Can Watching A Porcupine Eat a Pumpkin Help My Teen With Anxiety and Stress? Research Says YES!

In this episode Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Ian Mitchell about common chest wall differences in children — pectus excavatum (sunken chest) and pectus carinatum (pigeon chest). They cover causes, family patterns, and when to seek care.   Dr. Mitchell explains non-surgical options like bracing and the vacuum bell, surgical repair with the Nuss procedure, typical recovery, activity limits, and the importance of listening to the child’s emotional needs.   Practical advice for parents on evaluation, timing of treatment, and how repairs can improve both physical function and self-confidence.

Join Host Holly Wayment and national feeding expert Dr. Cynthia Blanco,  where Dr. Blanco explains the FDA approval of goat milk infant formula, how it compares to cow's milk and human breast milk, and why breastfeeding remains the optimal nutrition for babies. She urges parents to use only FDA-approved infant formulas (not whole milk), follow pediatric advice, be patient with common infant issues like reflux or colic, and ensure babies are thriving and gaining weight.

Learn how to recognize tics, when to see your pediatrician, and why most tics are harmless and treatable. Videotaping movements and getting the right diagnosis are key first steps. Dr. Sheldon Gross explains common motor and vocal tics, their impact on a child’s well-being, and when referrals to specialists may help. The focus is on support, evaluation, and simple steps parents can take.

Host Holly Wayment interviews this highly experienced pediatric psychiatrist .  Dr. Boddapadi  explains that autism has no single cause — it’s multifactorial, involving strong genetic risks and environmental factors.  Vaccines have been ruled out as a cause, and  evidence  shows a very weak association with Tylenol. The conversation emphasizes taking care of maternal health, discussing medications with clinicians, following evidence-based guidance, and the importance of early identification and support for children with autism. 

Its back! Host and Executive Producer Holly Wayment interviews Jacklynn Ware of Project YES, a free, evidence-based online mental health resource for teens with short, anonymous modules that cover mood, anxiety, body image, safety planning, and more.  Its back, better than ever, right when teens need it more that ever.  And that includes the option of watching a video of the "World's Most Adorable Porcupine" chomp on a pumpkin. Accessible on phones, tablets, and computers, it includes crisis check-ins for warning signs and creates action plans at the end of modules. Designed for teens but helpful for parents, schools, and caregivers.  

Join Host Holly Wayment and UT Health San Antonio and University Health's Infectious disease specialist Dr. Deena Sutter.   They discuss recent Chikungunya outbreaks, how mosquito-borne viruses (chikungunya, dengue, Zika) spread, and who is most at risk. Dr. Sutter explains symptoms—especially Chikungunya’s debilitating joint pain—and severe outcomes for newborns and the elderly. Dr. Sutter reviews practical prevention: remove standing water, use EPA‑approved repellents (DEET or picaridin) appropriately, wear long sleeves when needed, keep screens and air conditioning, and maintain flea prevention for pets to avoid flea‑borne typhus. She also advises when to see a doctor for fever, rash, or concerning exposures.  

Join Holly Wayment on Pediatrics Now as she delves into the transformative power of self-compassion with expert Dr. Karen Bluth. Discover how self-compassion can help teens combat anxiety, depression, and stress, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. Dr. Bluth shares insights from her extensive experience, and practical tools for parents and educators to support teens, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness. This episode highlights resources available for those looking to explore self-compassion further, making it a vital listen for anyone involved in teen development.

Join Holly Wayment and Dr. Ted Wu on Pediatrics Now for Parents as they delve into the critical topic of sepsis, a potential risk for children following viral infections. Dr. Wu, a seasoned pediatrician and father, who works in the pediatric ICU, discusses the progression of this serious condition and its symptoms, often resembling the flu or a cold. He emphasizes the importance of early detection, citing signs like altered mental status, decreased urine output, and prolonged fever. The episode highlights the balance between appropriate antibiotic use and prevention strategies, advocating for vaccinations to significantly reduce bacterial infections that may lead to sepsis. Dr. Wu also bridges personal experiences, stressing the crucial role of parents in recognizing their child’s unwellness and communicating effectively with healthcare providers. Tune in for insights that could help save young lives.

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, host Holly Wayment delves into the critical topic of sepsis with Dr. Ted Wu, a pediatric critical care physician and father of two. Dr. Wu shares his insights from the front lines of the pediatric intensive care unit, discussing how sepsis can develop from common viral and bacterial infections in children. Listeners will learn about the early warning signs of sepsis, such as altered mental status, decreased urine output, and prolonged fever. Dr. Wu emphasizes the importance of being vigilant, advocating for your child, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers. Additionally, the conversation highlights preventive  measures, including vaccinations, that significantly reduce the risk of bacterial infections leading to sepsis. Dr. Wu provides valuable guidance on when parents should seek emergency care and the role of hydration and fever management during illnesses. Join Holly and Dr. Wu as they navigate this vital subject, offering parents crucial information to protect their children's health.

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, host Holly Wayment is joined by Dr. Ted Wu, a seasoned pediatric critical care physician, to discuss crucial topics surrounding child safety and health. With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Wu shares insights on the importance of prevention, particularly in avoiding accidental injuries in children. The conversation delves into water safety, highlighting the significant risks associated with drowning, and emphasizes the need for vigilant supervision around pools and bodies of water. Dr. Wu underscores the role of preventive measures, like wearing life jackets, in safeguarding children. Furthermore, Dr. Wu provides an overview of innovative treatments for children who have experienced near-drowning incidents, explaining how therapeutic hypothermia can aid in reducing brain injury following a lack of oxygen. The episode also touches on the humanistic side of pediatric healthcare, emphasizing the resilience of children and the collective efforts of medical professionals and families in achieving positive outcomes.