Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, occurring in about 1% of all people. In this episode, pediatric cardiologist Dr. Camden Hebson describes some of the types of congenital heart disease and explains how screening and technological advances are helping.

An Overview of Congenital Heart Disease

Antimicrobial resistance—when bacteria develop a way to render antibiotics ineffective—has become a growing concern in the world of medicine over the last several decades. Pediatric infectious disease doctor Shannon Ross, M.D., explains the effects it can have and what parents need to know.

Antibiotics and the Effects of Antimicrobial Resistance

The ketogenic diet is more than just a popular way to lose weight; it can also help children who have epilepsy. Two experts from Children's of Alabama explain the diet's history and how it works.

How the Ketogenic Diet Can Help Kids With Epilepsy

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. In this episode, a former sickle cell disease patient at Children's of Alabama interviews his former Children’s doctor to reflect on his battle with sickle cell disease and how the doctor empowered him to advocate for his care and create his own success story.

A first-Person Perspective on Managing Sickle Cell Disease

"The developing brain of a teen is basically rewired when it comes in contact with nicotine." That's according to nationally certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist Robin Geurs. In this episode, she explains the impact vaping has on a teen's body and brain, and how parents can prevent vaping or help teens who already are vaping.

The Dangers of Vaping and the Difference Parents Can Make

In early December 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory citing an urgent need to address the mental health crisis among the country’s youth. Many children and teens were then and still are struggling with mental health issues. Some of the problems stem from the coronavirus pandemic, but many predate that. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Marullo explains the many reasons for this crisis, and what parents need to know.

How Parents Can Help Their Kids Navigate The Mental Health Crisis

Human trafficking has been a problem for a long time, but in recent years, experts have changed the way they handle human trafficking cases. Deb Schneider, a licensed social worker at Children’s of Alabama, explains this change and the difference it has made for victims of human trafficking. She also explains how to identify a possible human trafficking victim, and how a center a Children’s is providing hope for victims of all types of abuse.

Helping Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Types of Child Abuse

Each year, the Alabama Poison Information Center (APIC) receives thousands of calls from parents and health care providers with questions about everything from drug interactions to possible poison exposures to snake bites. Registered nurses and pharmacists trained in toxicology are available 24 hours a day to answer these questions. In this episode, Becky DeVore, a nurse educator with the APIC, explains the role of the center and how parents can protect their kids from some of the most common medication errors.

Poison Expert Shares Tips For Medication Safety

Tetralogy of Fallot is a heart defect that usually requires open-heart surgery. But thanks to a new device called the Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve, many patients can have their hearts repaired without an open-heart procedure. Children's of Alabama pediatric cardiologist Dr. William McMahon was among the first doctors in the Southeast to perform a procedure with the Harmony valve. In this episode, he explains how this new device helps patients.

How a New Device Offers a Less Invasive Alternative to Open-Heart Surgery

Since early November, many children ages 5 to 11 have received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. But before this could happen, Pfizer had to test the vaccine in a trial. Children's of Alabama pediatric hospitalist Dr. Erinn Schmit entered her son in that trial. She explains why she wanted to have him participate and what it means to her family to play a role in this process.

Doctor Shares Her Child's Experience With The Pfizer Vaccine Trial

A weekly podcast from Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Inside Pediatrics is a free monthly podcast series featuring specialists at Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Episodes cover topics related to child health and wellness, research and treatment, and frequently complement articles appearing in Inside Pediatrics magazine.

A weekly podcast from Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Inside Pediatrics is a free monthly podcast series featuring specialists at Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Episodes cover topics related to child health and wellness, research and treatment, and frequently complement articles appearing in Inside Pediatrics magazine.

Inside Pediatrics

Vape shops selling electronic cigarettes are popping up in strip malls all over the U.S. The colorful, flavored liquid is being marketing to tweens and teens. But what’s really in that liquid? Is it “safer” than traditional cigarettes? What are the dangers, and what can parents tell their children about e-cigarettes that the manufacturers won’t?

Vaping and E-cigarettes: What Every Parent Should Know

When a child complains about words “swimming” on the page of a book or feeling dizzy when they stand up or walk down the stairs, it could be a vestibular problem happening deep within the inner ear. Traditionally these vestibular and balance disorders have been a challenge to diagnose. Until now. New testing equipment can help pinpoint the problem and help therapists customize treatment for the patient. Having audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, rehabilitation medicine and otolaryngology (ENT) all under one roof, communicating with each other, makes for a unique program found at very few hospitals in the United States. Improving outcomes is the goal, and Children’s of Alabama’s team approach to vestibular and balance disorders can do just that.

