Blood donation has a vital role in care at Cincinnati Children’s and is truly a lifesaving resource. The impact of donating just once can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who need care. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Kristina Prus, director of transfusion medicine and Emily Kimball, physician outreach consultant, to talk about why blood donation matters and how donated blood is used in hospitals like Cincinnati Children's.

Did you know that nearly all of the blood used for Cincinnati Children’s patients comes directly from our local partner, Howorth Blood Center? Dr. Prus and Emily explain what the Hoxworth Blood Center is and how our partnership directly impacts patients. They also walk through what blood donation really entails, what the term “blood products” means and how much blood Cincinnati Children’s uses on an average day. In addition, they dive into the importance of different blood types and share practical tips on ways families can support blood donation efforts if they feel nervous about giving blood or aren’t able to donate themselves.

This episode is filled with clear, helpful information about how blood donation works, why it matters and how each of us can take part in helping save lives.

Full Transcript and Show Notes: Blood Donation Doesn’t Have to Be Scary: Tips for Families - Cincinnati Children's Blog

Resources

Hoxworth.org

Bronchiolitis is one of the most common illnesses affecting babies and young children during the winter months. It’s one of the leading reasons families end up in pediatric offices, urgent care and the emergency department. We know that this can be an exhausting and stressful experience for caregivers, so in this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brad Sobolewski to break down what parents need to know to navigate bronchiolitis.

Dr. Sobolewski explains how bronchiolitis is different from bronchitis, what causes it and why babies get it more often than older kids. We talk about RSV as the leading cause of bronchiolitis and what treatment looks like.

As many as 90% of babies will get bronchiolitis by the time they’re 2, so it is important to know the early signs to watch for, and the best way to observe your baby’s breathing at home. You’ll hear practical, realistic guidance like why “suctioning, feeding, and love” are often the most effective treatments at home and which symptoms are reassuring versus concerning.

Whether your baby is currently sick or you’re preparing for respiratory illness season, this is an episode you won't want to miss out on.

To read more about bronchiolitis, check out: Bronchiolitis: A Parent’s Guide to One of the Most Common Winter Illnesses

Just in time for spooky season, we’re pulling back the covers on all there is to know about nightmares and night terrors in children. These sleep disturbances can leave kids—and even their grown-ups—feeling haunted. Dr. Jessica Trygier joins us to help banish the bedtime boogeyman with expert advice and practical tips to help calm and reassure kids and families.

In this episode, we dive into the difference between a nightmare and a night terror, the age they commonly start and how to understand any triggers that could cause them. Dr. Trygier offers helpful strategies for parents, including clever tricks like crafting “monster spray,” and knowing when to talk about a nightmare with your child. She also shares guidance on when you should consult a pediatrician or a specialist, and what parents should avoid doing during these sleep disturbances. This episode is packed with lots of practical tips and advice to help keep the spooky scaries at bay.

We know parents have questions, and maybe even concerns about the safety and benefits of fluoride for children. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Bobby Thikkurissy and Dr. Scott Schwartz to talk all about fluoride.

We break down everything parents need to know about fluoride for kids and its impact on children’s oral health. We explore the basics of fluoride, how it helps prevent cavities and dive into concerns like whether kids can get too much and how to know if your water is fluoridated. We also cover practical tips like how much toothpaste to use at different ages, training toothpaste and what to do if you suspect fluoride toxicity. Plus, we touch on the ideal age for kids to start brushing their own teeth.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or just curious about pediatric dental health, this episode gets down to the tooth truth and helps ease concerns with expert-backed guidance.

Resources:

https://www.aapd.org/

Game on! Host Bo McMillan sits down with Child Life Specialist Matt Flynn on the latest episode of the Young & Healthy Podcast to talk about video games, screen time and healthy gaming habits. They talk about the game worlds kids love and balancing them with the real world.

Matt explains the difference between passive scrolling on TikTok and active video gaming. He also shares his thoughts on how electronics and games can both support and challenge childhood development. Spoiler, there are skills kids can learn from gaming that can be applied to real-life situations.

Listeners will learn how to keep their kids safe in online gaming and make sure that their children are connecting instead of isolating themselves. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or gamer, this episode offers practical insights on screen time, healthy gaming habits, and childhood growth. Power up, grab a seat and dive in for an insightful conversation.

Resources:

To learn more about Child Life at Cincinnati Children’s, visit Child Life | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

To learn more about game ratings, visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website ESRB Ratings | Entertainment Software Rating Board

For other media and entertainment information to keep your family up to date on all things media, visit the following websites:

Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families | Common Sense Media

TechCrunch | Startup and Technology News

WIRED - The Latest in Technology, Science, Culture and Business | WIRED

Chapter Markers:

00:00:53 – What is a Child Life Specialist?

