Dr. Deena Sutter joins Pediatrics Now to explain the recent foodborne illness outbreaks.
The episode offers practical guidance for families: how to rinse and handle produce, why pre-packaged salads and herbs can be riskier, precautions for immunocompromised children, and when to watch for recalls or seek care. Plus: what really worries her that some people ingest.
A recent case involving the death of a teenage cheerleader has prompted a review of energy drinks and cardiovascular risks for children and adolescents. These drinks are increasingly popular, sold in school vending machines, and many high schools now offer coffee bars, giving teens easy access to high-caffeine beverages.
Host Holly Wayment talks to pediatric cardiologist Elaine Maldonado, who warns that high caffeine and stimulant intake can cause palpitations, fast heart rates, chest pain, and may worsen undiagnosed heart conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children should not consume energy drinks, and parents are encouraged to promote sleep, hydration, regular meals, exercise, and to seek urgent care for persistent rapid heart rate or chest pain.
This episode host Holly Wayment interviews spurs orthopaedic surgeon Leah Brown and she explains how to recognize and initially assess concussions in youth, including common early signs such as headache, mental fog, nausea, and light or noise sensitivity, and reminds listeners that concussions can happen during play, biking, and everyday activities.
It stresses the importance of not returning to play while symptomatic to avoid a dangerous second hit, lists red flags that require emergency care, and urges parents, coaches, and providers to trust medical guidance and prioritize brain health over performance.
Host Holly Wayment and Dr. Lisa Carnell of NASA discuss the Avatar bone marrow organ chips flown on Artemis II, personalized from astronaut blood to study radiation and deep-space effects on human tissues.
The episode explains how these microphysiological systems can protect astronauts, guide long-duration mission health strategies, and translate to improved, less invasive pediatric care and cancer treatments on Earth.
Journalist Benjamin Hall joins Pediatrics Now to recount his 2022 injury in Ukraine, the rescue and medical care that followed, and the vital role his family played in his recovery. He reflects on resilience, teamwork, and the strength people find in crisis.
Hall also discusses turning his experience into a children’s book about courage, truth, and standing up for others, and shares practical messages for families and communities about supporting loved ones through hardship.
Parents Lisa and Craig recount their son Ryan’s sudden, devastating onset of PANS—extreme OCD, emotional contamination, refusal to leave home, or even the couch.
Immunologist Dr. Anthony Infante describes using targeted autoimmune testing (Cunningham panel) and IVIG antibody infusions, which gradually restored Ryan’s sleep, hygiene, and social life and ultimately returned him to a healthy, functioning young adult.
Host Holly Wayment talks to Pediatric GI specialist Dr. Anandini Suri who explains that constipation in children is common and often behavioral, frequently starting with rushed toilet training. She recommends patient toilet training, proper toilet posture with a stool under the feet, limiting screen time during bathroom visits, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate fluids, and regular outdoor activity.
For belly pain, try simple breathing exercises (for example, inhale 6 seconds, hold 3, exhale 8) and seek medical care if pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by blood. See a pediatrician if your child has fewer than three to four soft stools a week or if home measures don’t help. Probiotic or prebiotic drinks are generally safe but not proven to relieve constipation.
In this episode Host Holly Wayment talks with pediatric oncologist Dr. Shafqat Shah explains why most lumps and bumps in children’s necks are caused by common infections and usually resolve with time and supportive care. She reviews where lymph nodes are located, typical symptoms, and home care tips.
Dr. Shah also covers warning signs that need prompt evaluation — persistent or growing nodes, hard or fixed lumps, supraclavicular locations, prolonged fevers, weight loss, or other systemic symptoms — and explains when to call your pediatrician or seek emergency care.
Dr. Sarah Marucci joins Pediatrics Host Holly Wayment on Pediatrics Now for Parents to explain common gut symptoms, warning signs that need medical attention, and why everyday choices matter more than trendy supplements. They discuss diet, probiotics, fermented foods, H. pylori testing, and how gut health uniquely affects girls and women.
Practical takeaways: focus on fiber and varied foods, watch for bleeding or sudden weight loss, keep open conversations with kids about bowel habits, and seek care when symptoms persist.
Host Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Alice Gong where she explains explains newborn screening: a few drops of blood (done at 24–48 hours and again at 7–14 days in Texas) detect dozens of conditions early so babies who look well can get life-saving treatment.
The episode covers blood screening, hearing and critical congenital heart disease checks, common conditions like PKU, new treatments such as gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, and the importance of timely follow-up with your pediatrician.