Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

When kids enter school-age years, you reach a new stage of parenthood. As fun as it can be to shop for the latest school supplies, it’s also the dawn of a new season—one in which your kids will face challenges you won’t be there to see, and perhaps most challengingly, solve. As parents, you want to say and do the right things to set them up for success, so our goal with this episode is to give you tools and resources to help your kids cope with the anxiety that stems from social and academic pressures in school. On this special first episode of Season 3, we’re joined by Jody Baumstein, a licensed mental health therapist from the Children’s Strong4life Team. In the early days of this podcast, Jody joined us for an episode that tackled the broad topic of anxiety, and you, our listeners, let us know you were thirsty for more, especially as it relates to school. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaX @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGAX @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

When a Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta helicopter flies overhead or a Children’s ambulance zooms past you, you know a child is in need of lifesaving care. Most of us are lucky enough to not know what it’s like on the other side of those doors. For those who have experienced being a passenger inside a Children’s transport vehicle, you know it’s a world where time stands still.  If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a crew member in one of our helicopters or ambulances, what happens behind the scenes after a call comes in, or what transpires after a transport vehicle arrives at one of our hospitals, this episode will answer all of those questions and more. On this special edition of Hope and Will, we’re joined by three members of the Children’s transport and trauma teams–Julie Espinosa, Krystal Harper and Rana Roberts–who share fascinating insight into what it takes to be ready to transport critically ill and injured kids every day of the year. We’re also joined by Dr. Jing Jing Wong Harris and Dr. Kevin Washington whose son was thrust into their care after suffering a head injury while riding an electric scooter. Together, the parents discuss their gripping experience from the back of a Children’s ambulance to critical moments in a trauma bay. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Remember when hoverboards dominated headlines? The skateboard-like toys quickly became popular around the holidays in 2015 and, just as quickly, started landing kids in hospitals with injuries.  While hoverboards got a lot of attention, there are other ride-on toys—ones that might be in your driveway or garage right now—that regularly land kids in our hospitals and urgent cares, with injuries ranging from minor scrapes and gashes all the way up to serious head injuries. Toys like scooters, mopeds, bicycles and, yes, most especially ATVs and golf carts. As the weather warms and families head back outside, this episode seeks to equip you with tips to help keep your family safe and out of our hospital halls.  With golf carts rising in popularity as a convenient way to commute around neighborhoods and short distances, we open with a story of a family who had used their golf cart daily for years before one quick tap on the brakes resulted in a harrowing flight on our emergency transport helicopter.  Whether your kids are just now starting to use a balance bike or regularly grabbing the golf cart keys on their own, this episode has something for you. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGATwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Every time an athlete heads out to a practice or a game, there’s risk for injury. As kids play more frequently and advance to more competitive teams, that risk increases.From tee-ball to swimming to varsity football, the good news is that no matter the age of your child or their preferred sport, there are lots of things you can do to help prevent injuries.In this episode, we open with the personal story of a stand-out high school athlete who was sidelined not once but twice by an ACL tear. We also hear from her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Crystal Perkins, who serves as Medical Director of Orthopedic Quality and Outcomes at Children’s. An athlete herself, Dr. Perkins knows what it’s like to be taken out of the game you love and why it’s so important to do everything possible to prevent injury.Dr. Perkins tackles parents’ frequently asked questions, such as:Should kids specialize in a single sport early on to increase chances for playing at a collegiate level?What are the most common injuries we see in kids?Are athletes in certain sports more prone to injuries?Do some conditions affect girls more than boys and vice versa?Listeners will leave the episode with increased understanding of the most common risks associated with each sport. You’ll also learn why a pediatric sports medicine program dedicated to growing athletes gives your child the best chance at full recovery should the unfortunate happen. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Arthur M. Blank Hospital will open Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at the site of our expanded North Druid Hills campus. If you’ve driven on I-85 or North Druid Hills Road in the past few years, you’ve likely caught a glimpse of its rise. This 19-story, 2 million-square-foot facility is generating lots of buzz with its fleet of robots, cutting-edge technology, more than 20 acres of greenspace, and a slew of fun—and practical—amenities for families.If you’ve ever looked at a large-scale construction site and wondered what went into making such an undertaking possible, this conversation will shine a light on what it takes to take a sapling of an idea and translate it into something really, really big. Whether you’ve walked our halls as a patient family, you wear an employee badge or you’re a Georgia parent curious about how this new facility may support your family in the future, these are 45 minutes you don’t want to miss.   For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Perfectionism. It’s a word that, as a society, we tend to hold in high regard. We associate it with people who are overachievers and have high standards. These individuals appear to have it all together and never seem to make mistakes. All great attributes, right?The challenge is when the standards become unrealistic. Perfectionism is a personality trait in which someone has unreasonably high standards, tends to be overly critical of themselves and fears failure.This episode opens with candid insight from Andy who works as a project manager for our finance team. From a young age, he was driven to excel in the classroom and on the soccer field. From the outside looking in, Andy had it all. He had great relationships with family and friends, he was excelling in his studies at the University of Georgia, and he played on his college soccer team. Meanwhile, he was silently struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide. Thankfully, Andy decided to speak up and ask for help.For Andy, having parents who actively listened and provided a safe, open space to share his feelings made all the difference.The discussion also features tips and insights from Jody Baumstein, a licensed therapist with our Strong4Life team who has a gift for helping families navigate conversations about mental and behavioral health.If you suspect your child—no matter their age—is showing perfectionist tendencies, this is an episode not to miss. Any thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously. Call or text 988 if you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide, self-harm or any mental health crisis. You can also chat or text for support by downloading the MyGCAL app in the App Store or on Google Play. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.To learn more about Andy and his story check out this video: Stories of Resilience: How Listening Made All the DifferenceFollow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGATwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

