HealthU Health U The Hackensack Meridian Health Podcast

In this episode we tackle a crucial yet often daunting subject: how to talk to your teen about sex. How old should they be? Where should you begin?With prom season upon us, it’s a reminder of how important it is to have these conversations with your child, and how you can empower them with the knowledge they need to make healthy and safe decisions when it comes to their bodies and relationships. Lauren Kackza-Weiss, D.O., child and adolescent fellowship program director and practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist, joins us for a candid and informative discussion on navigating the tricky waters of teen sexuality.

In this special edition episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jasmine, a young artist and mental health advocate, as she opens up about her battle with depression and self-harm. At just 14 years old, Jasmine faced unimaginable challenges, including multiple suicide attempts. Listen to her story of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of perseverance.



Our next episode will be part 2 of this special edition series. In that episode we will speak with Eric Alcera, M.D., psychiatrist and vice president and chief medical officer at Carrier Clinic. We’ll listen to clips from Jasmine’s story and get his perspective of a psychiatrist and as a father.



Trigger Warning*: The following episode contains discussions about suicide and self-harm. The information shared is one individual’s personal experience and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, medical diagnosis, treatment or care. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness or has suicidal thoughts, don't hesitate to reach out for help and dial 988 for the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or proceed to your local emergency room.

Growing your family is one of the greatest gifts that life has to offer. But growing your family can also bring some worries, how will this impact your firstborn, or the dynamic of your current crew? Are they going to be jealous of the new baby? What does this mean for our relationship? In this episode, child and adolescent fellowship program director and practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist, Lauren Kackza-Weiss, D.O. joins us to discuss the exciting yet sometimes challenging journey of introducing a new baby to older siblings.

Viral skincare trends have taken over social media by storm, and on almost every platform we see claims for the next “skincare hack” or quick fix to your skin concerns. Whether you’re a parent concerned about how skin products will affect your child’s adolescent skin, or a skincare enthusiast overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, we’re bringing you all things skincare. In this episode, we consult one of our dermatologists, Alexis Young, M.D., on some of the skincare trends that have emerged on social media including “Botox at home,” skincare routines among teens and young children, and of course - some of Dr. Young’s favorite study-supported skincare tips.

As parents, we’ve all been there – faced with a screaming, inconsolable little one, unsure of what to do next. Dealing with temper tantrums is stressful for both the parent and the child. This week’s episode is about navigating those challenging moments. Pediatric psychologist Brett Biller, Psy, D., shares how we, as parents, can keep our cool during these high-stress situations and how to support our children best to reach a calmer state.

For additional learning and support, join Dr. Biller's free online or in-person events, Positive & Productive Parenting Coaching Groups: https://events.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/positiveparents

It’s not unusual to hear people talk about a hernia — when organs push through weakened abdominal muscles. But how often do you hear people talk about pelvic organ prolapse? By the ages of 50 to 79, nearly half of all women have some degree of uterine, vaginal or pelvic organ prolapse. Urogynecologist James Ross, M.D. shares why prolapse occurs, the signs to look for, and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.