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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mom of two, shares practical Halloween safety tips for families. She covers costume and candy advice, supervision strategies, and age-appropriate guidelines for toddlers, school-aged kids, and teens. Kristen also addresses how to support children with sensory sensitivities or developmental differences. Her goal is to help parents reduce stress, keep kids safe, and create meaningful Halloween traditions. The episode encourages parents to focus on connection, fun, and realistic expectations for a joyful holiday experience.

What you'll learn:

• Halloween safety tips for different age groups: toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and teenagers.
• Practical advice for costume selection, emphasizing comfort and safety.
• Strategies for pumpkin carving and related activities with young children.
• Tips for managing candy consumption and addressing food allergies.
• Suggestions for creating family traditions and community engagement during Halloween.
• Considerations for children with sensory sensitivities or developmental differences.
• Importance of supervision and structured activities for school-aged children.
• Guidance on setting expectations and safety measures for teenagers.
• Recommendations for post-Halloween recovery and managing sugar intake.
• Emphasis on creating joyful and meaningful experiences while ensuring safety.

Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and parenting advocate, highlights the importance of children’s dental health for October’s Dental Hygiene Month. She debunks myths about baby teeth and fluoride, explains their crucial roles in nutrition, speech, and self-esteem, and offers practical tips for brushing, flossing, and dental visits. Kristen also addresses thumb sucking, pacifier use, and healthy dietary habits, empowering parents to make dental care positive and proactive. The episode aims to help families prevent cavities and support their children’s lifelong health and confidence.

What you'll learn

• Importance of children's dental health beyond cavities
• Role of baby teeth in nutrition, speech development, and self-esteem
• Common myths about baby teeth and fluoride
• Practical advice for preventing dental decay in infants and children
• Proper brushing and flossing techniques for young children
• Importance of fluoride in dental health
• Use of dental sealants for cavity prevention
• Recommendations for regular dental visits and their timing
• Impact of thumb sucking and pacifier use on dental health
• Dietary recommendations to support dental health in children

Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
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In this episode of Mom Doc Talk, Kristen discusses breast health in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She covers breast development from infancy through adulthood, normal changes, and common concerns. Kristen explains breast cancer screening guidelines, genetic risks like BRCA mutations, and preventive options such as prophylactic mastectomy. She also offers advice on talking to children about breast development, recognizing warning signs, and finding support. Kristen emphasizes breast self-awareness, personalized care, and community support, concluding with a resource for parents available on her website.

What you’ll learn:

• Breast health awareness in relation to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
• Overview of breast development from infancy through puberty to adulthood.
• Common concerns regarding breast changes during different life stages.
• Guidelines for breast cancer screening and the importance of early detection.
• Discussion of genetic risks, including BRCA mutations, and their implications.
• Options for risk reduction, including prophylactic mastectomy.
• How to communicate with children about breast development and changes.
• Signs and symptoms of breast cancer that should prompt medical evaluation.
• Importance of support and resources for individuals affected by breast cancer.
• Encouragement for preventive care and community support in breast health.

Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and parenting expert, opens up about her personal experience with miscarriage in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. She explains the medical facts behind miscarriage and stillbirth, addresses the emotional impact and societal stigma, and offers compassionate advice for grieving parents. Kristen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief, seeking support, and open communication with partners. The episode aims to break the silence around pregnancy loss and reassure listeners that they are not alone in their journey.

What you’ll learn:

• Discussion of pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth.
• Recognition of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
• Personal experiences and emotional impact of miscarriage.
• Statistics and medical explanations regarding miscarriage and stillbirth.
• Societal stigma and taboo surrounding pregnancy loss.
• Importance of acknowledging grief and seeking support.
• Differences in grieving processes between mothers and fathers.
• The significance of open communication with partners during the healing process.
• The need to challenge societal norms that discourage discussing pregnancy loss.
• Encouragement for grieving parents to take their time and prioritize mental health.

Podcast Disclaimer

The informahttps://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/tion presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and parenting advisor, explains how to recognize and manage common childhood illnesses during fall and winter, including colds, flu, bronchiolitis, croup, and strep throat. She discusses symptoms, evidence-based treatments, when to seek medical care, and why unnecessary tests and antibiotics should be avoided. Kristen emphasizes the importance of vaccines, clarifies the limitations of medications like Tamiflu, and offers practical advice to empower parents in caring for sick children at home.

