The Children's Wellness Spot

Let’s Talk: Supporting Middle School Girls Through Stress and Isolation

Send a text or comment [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2023525/open_sms] You want to bottle them up and send them from elementary school straight to high school graduation because let’s face it, middle and some parts of high school are really emotionally difficult for girls. May is Mental health Awareness Month, a month where we continue or begin for some, the conversations about the importance of caring for our mental health. In this episode Dr. Virgil discusses the challenges faced by middle and high school girls in their friendships, connections, isolation and the impact on depression and suicide.  She gives helpful tips for parents, acknowledging loneliness, helping teens with difficult friendships, begin a dialogue on mental health wellness with your teen that can last all year long.  Listen in and let’s talk!   The 5 C’s of mental health  Connection, Compassion, Coping, Community, and Caring. https://247dct.org/what-are-the-5-cs-of-mental-health/#:~:text=The%205%20C's%20of%20mental%20health%E2%80%94Connection%2C%20Compassion%2C%20Coping,our%20overall%20quality%20of%20life. [https://247dct.org/what-are-the-5-cs-of-mental-health/#:~:text=The%205%20C's%20of%20mental%20health%E2%80%94Connection%2C%20Compassion%2C%20Coping,our%20overall%20quality%20of%20life.] *this is not a substitute for care from your provider* *If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or considering thoughts of suicide, please seek immediate care from a local provider* Girls Mental Health  https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/girls-are-struggling-with-their-mental-health-heres-what [https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/girls-are-struggling-with-their-mental-health-heres-what] Mental Health Statistics https://compasshealthcenter.net/blog/teen-mental-health-statistics/ [https://compasshealthcenter.net/blog/teen-mental-health-statistics/]

Let’s Talk: The Mental Load of Mothers and “The Village”

Send a text or comment [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2023525/open_sms] Motherhood is stressful for so many at different times in their parenting journey. Many mothers battle with the hidden signs of stress and overwhelm. They feel the need to be perfect and joyful in public but are drowning under the mental load of carrying so much for their children. Especially mothers who feel like they don’t have support from family or friends and are doing it all on their own. In this episode, Dr. Virgil discusses the mental load of motherhood. She asks the important question, where is the village/community? She gives some practical tips of encouragement for mothers to build a village/community around them and their children.  Listen in and let’s chat!   Depleted Mother Syndrome (DMS)/Maternal Burnout Syndrome describes the experience of a mother feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted due to the overwhelming demands of parenting.  *this is not a substitute for care from your provider* *If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or considering thoughts of suicide, please seek immediate care from a local provider* Links: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/depleted-mother-syndrome-and-mom-burnout#:~:text=%E2%80%9DDepleted%20mother%20syndrome%E2%80%9D%20isn',decision%2Dmaking%2C%E2%80%9D%20Dr [https://health.clevelandclinic.org/depleted-mother-syndrome-and-mom-burnout#:~:text=%E2%80%9DDepleted%20mother%20syndrome%E2%80%9D%20isn',decision%2Dmaking%2C%E2%80%9D%20Dr] https://www.parents.com/depleted-mother-syndrome-8717198#:~:text=Depleted%20mother%20syndrome%20(or%20maternal,caregivers%20and%20%22default%20parents.%22 [https://www.parents.com/depleted-mother-syndrome-8717198#:~:text=Depleted%20mother%20syndrome%20(or%20maternal,caregivers%20and%20%22default%20parents.%22] ***Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a new episode!*** Have comments or want to chat? Reach out to Dr. V and let’s connect! The Children’s Wellness Spot Instagram: @themommydoc1 Email The Children’s Wellness Spot @themommydoc1@gmail.com

Let’s Talk: Part 2: Battling Health Misinformation Childhood Vaccine Fears?

