Pediatrics Now for Parents

In this episode of Pediatrics Now, host Holly Wayment interviews adolescent medicine specialist Dr. Jelina Castillo. They discuss how eating disorders are diagnosed, when they become medical emergencies, and why rates may be rising amid cultural pressures and weight bias. Dr. Castillo explains concerns around GLP‑1 medications, potential misuse by teens, and unknown long‑term effects. She offers practical advice on balanced nutrition, the importance of hydration and breakfast, and how sports pressure can lead to relative energy deficiency. The conversation includes guidance for parents on open communication and medication safety, plus a personal note on Dr. Castillo’s training and recent trip to Japan where she climbed Mt. Fuji.

In this episode Holly interviews Jim Brookshire, Clinical Director of the Cranial Remolding Program, about positional skull deformities in infants, helmet therapy, and how his research helped establish current treatment standards. They a major breakthrough: Medicaid coverage plus ideal timing (typically 4–6 months), helmet wear and care, common myths, and practical advice for parents.

Host Holly Wayment takes you right outside of the Operating Room after life changing surgery for a baby. Dr. Richard Thomson performs cleft lip and palate repair on an infant at University Hospital and explains why timing—lip around three months, palate before the baby starts speaking—is critical for feeding and long-term speech outcomes. The episode highlights the multidisciplinary follow-up (speech therapy, ENT, audiology, orthodontics), potential later procedures, and supportive programs like Fresh Start and Austin Smiles that help families access care.

Dr. Deena Sutter joins Pediatrics Now to explain the recent foodborne illness outbreaks. The episode offers practical guidance for families: how to rinse and handle produce, why pre-packaged salads and herbs can be riskier, precautions for immunocompromised children, and when to watch for recalls or seek care. Plus: what really worries her that some people ingest.

A recent case involving the death of a teenage cheerleader has prompted a review of energy drinks and cardiovascular risks for children and adolescents. These drinks are increasingly popular, sold in school vending machines, and many high schools now offer coffee bars, giving teens easy access to high-caffeine beverages. Host Holly Wayment talks to pediatric cardiologist Elaine Maldonado, who warns that high caffeine and stimulant intake can cause palpitations, fast heart rates, chest pain, and may worsen undiagnosed heart conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children should not consume energy drinks, and parents are encouraged to promote sleep, hydration, regular meals, exercise, and to seek urgent care for persistent rapid heart rate or chest pain.