00:02:31 – Is There a Difference Between Scrolling and Playing Games?

00:05:21 – In What Ways Do Electronics and Games Support Childhood Development?

00:07:25 – How Can Skills Learned from Games Apply to Life?

00:11:37 – Do Video Games Negatively Impact Childhood Development?

00:13:22 – Are There Signs Screen Time Is Affecting Your Child?

00:17:15 – How Can Parents Decide if a Game Is Appropriate for Their Child?

00:22:10 – How Can Parents Keep Kids Safe in Online Games?

00:26:48 – How Can Families Make Games Feel Connecting, Not Isolating?

00:28:15 – Final Thoughts and Wrap Up.

A few drops of blood from a heel prick shortly after birth is sent to the state lab for every baby born in a hospital, and most who are born at home. The screening looks for markers of critical health conditions and flags abnormal results to the family’s pediatrician, and to genetics specialists. In this episode of the Infant Series on the Young & Healthy Podcast, host Kate Setter sits down with genetic counselors Lisa Berry, LGC and Cecilia Goueli, LGC to answer the question: What happens next if a newborn screening shows an abnormal result?

They explain everything families need to know about newborn screenings—from what to expect to how results are interpreted. Families will learn what to expect after an abnormal newborn screen, understand the possibility of false positives, and discover how to access support if a diagnosis is confirmed following screening. Don’t miss this insightful episode full of important guidance for new parents.

Chapter Markers:

00:00:57 – What Is Newborn Screening and How Is It Done?

00:02:48 – What Conditions Does Newborn Screening Detect?

00:04:11 – How Is Newborn Screening Handled for Home Births?

00:05:04 – Can Newborn Screening Be Done Too Late?

00:05:45 – What Should Parents Expect After an Abnormal Newborn Screen?

00:08:46 – Can Families opt Out of Newborn Screening?

00:10:07 – Do False Positives Happen in Newborn Screening?

00:11:06 – How Are Families Supported After a Flagged Newborn Screen?

00:14:15 – What Do Follow-Up Tests Look Like for Newborn Screening?

00:15:29 – What Does Guidance Post Diagnosis Look Like?

00:19:59 – What Support and Resources Are Available for Families?

00:22:54 – Final Thoughts and Wrap Up.

Safety planning and preparation are essential for all children, but for kids on the autism spectrum, it is even more important. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Julia Anixt and Dr. Jen Smith, two pediatric autism specialists, to explore how families and community members can work together to help keep kids safe.

We discuss the term elopement, what it looks like in the context of autism, and explore common reasons why kids may run off. Dr. Anixt and Dr. Smith share practical tips on how to make the home safer to make it harder for kids to run off and offer guidance on teaching kids different safety strategies such as identifying safe places, asking for help if lost and communicating basic personal information to help them stay safe.

Dr. Anixt and Dr. Smith also give advice to families and the community on what to do if you notice a child has run off, including first steps and how to approach and support them in a calm way. We discuss how families can collaborate with schools to create safety plans to ensure their child's needs are met. They also offer advice for families who are just beginning to navigate these safety concerns.

This episode is filled with practical insights and heartfelt reminders that keeping all kids safe, especially those who may be more vulnerable, is a shared responsibility. With awareness, preparation, and resources, we can build safer communities for all kids.

Resources:

Big Red Safety Box® by the National Autism Association

Outreach and Community Education

Emergencies like natural disasters, fires, or even power outages can happen any time, and staying prepared can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Nathan Timm, medical director of emergency management at Cincinnati Children’s, to explore easy ways families can prepare for unexpected situations without feeling stressed.

Dr. Timm shares advice on how to talk with kids about emergencies in a way that helps them feel safe and calm. He also gives tips on first aid kits, including items every household should have, how often to check it, and where to keep supplies in your family home for easy access. We also talk about fire safety, including checking fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are up to date. You’ll also learn how to create a simple starter checklist to prepare for natural disasters.

This episode is packed with hospital recommended safety tips and small steps your family can take to make your home safer. Tune in to learn how a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your loved ones safe.

Resources mentioned in episode:

https://www.ready.gov/

Other Resources:

Emergency and Disaster Planning | Ongoing Support Resources

Disaster Preparedness Resources for Families

https://www.fema.gov/

For emergency kits and learn more about the Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/store/training-supplies