In this episode, we focus on two key vaccines that protect teens and young adults: HPV and Meningococcal. 🦠 How HPV can lead to several types of cancer and how the Gardasil vaccine prevents it ⚠️ Why Meningitis is so dangerous and how quickly it can progress 💉 How vaccines like Menveo, Bexsero, and Trumenba keep kids safe Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness. We break down the science in a clear, parent-friendly way so you can make informed choices. 💉 Myth busted: Vaccines are not money makers—they are life savers.

In this episode, we discuss important preventive health topics for teens, including PAP smears, pelvic exams, STI testing, and contraception. This conversation is geared toward parents who want to support their children’s health before issues arise. We cover: • The purpose and history of PAP smears and how HPV vaccines have reduced cervical cancer risk • What happens during a pelvic exam and why it’s important • Common STI testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, syphilis, HIV, and herpes • Contraception options and effectiveness, including condoms and spermicides • Emerging developments like self-swab HPV testing that may change screening in the future Open communication with your teen is key to protecting their health and wellness. This episode gives parents the tools and knowledge to guide these conversations confidently.

In this episode, we break down puberty in boys and girls—from physical changes to emotional and cognitive development. Learn what to expect, the typical ages for different stages, and when to be concerned about early or delayed puberty. - We cover: • Signs of puberty in girls and boys, including breast/testicular development, pubic hair, and growth spurts • How body weight, nutrition, and genetics can affect timing • Common puberty-related concerns like acne, gynecomastia, anemia, myopia, and musculoskeletal injuries • Tips for talking to your child about puberty, hygiene, and mental health • When to seek medical advice for early, delayed, or unusual development This episode gives parents the tools to support their children through adolescence, helping them navigate physical, emotional, and social changes with confidence and care.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is the leading cause of serious lung infections and hospitalizations in babies under 1 year old. In this video, we explain how RSV causes bronchiolitis—swelling, mucus, and inflammation in tiny airways—that leads to coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Learn why nearly every child gets RSV by age 2, how it spreads, and why feeding can be tough when babies struggle to breathe. We’ll also cover the latest prevention options, including monoclonal antibodies like Synagis and the new Beyfortus shot—what they are, who should get them, and how they protect babies during RSV season. If you’re a parent or caregiver, this video is your go-to guide for understanding RSV symptoms, risks, and prevention.

Coughing in kids isn’t just annoying—it’s their body’s way to protect tiny lungs! In this video, we break down the main causes of coughs in children—from common colds and croup to asthma and reflux—and explain what really works to help. Learn why some coughs sound “barky” or “juicy,” when to worry, and why many cough medicines don’t actually help (and can even be dangerous!). Plus, get simple treatment tips like using honey for kids over 1 year and when to see a doctor. If you’re a parent or caregiver, this is a must-watch to understand your child’s cough and keep them healthy!

Pneumococcal disease can cause serious illness in kids—think ear infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and even sepsis. In this episode of A Podful of Pediatrics, Dr. Smith and Dr. Hankins break down what parents need to know about this common bacteria, how it spreads, and why vaccines like PCV13 and PCV20 are game changers. ✅ What pneumococcus does in the body ✅ Real stories from the hospital ✅ How vaccines have drastically reduced deaths ✅ The difference between Prevnar and Pneumovax This one’s packed with science made simple—and just the right dose of humor.

Tummy aches are one of the most common complaints in kids—but what do they really mean? In this episode of A Podful of Pediatrics, Dr. Joanne Smith and Dr. Corinda Hankins unpack everything from common culprits like constipation (spoiler: it’s more common than you think!) to red flags that signal something more serious, like appendicitis, IBD, or intestinal emergencies. 👶 Learn why belly pain is often dramatic after eating 💩 How kids can be constipated even if they poop every day 🚨 When to worry: vomiting, poor growth, blood in stool & more 🧠 Functional belly pain, gut-brain connections, and stress 🔍 Plus: real-life kid examples (yes, including the ones who eat earbuds) We break down treatment options—from behavior changes and diet tweaks to safe medications like Miralax—and explain what to do when belly pain leads to encopresis, GERD, or chronic illness. 💡 Whether you're a worried parent or just curious, this episode will give you peace of mind and practical tools to better understand your child's belly pain. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more pediatric advice with a dose of humor.

