you consider seeking out an adolescent medicine specialist for your teen?
• What are the current areas of research in adolescent medicine?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your teen could benefit from specialized care during these formative years, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to learn more about supporting your teen’s health and well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Boston Children's pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Nora Renthal to dive into the vital topic of bone health and growth in children. Dr. Renthal explains how to monitor and support a child’s growth, the significance of bone health, and the role of Boston Children’s Bone Health Program in providing comprehensive care.

Key questions they answer include:

• How can parents help maintain their children’s bone health?
• Why are calcium and vitamin D crucial for bone health?
• What role does exercise play in bone health?
• What are the risk factors for children with poor bone health?
• What factors contribute to bone strength in children?
• What gives kids’ bones flexibility?
• Do premature babies face unique bone health challenges?
• What environmental factors can lead to bone disease?
• How do doctors assess concerns about a child’s growth?
• What methods do clinicians use to determine a child’s growth potential?
• Who is involved in the multidisciplinary Bone Health Program at Boston Children’s?
• What current research is advancing our understanding of bone health?
• What are Dr. Renthal’s Doctor’s Orders for maintaining bone health?

Short stature is not necessarily a cause for concern. A thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals can determine if medical intervention is required. Regardless, parents should focus on their child’s overall health and well-being rather than solely on height.

It’s a frequent question for parents: Is my baby, child, or teen getting enough sleep? Parents tend to worry regardless of their child’s age, and for good reason — many kids aren’t getting the sleep they need.

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold is joined by Dr. Judith Owens of Boston Children's Sleep Center. Together they delve into the critical importance of sleep for children, share advice for families, and answer questions such as:

• Why is sleep important?
• How much sleep is needed for various ages?
• What are some helpful tips for going to bed and waking up?
• What are the signs my child may be experiencing a sleep issue?
• What kind of research is Boston Children’s doing about sleep?
• How do school start times impact my child’s sleep?
• Could melatonin help my child sleep?
• When should I take my child to a sleep specialist?

Sleep is important. It impacts cognitive function, mood, memory, and many other things. Do what you can to help your child get the rest they need; consistency is the key to success. And if your child is experiencing a sleep issue, take them to see a sleep doctor with a sleep lab experienced in studying children.

The rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled since the 1960s and today obesity affects more than 20 percent of children. A variety of elements play a role in obesity, and sometimes eating healthy and leading an active lifestyle are not enough to counteract it.

Today, weight loss medications and even bariatric surgery are options for some children diagnosed with obesity. The available treatments depend on things like age and body mass index. But how do you know what’s right for your child?

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold explores weight loss medications for children with Dr. Margaret Stefater Richards, a physician and researcher at Boston Children's Hospital's Division of Endocrinology. Together, they address questions such as:

• How is obesity in children defined?
• Are there some kids at greater risk for obesity?
• What causes obesity in kids?
• What are the potential long-term consequences if childhood obesity is untreated?
• Does obesity impact psychosocial health?
• What treatment options are available for kids with obesity?
• What medications are available for treating teens with obesity, and how do they differ?
• Are these medications covered by insurance?
• What are the potential side effects or risks of these medications?
• Is there a risk of regaining weight if kids stop taking the medication?
• Should patients with difficulty accessing these medicines try dupes?
• How is obesity treated at Boston Children’s, and where do medications fit into treatment?
• How do doctors treat obesity while recognizing the risk of eating disorders?
• What research is happening around childhood obesity?
• What are the doctor’s orders related to children and obesity?

There are many factors to consider when deciding on the right treatment option for your child. We’re happy to offer weight loss medications as another option.

You anticipate and celebrate the big moments in your child's life — from their first steps to their high school graduation. But what about the less-obvious milestones, like the last trip to their pediatric doctor and their first visit to an adult provider? Lots of families don't think about these changes until they’re happening — which can lead to gaps in care. Fortunately, proactive planning can help make the transition smoother — especially for young people managing chronic health conditions.

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses transitioning to adult care with Dr. Ahmet Uluer, director of Boston Children's BRIDGES Adult Transition Program and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program. Together, they explore the rationale behind transitioning and practical strategies for ensuring a seamless shift in health care providers, answering questions such as:

• Why do teens need help transitioning from pediatric to adult health care providers?
• What does "hybrid" or "co-production" of care entail?
• Why is it important to have a transition plan as your teen approaches adulthood?
• How do the areas of expertise differ between adult and pediatric health care providers?
• How does the Boston Children’s BRIDGES Adult Transition Program facilitate seamless transitions for patients to adult health care providers?
• What is the difference between a transition and a transfer?
• Where can parents look for a local care transition program?
• Why is empathy a crucial component for caregivers involved in the process of transitioning to adult health care providers?
• How do pediatric and adult care approaches differ, and why is this significant during the transition phase?
• What are some typical health conditions that prompt families to develop a transition plan from pediatric to adult health care for seamless health care management?
• When is the best time to transition care from pediatric to adult health care providers?
• Are there any signs that someone is ready to transition care to adult health care providers?
• What does the care transition process look like for families and patients?
• How does the transition from pediatric care to adult care contribute to the overall improvement of health care delivery?

Transitioning from pediatric to adult health care providers is just another milestone. Embracing it will empower your child to be confident entering the next phase of their health care journey.

Many people have heard of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but not everyone really understands it. The saying goes “If you’ve met one person with autism, then you’ve met one person with autism,” meaning that it presents itself in many different ways. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses the nuances of ASD with Dr. Sarah Spence, a pediatric neurologist and co-director of Boston Children's Autism Spectrum Center.

Together, they answer questions such as:

• What is autism spectrum disorder ? 
• What causes ASD?
• Is there any scientific evidence linking pediatric vaccines to ASD?
• What challenges do children or young adults with ASD often face?
• Is autism becoming more common?
• Is ASD more prevalent in a particular gender?
• How is ASD diagnosed?
• At what age is autism typically diagnosed?
• What are the treatment options available for people with ASD?
• How can we foster a more inclusive environment for kids and adults with ASD? 
• What are some common strengths observed in people with ASD?

While people with ASD may have some unique challenges compared with someone neurotypical, they may also have some unique strengths. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to receiving the support and accommodation they need to thrive.

Dental visits can be daunting for children, often causing fear and apprehension, which adults can also relate to. However, there are effective strategies available to parents and dentists to ease these anxieties and prepare children for their time in the dental chair.

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses how to alleviate dental anxiety with Dr. Elaine Smyth, a pediatric dentist at Boston Children's Department of Dentistry.

Together, they answer questions such as:

• Why is it important to visit the dentist regularly?
• At what age should kids start visiting the dentist?
• How often should kids visit the dentist?
• What are the risks of avoiding dental care?
• What factors should parents consider when choosing a dentist for their child?
• What are some common reasons kids fear visiting the dentist
• How do dentists manage children's anxiety during dental visits
• Are there specific populations for whom dental visits are more challenging?
• How do dentists address anxiety in these populations?
• Is sedation an option for children with significant dental anxiety?
• Until what age should parents help their child brush their teeth?

Oral health is important for overall health, so children should start early. If your child feels anxious about dental visits, discuss it with them openly. Then, consult their dentist to address and ease any worries they may have.

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.