My Kids Just Started Eating Lettuce—Now What? A Pediatric Infectious Disease Expert on Foodborne Outbreaks

Host Holly Wayment takes you right outside of the Operating Room after life changing surgery for a baby.  Dr. Richard Thomson performs cleft lip and palate repair on an infant at University Hospital and explains why timing—lip around three months, palate before the baby starts speaking—is critical for feeding and long-term speech outcomes. The episode highlights the multidisciplinary follow-up (speech therapy, ENT, audiology, orthodontics), potential later procedures, and supportive programs like Fresh Start and Austin Smiles that help families access care.

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.

Host Holly Wayment talks to this pediatric neurosurgeon and mom who explains why it's important to have a baby's unusually shaped head checked early.   She also shares how raising a child with special needs deepened her empathy for families.

Holly Wayment and Dr. J.B. Cantey  discuss salmonella in babies and children, explaining why infants are at higher risk of sepsis, common sources of salmonella (animals, food, daycare), and the symptoms to watch for. They cover prevention tips—hand hygiene, safe food preparation, pet precautions—hydration guidance, and clear warning signs (fever, decreased intake, lethargy, bloody stools or seizures) that mean you should seek urgent medical care.

In this episode Host Holly Wayment and infectious disease doctor Deena  Sutter explain the recent cruise outbreak involving the Andes strain of hantavirus, why public risk is considered low, and what makes this strain unusual due to rare person-to-person spread. Dr. Sutter and Wayment review symptoms, incubation times, prevention tips (rodent control, safe cleanup, hand hygiene), and how clinicians and parents should monitor exposed people—reassuring families while emphasizing public health vigilance.

Holly Wayment and Dr. Deena Sutter discuss the cruise-linked outbreak of the rare Andes hantavirus, why the public risk remains low, and what makes this strain unusual for possible person-to-person spread. The episode covers symptoms, incubation, concerns, prevention tips (rodent control, mask use when cleaning droppings, avoid sharing drinks), and the role of public health in containing the event.

Host Holly Wayment talks to Pediatric GI specialist Dr. Anandini Suri who explains that constipation in children is 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.

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.