In this 2-part episode we talk about caring for youth in the foster care system. We are joined by Dr. Hannah Snitzer, medical director and Gaby Espino Peralta a young adult with lived experience and family navigator for the CIRCLE clinic, a comprehensive and integrated medical home to children and families currently in or at risk of becoming involved with child welfare services.
In part 1 episode we review possible reasons children enter the foster system, placement options, the barriers families face in working toward reunification and how trauma plays a role in development.
We thank Dr. Snitzer and Gaby for joining us on this episode, but Dr. Lena takes responsibility for any errors or misinformation
Vaccines have been in the headlines a lot over the last few months. Changes to the recommended schedule, oversight and concerns over access have left many parents with unanswered questions. In this episode we check in with our resident vaccine expert, Dr. Dean, about the recent headlines. We provide rationale and evidence to support the importance of maintaining vaccine recommendations and access for all children. We highlight where parents can look for sound and scientific advice. We discuss specific vaccines including MMR, chickenpox, hepatitis B and COVID and review herd immunity and why school vaccine mandates help protect all children.
The opinions expressed on the podcast are those of the hosts or guests. They do not reflect the views of UC Davis Health.
In part 3 of our safety series, we are discussing accidental ingestions with a focus on button batteries and magnets. We are joined by Dr. Minna Wieck, a pediatric surgeon with UC Davis. We review which toys and objects are highest risk for kids, what to do if you suspect your child has ingested a foreign body and the surgeon’s role in treating and preventing these devastating accidents.
In part 2 of our safety series, we are discussing baby-proofing, injury prevention and water safety. We are joined by Jennifer Rubin, UC Davis trauma prevention manager and coalition coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Sacramento. We review common methods of accidental injury for young children and discuss tips to prevent accidental ingestions, falls and water safety.
We thank Jennifer Rubin for joining us on this episode of Kids Considered but Drs Lena & Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
In part 1 of our safety series, we are discussing car seat & passenger safety. We are joined by Jennifer Rubin, UC Davis trauma prevention manager and coalition coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Sacramento. We review which car seats are appropriate for which ages, installation mistakes and how to ensure the safest possible ride every time for your most precious cargo. We also review bicycle and pedestrian safety tips.
We thank Jennifer Rubin for joining us on this episode of Kids Considered but Drs Lena & Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
In this 2-part podcast series we review food allergies. Part 1 reviews what food allergies are and what they are not. We highlight the most common allergens and how to recognize a food allergy. We also discuss testing and management of food allergies. In part 2 we are joined by Robyn Lao, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of a child with food allergies to discuss living with food allergies, parenting tips and some of the amazing advocacy work her family has been doing for people living with food allergies in California.
We would like to thank Robyn Huey Lao for joining us for this episode, and Dr. Erika Cherk - pediatric allergy immunology fellow for reviewing the content, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
In this 2-part podcast series we review food allergies. Part 1 reviews what food allergies are and what they are not. We highlight the most common allergens and how to recognize a food allergy. We also discuss testing and management of food allergies. In part 2 we are joined by Robyn Lao, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of a child with food allergies to discuss living with food allergies, parenting tips and some of the amazing advocacy work her family has been doing for people living with food allergies in California.
We would like to thank Robyn Huey Lao for joining us for this episode, and Dr. Erika Cherk - pediatric allergy immunology fellow for reviewing the content, although Drs. Lena and Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
This episode explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare and impacting kids and teens. In medicine, AI is already being used for triage, documentation, diagnostics, and translation. We review its role in pediatric medicine and also discuss how teens are using AI for everything and while it can enhance learning, it also raises concerns about over-reliance, misinformation, and data privacy. Listen in as we review what is likely just the beginning of this new and important technology.
In this episode we review a recent Journal of Pediatrics study on TikTok skin care trends among kids and teens. We review the findings that many young children are flocking to skin care products that are expensive, overly complicated, and filled with potentially irritating or allergenic ingredients. We also touch base with Pediatric dermatologist Dr. Smita Awasthi to bust common skin care myths and share safe, age-appropriate recommendations.
There have been numerous news stories and discussions about the dangers of cooking with gas stoves in the household. Is this a real concern? Or is this just nonsense, a nothingburger? In this episode, we take a closer look at the concerns about gas stoves and possible risks to children and other family members, and we will share our concerns and suggestions. So listen to see what we cook up!
This episode was written by Dr. Elizabeth Moore and Lena van der List
Cases of measles decreased >99% after introduction of measles vaccine in the 1960’s in the US. But in 2025, we’re seeing outbreaks of measles. Why is this occurring? Are vaccination rates high enough? Is measles dangerous? How effective is the vaccine? What about alternative preventive measures or treatments for measles? Listen to this episode as we cut through some of the measles misinformation that is circulating and discuss these questions and more.