Send a text or comment [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2023525/open_sms] Recently, there's been a surge in awareness about vaccines, sparking important conversations among parents. As they seek answers, some are left wondering: should they be concerned? What are the current challenges surrounding childhood vaccines? Can we work together to address the uncertainty and misinformation that's driving distrust? What can we learn from the unknowns, such as the causes of Autism? By exploring these questions, we can empower ourselves and our communities to make informed decisions. Listen in and let’s chat! Grab a cup of coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and settle in for another great conversation with Dr. Bande Virgil, also known as Dr. V, a board-certified pediatrician and parent, as she shares valuable easy to understand insight on your kids' health, teens' well-being, and ways to nurture your family.  *this is not a substitute for care from your child’s provider* ***Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a new episode! Have comments or want to chat? Reach out to Dr. V : The Children’s Wellness Spot Instagram: @themommydoc1 Email The Children’s Wellness Spot @themommydoc1@gmail.com  Additional reliable resources:  Reliable American Academy of Pediatrics Source on Vaccines https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Weighing-the-Risks-and-Benefits.aspx [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Weighing-the-Risks-and-Benefits.aspx] CDC childhood vaccine standard schedule: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf [https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf] Previous episode on the challenge of misinformation:   Battling Kids Health Misinformation:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-childrens-wellness-spot/id1636075037?i=1000690075400 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-childrens-wellness-spot/id1636075037?i=1000690075400]

Let’s Talk: Easing Extreme Weather Anxiety in Kids

Send a text or comment [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2023525/open_sms] The news frequently highlights extreme weather events. In response to the recent devastating tornados in the South and Midwest, Dr. Virgil examines the effects of extreme weather on children in this episode. Parents are seeking advice on alleviating their children's storm-related fears. What strategies can you employ to help your child feel more secure during storms? Engage in this empowering conversation over a cup of coffee or tea and let’s chat! If storms have affected your family, don't forget to get help for your child. This data from JAMA on youth after experiencing Hurricane Maria is eye opening!  Youth reported high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder and symptoms of depression after Hurricane Maria. A survey of more than 90,000 students found that over 80% saw houses damaged, over 45% experienced damage to their own homes, nearly 30% thought their lives were at risk, and over 15% had no electricity for five to nine months after the hurricane. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2731679 [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2731679] Stormy anxiety symptoms that are concerning that your child should receive help for: https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/how-to-help-your-child-with-storm-anxiety [https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/how-to-help-your-child-with-storm-anxiety] -Changes in sleep habits -Nightmares -Bedwetting or toilet accidents -Irritability and difficulty concentrating -Unexplained physical complaints such as headaches and stomach aches -Refusal to leave home or to separate for any length of time from you due to storm anxiety Feel free to connect and share your experiences via following me on Instagram at: themommydoc1  Email: The Children’s Wellness Spot Podcast at themommydoc1@gmail.com

Let’s Talk: Engaging Your Kids in Women's History

Send a text or comment [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2023525/open_sms] Why is it crucial for kids to learn about women's history? Can it empower them to challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive future? Dr. Virgil explores these questions in a timely conversation about Women's History, highlighting a remarkable woman who paved the way for future generations. She offers three practical strategies for incorporating women's history into your kids' and teens' lives, emphasizing its potential to inspire purpose, emotional well-being, and positive change. So pull up a seat and let’s talk! The Kids Guide: Celebrate Women’s History Month https://thekidsguide.com/celebrate-womens-history-month-with-the-kids-guide/ [https://thekidsguide.com/celebrate-womens-history-month-with-the-kids-guide/] 15 Books to Celebrate Women’s History Month for Kids https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/childrens-books-to-celebrate-womens-history-month [https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/childrens-books-to-celebrate-womens-history-month] I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-know-why-the-caged-bird-sings-maya-angelou/1100392955;jsessionid=57221BA98D9D898CFC7002B730E3E758.prodny_store01-atgap15?ean=9780812980028 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-know-why-the-caged-bird-sings-maya-angelou/1100392955;jsessionid=57221BA98D9D898CFC7002B730E3E758.prodny_store01-atgap15?ean=9780812980028] Women’s History Month Activities, Spreadsheets and More! https://kidskonnect.com/articles/womens-history-month-for-kids/ [https://kidskonnect.com/articles/womens-history-month-for-kids/] Feel free to connect and share your experiences via following me on Instagram at: themommydoc1  Email: The Children’s Wellness Spot Podcast at themommydoc1@gmail.com