This episode explores the No. 1 topic requested by our listeners: screen time. You might know it as the ultimate love-hate relationship of parenting.  No matter what your thoughts were about screens and electronics before you had kids, they’re an inevitable part of our daily lives. From babies to teens, navigating screen time conversations and setting healthy boundaries can be tricky. The episode opens with a roundtable discussion with moms of kids who range in age from 2 to 14. From withdrawal symptoms to the peer pressures driving phone purchases, they offer raw—and relatable—insight into challenges caused by screens big and small.     We then welcome Stan Sonu, MD, MPH, a pediatrician who serves as our Medical Director for Child Advocacy, to help parents better understand the “why” behind screen time recommendations. He shares tips and resources for maximizing screen time to benefit children academically and emotionally, as well as insight into how screens disrupt brain chemistry and affect our emotional wellness. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGATwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

For this episode, we have the honor of being joined by two leaders from Marcus Autism Center who are internationally recognized for thought leadership in the world of autism: Drs. Ami Klin and Warren Jones. They recently published groundbreaking research that stands to change how and when kids are diagnosed with autism by measuring a child's looking behavior. They'll explain what this new technology means for families, as well as why early diagnosis is so important for kids with autism. To kick things off, we hear from Renee Britt, a mom whose son was diagnosed at age 3.By the end of the episode, you'll have a better understanding of what autism is, behaviors parents should watch for if they suspect their child might have autism, and why early diagnosis is a game changer. If you suspect a child you know might be on the spectrum, this conversation is not to be missed. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

If parenting had a secret menu, these conditions could get top billing: febrile seizures, nursemaid’s elbow, toxic synovitis, pneumonia, impetigo. These conditions often fly under parental radars—until their sudden arrival sends parents into panic mode. Having a general understanding of these conditions can go a long way in making you feel more prepared as a parent.For this eye-opening episode, we start with a personal story from a mom who was home alone with her kids when her toddler suffered a minutes-long febrile seizure. We then shift to an insightful conversation with Dr. Jim Fortenberry, our beloved Chief Medical Officer, who discusses common but not often talked about conditions kids can experience from infancy through teenage years. You’ll leave the conversation with insight to help you power through such scenarios with more confidence.   For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

When newsworthy events happen in the world, kids need help making sense of it all. While you may not have all the answers to their questions (and that’s OK!), there are guiding principles you can follow that help with any type of difficult conversation.  On this episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, host Lynn Smith chats with licensed mental health therapist from the Children’s Strong4Life team, Jody Baumstein, to discuss what you can do when your child is looking at you with big eyes, expecting you to answer some of life’s toughest and most complex questions. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts. Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGATwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Few things are more intimidating to a new parent than buckling a baby into their car seat for the first time. Then you blink and that same child is pressuring you to retire the booster seat—or even sit in the front seat—to be more like their friends. Whether moving from rear-facing to front-facing, graduating from a booster seat to no seat, or moving from the backseat to the front seat, it’s often tempting to progress to the next phase of car passenger riding just a little early or just this once. On this episode, we’re joined by two guests whose stories will give you confidence to stand your ground. Deanna Lundin was wrapping up a work day when four of her kids were passengers in a serious accident just around the corner from their home. April Dorsett is a pediatric nurse who leads the Safe Kids coalition in Athens and enjoys being a go-to child passenger safety resource for organizations throughout Georgia. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for child passenger safety laws and better understanding of how to access free resources to help you feel more confident about the choices you make for your family.For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGATwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

In January 2022, Erin Harlow-Parker and her family were thrust into headlines when her husband, Jeff Parker, died by suicide. At the time, Jeff was the CEO of MARTA, a well-respected businessman, father, partner and friend. He had been married to Erin for more than 30 years. Erin, an advanced practice registered nurse specializing in pediatric mental health and beloved member of the Children’s Strong4Life team, shares her family's story as part of her and her daughters’ crusade to talk openly about mental health, mental illness and suicide.The Parkers hope listeners will leave the episode:Understanding that suicide can happen to any family.Encouraged to stop seeing feelings of sadness, anger and anxiety as a sign of weakness.Empowered to talk openly about both mental health and mental illness. The only way to reduce the stigma related to mental illness is to talk about it and not see it as someone’s fault.Inspired to use Strong4Life’s Raising Resilience tips and tools to proactively build resilience in kids, starting at birth.For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGATwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

For families affected by food allergies, every school drop-off is laced with anxiety: Will today be the day my child goes into anaphylactic shock without me there to protect them? In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Goldberg, whose daughter Julia suffers from life-threatening food allergies, as well as Dr. Brian Vickery, Children’s Chief of Allergy and Immunology and leader of our Food Allergy Program. Susan shares her experience of living in fear of a single bite of a well-intended snack, and Dr. Vickery discusses exciting developments in the world of oral immunotherapy. Later on, we hear from Katherine Shary, a dietitian from our Strong4Life team, who offers tips for packing snacks and lunches when nuts aren’t an option.  For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGATwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

As we close our first season and head into a brief summer hiatus, we leave you with an unforgettable conversation: never-before-told stories about our furry fleet of facility dogs. As you may or may not know, a team of innovators right here at Children’s pioneered the first facility dog program ever at a stand-alone pediatric hospital.In this episode, you’ll learn what it takes to become a facility dog, as well as the impact dogs can make on sick and injured kids—from helping to reduce the need for sedation to providing comfort after trauma. Buckle up. You’re about to laugh, cry—and hear stories sure to stay with you for a lifetime. Whether you’re a dog lover or someone thirsty for stories that soothe the soul, this is one you don’t want to miss. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow our facility dogs: Instagram @therapydogsofchoaFacebook @TherapyDogsOfCHOACreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.org

We know: You probably don’t want to read the word s-n-a-k-e-s, let alone listen to a podcast about them. But if you live in Georgia and your family spends time outside, this is worth a listen. Andrea Childers’ kids were playing basketball in their driveway when a loose ball riled up a hidden copperhead. Her then-6-year-old son, Zander, was bitten on his forearm. Andrea joins us to discuss the changes they’ve since made to their yard to help protect their kids. We also hear from Dr. Maneesha Agarwal, an emergency medicine physician, who shares tips for helping to reduce the chance of a snake bite. Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGACreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

For their family’s spring break, Julvonnia McDowell and her husband drove their sons to Savannah, Ga., to spend time with family. Four days into their trip, she received a terrifying phone call from her oldest son: His little brother had been shot. A cousin had found a loaded gun hidden in a clothes drawer. Assuming it was empty, he unintentionally fired it, sending a bullet into his cousin’s chest. In an instant, their family of four became a family of three. Today, she’s on a mission to empower parents to not shy away from asking others about the potential presence of unsecured firearms. We’ll also hear from Dr. Kiesha Fraser Doh, a Children’s emergency medicine physician, who’s cared for many children unintentionally injured by unsecured guns—often at the hands of other children. Learn what you can do to avoid experiencing the same heartbreak as Julvonnia and so many other parents.Access our Strong4Life team’s firearm safety resourcesLearn more about the McDowell family’s story.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGACreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Harry Miller seemed to have it all: a 4.0 GPA, a full athletic scholarship to Ohio State University and a promising career as a football star. Beneath the picture-perfect surface, the former Buford High School valedictorian couldn’t shake the urge to take his own life. In 2022, he turned in his jersey, took his story public and became an overnight advocate for mental health. In this emotional episode, Harry and his mom, Kristina, share how they teamed up to work through the most challenging days of their lives and why they’re so passionate about Harry’s “don’t make it weird” mantra. Following the Millers’ testimony, Jody Baumstein, a licensed mental health therapist from our Strong4Life team, joins us for a powerful discussion about depression, suicide and how to support the mental health of all kids—including those who might appear to be thriving.Access Raising Resilience resources from Strong4Life.Learn more about this episode’s guests.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlFollow Strong4Life:Instagram @wearestrong4lifeFacebook @S4LGACreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Shortly after running up a flight of stairs, 13-year-old Collin suffered cardiac arrest at school. Now his parents are on a mission to ensure that other schools and youth-minded organizations are equipped with the resources that helped save their son. Collin and his mom, Meghann, join us to share harrowing details from the day that changed their family forever. We then talk to Dr. Robert Whitehill, pediatric cardiologist and medical director of Project S.A.V.E., about how CPR and automated external defibrillators, commonly known as AEDs, can make all the difference during a sudden cardiac event on the field, in the classroom or out in a community. As this episode’s clinical guest, Dr. Whitehill offers insight into:What can cause cardiac arrest in children and teens.How some at-risk patients may be identified.Skills to prepare you to help someone in a moment of need.Resources to support your child’s school and sports programs in developing emergency action plans.For more about Project S.A.V.E., visit www.choa.org/ProjectSAVE.For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

Is your family getting clobbered by back-to-back illnesses? Dr. Andi Shane, our Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, discusses the mechanics behind high volumes of infections in our communities. She’ll share top places germs love to hide, and leave you with clear tips to try to keep those germs at bay. Should illness make its way into your home, Dr. Preeti Jaggi, our Director of Antibiotic Stewardship, then talks us through the role antibiotics play—or don’t play—in treating common childhood illnesses. She’ll discuss the recent antibiotic shortage, how clinicians decide when to use antibiotics and why it’s important to finish prescribed dosing even after symptoms have subsided. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.

When a child is sick, we yearn to do something—anything—to support the child and their family.Lex had just started fifth grade when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He and his mom, Ashley, join us to answer questions we’re often timid to ask of those on a medical journey. Should you visit in person, pick up the phone or send a card? What are the best gifts to receive in the hospital? What’s a good frequency for a meal train? What do affected siblings need most? Their insight will help you shift from asking, “How can I help?” to having a go-to bank of ideas to support families in times of need. Whether you’re wanting to support someone in your community, seeking insight for your own journey or craving an inspiring story featuring a formidable mom-son duo, this insightful episode is chock full of outside-the-box ideas you don’t want to miss. For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.Follow Children’s:Instagram @childrensatlFacebook @ChildrensHealthcareofAtlantaTwitter @childrensatlCreated by Children’s Healthcare of Atlantawww.choa.orgThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.