Type 1 diabetes has been increasing in the US, affecting more families. If children are not treated appropriately, there is increased risk of several complications. We are joined by Pediatric Endocrinologist Dr. Lindsey Loomba-Albrecht to update us on type 1 diabetes and children, including why this occurs, when it is most common, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and advances in diabetes care. If someone in your family has type 1 diabetes, or you know a family affected, then listen to this episode!
This episode written by Drs. Loomba-Albrecht and Blumberg
We thank Dr. Lindsey Loomba-Albrecht, MD, Professor and Director of the Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship Program at UC Davis Children’s Hospital for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
Photo courtesy of Flushing Hospital Medical Center
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, exposing all of us through the water we drink, the food we eat, and even the air that we breathe. There is increasing evidence that microplastic exposure increases the risk of certain cancers, lung problems, and our endocrine function. These effects are even more concerning for growing children. What can we do about microplastics, and how can we protect our children? We are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Moore in this episode to discuss practical steps that parents can take to decrease our children’s microplastic exposure.
We thank Dr. Elizabeth Moore at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
Additional Resources:
Neck injuries are pretty common in children and may be scary since a significant injury may result in paralysis or loss of sensation. In this episode, we are joined by Pediatric Emergency Medicine specialist Dr. Julia Magaña to discuss common mechanisms of neck injury, how neck injuries are evaluated, when imaging such as x-rays or CT scans are appropriate, and treatment of minor injuries. Don’t let a pain in the neck stop you from listening to this episode!
This episode written by Drs. Magaña and Blumberg.
We thank Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Health for joining us for this episode.
Additional Resources:
Photo courtesy of Active Sport & Spine Therapy
Lead Exposure and Its Effects on Child Development
Although lead exposure in childhood is less common now than in the past, 3% of children in the US have elevated lead levels. And many parents may remember the numerous children exposed to lead relatively recently in Flint Michigan. Exposure to lead during childhood increases the risk for diminished intellectual and academic abilities, higher rates of neurobehavioral disorders and attention deficits, and lower birth weight in children. In this episode we discuss possible sources for lead exposure in childhood, routine screening for elevated lead levels, preventing lead exposure, and treatment of elevated lead levels.
This episode written by Drs. van der List and Blumberg
Additional resources:
Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma State Department of Health
Gun violence has surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death among children and teens in the US. What can we do to improve firearm safety to keep children safe from preventable injury and death? In this episode we are joined by Dr. Amy Barnhorst, director of the BulletPoints Project, to discuss the impact of gun violence on children including on their mental health, the media’s influence, and what families can do to improve firearm safety including safe gun storage.
We thank Dr. Amy Barnhorst, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis Health, Vice Chair of Community Mental Health, and Director of the BulletPoints Project, for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
Additional resources:
* The BulletPoints Project
Photo courtesy of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
Probiotics may theoretically benefit children’s microbiome. Although they are generally safe, is there evidence to show that they result in improved gut health for children? We are joined by Dr. Natasha Nakra in this episode to discuss both probiotics and prebiotics, and get to the bottom of making sure that your child has a happy and healthy microbiome.
We thank Dr. Natasha Nakra, Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
This episode written by Drs. Nakra, van der List and Blumberg.
It is not uncommon for newborns to have jaundice. This is due to elevated bilirubin, and may be a normal physiologic phenomenon. But if the bilirubin rises too high or too fast, this may pose a danger for the child. In this episode, we explain why jaundice occurs due to normal newborn bilirubin metabolism, what conditions may lead to increased risk of jaundice, how this is monitored, what are some of the consequences if this is not treated, and of course the common treatments and expected clinical course. So listen up as we shed some light on this subject!
This episode written by Drs. Lena van der List and Dean Blumberg.
We thank Dr. Christopher Kim, Medical Director Division of Pediatric Primary Care at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, for reviewing this episode, although Drs. Lena and Dean take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
Additional Resources:
Photo courtesy of Positive Parenting
Fluoride curious? Although fluoridated water and toothpaste have been around for years, recent public discussions regarding safety concerns may be confusing. In this episode, we will discuss why fluoride is important for healthy teeth, especially for children. How effective is fluoride? Can a child ingest too much? Does fluoride have any side effects? Does it affect IQ? Listen as we talk about these questions and more.
This episode written by Drs. Dean Blumberg and Lena van der List.
Additional Resources: