Surviving Pollen Season: Tips From a Doctor Dad

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, host Holly Wayment sits down with Dr. Emily Becker, a triple board-certified pediatric dermatologist and mother of four, to delve into the multifaceted world of acne. They explore the prevalence of acne beyond the teenage years, touching upon its occurrence in infants and adults. From understanding the hormonal influences to navigating common myths, Dr. Becker provides practical advice on how to manage acne across different age groups. The discussion examines the importance of early intervention, highlights various treatment options, and emphasizes the psychological impact of acne on children and teenagers. Tune in to discover actionable tips and the latest skincare insights to help your child maintain healthy skin and confidence.

Join Holly Wayment and pediatric dermatologist Dr. Emily Becker as they offer practical tips for parents. Learn about the different types of sunscreens available, the best ways to ensure children use them, and the significance of protective clothing. Dr. Becker also addresses common myths surrounding sun protection and provides valuable insights into effective skincare routines for kids and teens. Discover how to keep your family safe under the sun this spring and summer with expert advice from a mother of four and a leading dermatologist.

Join host Holly Wayment on "Pediatrics Now" as she welcomes back Dr. Ed Brooks.  In this episode, they dive deep into the world of pollen allergies, focusing on the predominant tree pollen season impacting many, especially in San Antonio. Dr. Brooks shares helpful tips on managing allergies, from practical advice like wearing a mask and rinsing eyes to using nasal steroids effectively. They also explore emerging allergy treatments such as sublingual immunotherapy. Additionally, the discussion expands on the hygiene hypothesis and the balance between maintaining cleanliness and exposure to germs. Discover insightful information aimed at helping you and your loved ones navigate allergy season more comfortably.

In this insightful episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, host Holly Wayment is joined by Dr. Ginnie Abarbanell, the head of the pediatric cardiology at UT Health SA and University Health, to discuss crucial aspects of children's heart health. Dr. Abarbanell emphasizes the significance of February as Heart Month and the often-overlooked importance of monitoring children's heart health alongside adults'. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how early food choices and physical activities can influence lifelong habits. Dr. Abarbanell shares practical tips for encouraging children to enjoy fruits and vegetables, become physically active, and develop lasting healthy routines. The episode also covers the subtle signs parents should watch for indicating potential heart issues in children during physical activities. Dr. Abarbanell's personal anecdotes reveal her experiences as both a cardiologist and a mother, offering a relatable and informative perspective on raising heart-healthy kids.

Join us in this episode of Pediatrics Now as we dive into the impactful world of pediatric plastic surgery with Dr. Richard Thomson, an esteemed surgeon from UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Thomson shares insights into the profound effects of plastic surgery on children's lives, highlighting transformative procedures for prominent ears and cleft palates that greatly enhance a child's quality of life. Discover Dr. Thomson's remarkable journey from the UK to Texas, and his passion for building a child-led approach in his practice. Alongside anecdotes from his personal and professional life, including his experiences with outdoor swimming and dedication to patient-centered care, this episode offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs in pediatric healthcare.

In this episode of Pediatrics Now, host Holly Wayment is joined by Dr. J.B. Cantey from University Health and UT San Antonio to discuss the challenges of this year's aggressive flu season. Dr. Cantey, the first double-boarded doctor in neonatology and infectious disease, provides insights into the circulation of two strains of influenza A and the potential risks posed by H5N1, the bird flu. The discussion covers the importance of flu vaccinations, the efficacy of Tamiflu, and key symptoms to monitor in children and vulnerable populations. Dr. Cantey emphasizes the need for preventive measures such as handwashing and offers advice for ensuring community and family safety.

This episode of Pediatrics Now features Dr. Marisa Earley from University Health and UT Health San Antonio. Join host Holly Wayment as they delve into kid ear health and the challenges children face. Dr. Earley explains how the structural immaturity of the eustachian tube in children can lead to frequent ear infections and shares practical advice for parents on how to manage and recognize symptoms. Listeners will discover useful tools such as affordable phone otoscopes that help parents monitor their kids' ear health effectively. The conversation also covers the importance of proper ear hygiene, the pros and cons of certain ear-related products, and essential advice.  

Host Holly Wayment explores the challenges and solutions during the peak of respiratory virus season. Joining Holly is Dr. Tess Barton, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Texas at San Antonio who sheds light on the wave respiratory illnesses. With a deep dive into the seasonal trends, Dr. Barton explains the implications of RSV, flu, and COVID-19, providing parents with crucial information on identification and prevention. Dr. Barton shares her expertise on the use of antivirals for influenza and COVID, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and vaccination to prevent severity and spread. The conversation also emphasizes the critical role of identifying symptoms to avoid unnecessary antibiotics use.

Join host and executive producer Holly Wayment and Dr. Marisa Earley, head of pediatric ENT at UT Health San Antonio and University Health, as they delve into the pediatric ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, and respiratory health, with a focus on the prevention.  Also, does your child really need that antibiotic?   The discussion also covers practical tips for parents on managing common conditions like eustachian tube dysfunction using home remedies such as saline nasal rinses and when to opt for medical interventions. Learn why proper management of ear health is crucial for children,  and the natural course of many pediatric ear conditions. Dr. Earley provides expert advice on the use of saline nasal rinses in infants and children, with safety precautions to ensure effectiveness. The episode highlights the importance of empowering parents with knowledge and techniques to effectively manage their children's ear and respiratory health.

In this episode of Pediatrics Now, Host and Executive Producer Holly Wayment talks to Dr. Jessica Sandoval, child psychiatrist at UT Health San Antonio.  They explore the challenging topic of depression in youth. Dr. Sandoval shares invaluable insights into recognizing depressive episodes, understanding their symptoms, and the importance of listening as a crucial intervention. Dr. Sandoval emphasizes the need for safety plans, outlining coping skills, and ensuring that affected youths have a reliable support network. She sheds light on common misconceptions about depression, especially in minors, and highlights how various factors, including social isolation and structural issues, contribute to the development of depressive disorders.  Dr. Sandoval also shares her personal journey into child psychiatry, driven by a genuine passion to bridge cultural understanding and mental health awareness.