The Stuff that Matters for Kids' Health

What do we mean when we say “gut health”? And, what do we know about it in kids?- We talk with a GI doctor and a dietitian

We are learning so much in recent years about the way our GI tract impacts our overall health. In this episode Dr. Edith sits down with Columbia gastroenterologist Dr. Ali Mencin and New York Presbyterian dietitian Christine Hoyer to discuss what we mean when we say “gut health.” They discuss the concept of the first “1000 days” in childhood nutrition, what we know about the microbiome and its impact on our future risk for different illnesses, and practical strategies to promote gut health starting early in life. The content on this podcast is provided for general information only and should not be relied on as a substitute for any professional medical advice or treatment. The views shared on this show solely reflect the expertise and experience of the host and our guests.

Stimulating kids’ development- a chat with a very practical pediatrician

Are we putting too much pressure on ourselves and our kids when it comes to educational activities? Are we even, perhaps, overthinking it? Dr. Edith sits down with beloved developmental pediatrician Dr. Harriet McGurk to answer these questions and many more. Dr. McGurk recently retired from Columbia University Children’s Health but came out of retirement to bring perspective back into the parenting conversation. The content on this podcast is provided for general information only and should not be relied on as a substitute for any professional medical advice or treatment. The views shared on this show solely reflect the expertise and experience of the host and our guests.

Puberty is happening sooner- we discuss why and what we can do.

Dr. Aviva Sopher, endocrinologist at Columbia University Children’s Health, sits down to talk to Dr. Edith about the increase in rates of early puberty. They talk about why it’s happening, the signs that parents and doctors can look out for and the things we can all prevent. The content on this podcast is provided for general information only and should not be relied on as a substitute for any professional medical advice or treatment. The views shared on this show solely reflect the expertise and experience of the host and our guests.

Guiding tweens and teens on social media

Dr. Edith sits down to talk to Marina Catallozzi, chief health office at Barnard College and Vice Chair for Education in the department of pediatrics at Columbia University. In addition to her many roles, Dr. Catallozzi is a practicing adolescent medicine specialist and a mom of teens. She explains what is known about the ways social media can impact the adolescent brain, how to prepare tweens and teens for it, how to approach supervision on social media and more.  The content on this podcast is provided for general information only and should not be relied on as a substitute for any professional medical advice or treatment. The views shared on this show solely reflect the expertise and experience of the host and our guests.

What the mental health crisis looks like in the frontlines

Dr. Zachary Blumkin, psychologist and head of the psychiatry faculty practice at Columbia University, discusses what the mental health crisis for teens looks like in the frontlines, the complex factors that caused and have continued to worsen the crisis and what parents can do to both prevent mental health difficulties and help their teens when they arise. The content on this podcast is provided for general information only and should not be relied on as a substitute for any professional medical advice or treatment. The views shared on this show solely reflect the expertise and experience of the host and our guests.