What you’ll learn:

• Common childhood illnesses during fall and winter months
• Viral upper respiratory tract infections (common colds)
• Influenza (the flu) and its symptoms
• Bronchiolitis and croup: definitions and symptoms
• Strep throat: symptoms and appropriate testing
• Importance of supportive care and comfort measures for viral illnesses
• Risks and limitations of over-the-counter medications and antibiotics
• Vaccine importance for flu prevention
• When to seek medical care for children with symptoms
• Empowering parents to make informed health decisions for their children

Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mother, discusses how medical advice for parents has evolved as new scientific evidence emerges. She debunks outdated practices related to pregnancy, infant care, childhood illness, diet, and antibiotics, emphasizing the importance of relying on current research. Kristen encourages parents to show understanding toward healthcare providers adapting to new guidelines and to make informed, compassionate decisions. She aims to empower listeners to confidently navigate changing recommendations, avoid harmful myths, and trust both themselves and the science. Kristen also offers a free chapter of her upcoming book to listeners.

What you’ll learn:

• Outdated medical recommendations and their evolution based on new scientific evidence.
• The importance of adapting to updated medical guidelines and extending grace to healthcare providers.
• Historical examples of debunked medical practices, such as urine tasting for diabetes diagnosis.
• Misconceptions about marijuana use during pregnancy and its potential risks.
• Debunking the practice of adding cereal to infant bottles for sleep improvement.
• Risks associated with giving water to infants under six months for constipation.
• The misconception of "sweating out" a fever and modern approaches to managing fever in children.
• The ineffectiveness of elimination diets for managing ADHD symptoms and the importance of balanced nutrition.
• Clarification of food allergies versus intolerances and the risks of unnecessary dietary restrictions.
• The dangers of antibiotic overuse and its contribution to antibiotic resistance in children.

Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen discusses vitamins and supplements for children, addressing parents’ common concerns about safety, effectiveness, and marketing claims. She explains the lack of regulation in the supplement industry, the misleading nature of terms like “all natural,” and the limited evidence behind many products, including homeopathy and popular supplements for immunity and ADHD. Kristen emphasizes the importance of evidence-based treatments, consulting pediatricians, and focusing on basics like nutrition, sleep, and vaccines. She reassures parents that most children don’t need supplements unless a deficiency is identified, helping them make informed decisions.

What you’ll learn:

• Discussion on vitamins and supplements for children
• Regulation differences between supplements and medications in the U.S.
• Misleading marketing terms like "all natural" and "proprietary blends"
• Overview of homeopathy and its lack of scientific support
• Coexistence of Western medicine and naturopathy
• Examination of specific supplements: creatine, immune boosters, and ADHD-related products
• Importance of evidence-based treatments and consulting pediatricians
• Emphasis on foundational health practices: nutrition, sleep, and vaccines
• Clarification that most children do not need supplements unless deficiencies are identified
• Guidance for parents on navigating the supplement market and making informed health decisions for their children

Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen discusses why children cry at every stage, from infancy to the teen years. She explains that crying is a natural way for kids to communicate unmet needs—not manipulation. Kristen offers practical advice on responding with empathy, calmness, and healthy boundaries, and highlights when crying may signal deeper mental health concerns. She encourages parents to listen, validate emotions, and seek help if needed, reinforcing that tears are a normal part of emotional development and a key to building trust and connection with children.

What you’ll learn:

• The significance of crying as a form of communication in children.
• Developmental reasons for crying from infancy to teenage years.
• The role of parents in responding to crying with empathy and calmness.
• Understanding crying as a signal of unmet needs rather than manipulation.
• Strategies for soothing infants and addressing excessive crying.
• Emotional challenges faced by toddlers and preschoolers, including frustration and social interactions.
• The impact of school-related stress and family dynamics on crying in school-age children.
• The importance of validating emotions and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms.
• Recognizing signs of potential mental health concerns related to excessive crying.
• The role of parents in fostering emotional growth and connection through understanding children's tears.

Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en