Boston Children's Answers Parentcast Boston Children's Hospital

The rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled since the 1960s, and today obesity affects almost 20 percent of children. A variety of elements play a role in obesity — and sometimes eating healthy and leading an active lifestyle aren’t enough to counteract it.
Today, weight loss medications and even bariatric surgery are options for some children diagnosed with obesity. probably even seen commercials for popular weight loss drugs — but are they right for kids?

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold explores weight loss medications for children with Dr. Margaret Stefater Richards, a physician and researcher here at Boston Children's Division of Endocrinology. Together, they address questions such as:
• What causes obesity in kids?
• Does obesity impact a child’s psychosocial health?
• What are the potential long-term consequences if childhood obesity is not treated?
• What are the available treatment options for kids with obesity?
• Which medications can be used to help manage obesity in kids?
• How does a clinician decide which medication to prescribe?
• What are the potential side effects of weight loss medications?
• Is there a risk of regaining weight if kids stop taking the medication?
• Should patients with difficulty accessing these medicines through their doctors try dupes?

There are many factors to consider when deciding on the right treatment option for your child. We take all these factors into account when offering weight loss medications to eligible patients.

You anticipate and celebrate the big moments in your child's life – from their first steps to their high school graduation. But what about the less-obvious milestones, like the last trip to their pediatric doctor and their first visit to an adult provider? Lots of families don't think about these changes until they’re happening — which can lead to gaps in care. Fortunately, proactive planning can help make the transition smoother — especially for young people managing chronic health conditions.
In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses transitioning to adult care with Dr. Ahmet Uluer, director of Boston Children's BRIDGES Adult Transition Program and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program. Together, they explore the rationale behind transitioning and practical strategies for ensuring a seamless shift in health care providers, answering questions such as:
• Why do teens need help transitioning from pediatric to adult health care providers?
• What does "hybrid" or "co-production" of care entail?
• Why is it important to have a transition plan as your teen approaches adulthood?
• How do the areas of expertise differ between adult and pediatric health care providers?
• How does the Boston Children’s BRIDGES Adult Transition Program facilitate seamless transitions for patients to adult health care providers?
• What is the difference between a transition and a transfer?
• Where can parents look for a local care transition program?
• Why is empathy a crucial component for caregivers involved in the process of transitioning to adult health care providers?
• How do pediatric and adult care approaches differ, and why is this significant during the transition phase?
• What are some typical health conditions that prompt families to develop a transition plan from pediatric to adult health care for seamless health care management?
• When is the best time to transition care from pediatric to adult health care providers?
• Are there any signs that someone is ready to transition care to adult health care providers?
• What does the care transition process look like for families and patients?
• How does the transition from pediatric care to adult care contribute to the overall improvement of health care delivery?

Transitioning from pediatric to adult health care providers is just another milestone. Embracing it will empower your child to be confident entering the next phase of their health care journey.

Many people have heard of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but not everyone really understands it. The saying goes “If you’ve met one person with autism, then you’ve met one person with autism,” meaning that it presents itself in many different ways. In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses the nuances of ASD with Dr. Sarah Spence, a pediatric neurologist and co-director of Boston Children's Autism Spectrum Center.

Together, they answer questions such as:
• What is autism spectrum disorder ?
• What causes ASD?
• Is there any scientific evidence linking pediatric vaccines to ASD?
• What challenges do children or young adults with ASD often face?
• Is autisms becoming more common?
• Is ASD more prevalent in a particular gender?
• How is ASD diagnosed?
• At what age is autism typically diagnosed?
• What are the treatment options available for people with ASD?
• How can we foster a more inclusive environment for kids and adults with ASD?
• What are some common strengths observed in people with ASD?

While people with ASD may have some unique challenges compared with someone neurotypical, they may also have some unique strengths. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to receiving the support and accommodation they need to thrive.

Dental visits can be daunting for children, often causing fear and apprehension, which adults can also relate to. However, there are effective strategies available to parents and dentists to ease these anxieties and prepare children for their time in the dental chair.

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses how to alleviate dental anxiety with Dr. Elaine Smyth, a pediatric dentist at Boston Children's Department of Dentistry.

Together, they answer questions such as:
• Why is it important to visit the dentist regularly?
• At what age should kids start visiting the dentist?
• How often should kids visit the dentist?
• What are the risks of avoiding dental care?
• What factors should parents consider when choosing a dentist for their child?
• What are some common reasons kids fear visiting the dentist?
• How do dentists manage children's anxiety during dental visits?
• Are there specific populations for whom dental visits are more challenging?
• How do dentists address anxiety in these populations?
• Is sedation an option for children with significant dental anxiety?
• Until what age should parents help their child brush their teeth?

Oral health is important for overall health, so children should start early. If your child feels anxious about dental visits, discuss it with them openly. Then, consult their dentist to address and ease any worries they may have.

In a world filled with what people commonly call "kid food" – typically meaning highly processed and low nutrient options like boxed mac 'n cheese or chicken nuggets – it is important to help your kids establish healthy eating habits.

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses the importance of a balanced, nutritious diet with licensed clinical nutrition specialist Carolina Ruiz-Valenzuela.

Together, they answer questions such as:
• What is healthy eating?
• Why do people often avoid choosing a healthy diet?
• What are the health risks of an unbalanced diet?
• What is the glycemic index, and how can your family eat based on the glycemic index?
• What should we look for when choosing which carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to eat?
• What are the best ways to hydrate?
• How can parents tell if their child’s diet is off?

Remember, you are what you eat. Help your kids embrace a balanced diet, eat the correct portion size, and understand their hunger cues. When we instill this early on, we empower our kids to become lifelong healthy eaters.

Genes provide information/instructions that influence everything about you and your child, from the color of your eyes to the intricate functioning of your body. When a gene is missing or doesn’t work correctly, it can lead to various health issues. Enter gene therapy — a revolutionary technique that uses a person’s genes to treat or even cure diseases.
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Arnold talks with Dr. Christine Duncan, medical director of clinical research and clinical development, at Boston Children’s Gene Therapy Program. Together, they delve into the transformative impact of gene therapy on pediatric health care, especially in addressing rare diseases.
Explore key questions with them, such as:
• What are genetic mutations?
• How does gene therapy work?
• What makes gene therapy unique as a form of treatment?
• Which pediatric diseases have FDA approved gene therapies today?
• How does one learn if a gene therapy clinical trial exists for a specific condition?
• Is gene therapy considered a safe approach?
• What does the future of gene therapy look like?
Get ready for a fascinating journey into the world of gene therapy and its profound impact on the future of health care — especially for kids.