Rotavirus used to be a major threat—sending hundreds of thousands of kids under 5 to the hospital every year and tragically taking far too many lives. So… what changed? In this episode of A Podful of Pediatrics, we dig into: - What rotavirus actually does to the body (yes, including that awful diarrhea) - How it spreads, who’s most at risk, and complications you might not expect (like seizures) - The rise, fall, and re-invention of the rotavirus vaccine - The real numbers behind hospitalizations vs. vaccine risk Plus, Dr. Corinda shares a personal (and hilariously messy) story about just how fast rotavirus can strike. Whether you’re a parent, a med student, or just vaccine-curious, this episode delivers the science and the stories behind one of pediatrics’ biggest success stories. 🎧 Subscribe for more pediatric deep-dives you can trust. Myth busted: VAERS data doesn’t come from secret government labs—it’s a public reporting system anyone can use, and every report is reviewed for safety signals, not proof of causation.

No one hands you a manual at the hospital—but we’ve got you covered. In this episode of Podful of Pediatrics, we break down exactly what happens after delivery: ✔️ First newborn checks ✔️ Why Vitamin K, Hep B, and eye ointment matter ✔️ Jaundice screening + RSV prevention ✔️ Umbilical cord care and bathing tips ✔️ How often to feed (and when to worry) ✔️ What’s actually normal—and what’s not Feel more prepared for those first 48 hours and beyond. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, this is the info you need before the questions start piling up. ~ Click the link to download our free Columbia Gorge Summer Activity Guide: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/H2LsqnN

Whooping cough can be deadly—especially for babies. But there’s a vaccine that can stop it. In this video, we break down: - What pertussis is and why it’s so dangerous - How the DTaP vaccine protects infants and kids - Common side effects and what’s actually in the vaccine - Why boosters matter—for kids and adults - Quick, clear info for parents, caregivers, and anyone curious about vaccines. 💉 Stay informed. Stay protected. Click the link to download our free Columbia Gorge Summer Activity Guide:

☀️ Summer safety starts here! In this episode of A Podful of Pediatrics, we cover the must-know tips to keep kids protected from sunburns, bug bites, water accidents, heat illness, and fireworks injuries. 👶 Sunscreen rules for babies 🦟 Safe + effective insect repellents 🏊‍♀️ Pool safety & swim lessons 🔥 Heat stroke + firework injury prevention 🌿 Quick treatments for bites, stings, rashes & more Everything you need to help your family stay safe and healthy all summer long—straight from your trusted pediatric team. Click the link to download our free Columbia Gorge Summer Activity Guide: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/H2LsqnN

Once a terrifying childhood disease, polio left thousands paralyzed and changed the course of medicine forever. In this episode, we dive into the history of polio—from ancient Egypt to the devastating 1916 NYC outbreak—and how it led to the invention of the iron lung, the birth of intensive care, and a global vaccine movement. Learn how scientists like Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin helped turn panic into prevention—and why keeping up with vaccines still matters today.

Sleep is everything—especially for growing kids (and their exhausted parents). In this episode, we unpack how much sleep kids really need, why routines matter, what the science says about sleep training, and how to handle sleepwalking, nightmares, and more. Plus: safe sleep tips, melatonin myths, and why your teen always wants to sleep in.

In this episode of A Podful of Pediatrics, we’re diving into measles—one of the most contagious viruses on the planet—and why the MMR vaccine is a vital tool for keeping our kids and communities safe. The truth is simple: the MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and it saves lives. Not sure if you or your child are up to date on vaccines? Have questions? We're here for that. Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with anyone looking to feel more confident and informed about vaccines and their family's health.

From bike helmets to vaccines, snack foods to car seats—are kids actually healthier now than they were a few decades ago? In this episode, Joanne and Corinda take a fun and fascinating dive into how childhood health has changed over the years. Is today’s food better or worse for growing kids? And do modern safety measures actually make a difference? We’re breaking it all down, separating fact from nostalgia, and answering the big question: Are kids really healthier now? Join us for an insightful, slightly nostalgic, and definitely entertaining conversation!