When a child complains about words “swimming” on the page of a book or feeling dizzy when they stand up or walk down the stairs, it could be a vestibular problem happening deep within the inner ear. Traditionally these vestibular and balance disorders have been a challenge to diagnose. Until now. New testing equipment can help pinpoint the problem and help therapists customize treatment for the patient. Having audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, rehabilitation medicine and otolaryngology (ENT) all under one roof, communicating with each other, makes for a unique program found at very few hospitals in the United States. Improving outcomes is the goal, and Children’s of Alabama’s team approach to vestibular and balance disorders can do just that.

Restoring Balance: Improving Treatment for Vestibular Disorders

The PIRC (Psychiatric Intake Response Center) at Children's is one-year strong, and has helped hundreds of callers in Alabama navigate the mental health system for children and teens. Born out of the need for guidance and direction when access to care can be a challenge, the PIRC is staffed by licensed counselors trained to help triage a caller's situation and recommend the next step. The staff has access to a database of mental health professionals in a five-county area (and beyond), and is available seven days a week. While it is not a suicide or crisis hotline, the PIRC can provide support and education, safety planning for current or future crises and resources. 205.638.PIRC (7472)

Perks of the PIRC -  Psychiatric Intake Response Center at Children's

When in doubt, check it out! The Regional Poison Control Center (RPCC) in Alabama is celebrating its 60th anniversary. As one of the oldest operating poison centers in the nation, specially trained pharmacists and nurses staff the toll free number 24/7, 365 days a year. Director Ann Slattery, DrPH, RN, RPh, DABAT shares helpful tips for parents and caregivers to avoid a trip to the emergency room.Toll free: 1-800-222-1222 website: www.ChildrensAL.org/RPCC

When in doubt, check it out! The Regional Poison Control Center (RPCC) in Alabama is celebrating its 60th anniversary. As one of the oldest operating poison centers in the nation, specially trained pharmacists and nurses staff the toll free number 24/7, 365 days a year. Director Ann Slattery, DrPH, RN, RPh, DABAT shares helpful tips for parents and caregivers to avoid a trip to the emergency room. Toll free: 1-800-222-1222 website: <a href="http://www.childrensal.org/RPCC" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.ChildrensAL.org/RPCC</a>

Regional Poison Control Center Celebrates 60 Years

Contrary to popular belief, talking about suicide doesn’t make teenagers more apt to attempt suicide. An open dialogue can help tweens and teens work through some of their toughest moments and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Pediatric psychologist Dr. Dan Marullo shares how to recognize depression, how to raise a more resilient child and how important role models can be. Let’s get rid of the stigma and treat mental health issues for what they are – physical illnesses that can be treated and overcome. www.childrensal.org/behavioral-health

Contrary to popular belief, talking about suicide doesn’t make teenagers more apt to attempt suicide. An open dialogue can help tweens and teens work through some of their toughest moments and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Pediatric psychologist Dr. Dan Marullo shares how to recognize depression, how to raise a more resilient child and how important role models can be. Let’s get rid of the stigma and treat mental health issues for what they are – physical illnesses that can be treated and overcome. <a href="https://www.childrensal.org/behavioral-health" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.childrensal.org/behavioral-health</a>

Suicide and Depression – Let’s Talk About It!

For a child on the heart transplant list, the wait can be from several weeks, to several months. The Pediatric Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant team at Children's of Alabama is dedicated to keeping the blood pumping and keeping children healthy until a donor arrives. Once a new heart is transplanted, our team boasts a 97 percent survival rate – well over the national rate of 90.2 percent. The experience, cohesiveness and stability of the transplant team are credited with giving children not only a new heart, but a new life.

Heart of The Matter

September is National Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Dr. Kim Whelan talks about the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, and its impact on patient care in the state of Alabama and across the country. Together, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Children's of Alabama are one of only 19 sites nationwide to participate in the Children's Oncology Group phase one and two consortium which allows our families to have access to the newest drugs and promising clinical trials without having to travel out of state. Each year, more than 1,500 children come to our center for care, and more than 300 dedicated pediatric healthcare professionals provide exceptional patient care, education and research. We are committed to finding a cure for all children – down the street and around the world.

September is Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month

During the month of February, we celebrate Heart Month at Children’s of Alabama by highlighting advancements in care and technology at the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama. This partnership between Children’s and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) brings together more than 250 team members who focus solely on the care of children with heart disease. From the time a baby is diagnosed, even before birth, a plan for that child’s care is developed. As Division Director of Pediatric Cardiology, Dr. Yung Lau and his team follow patients from birth until the transition to adult care. Recent partnerships and advancements in technology help to save lives in schools, monitor patients from afar and operate using less-invasive techniques.

During the month of February, we celebrate Heart Month at Children’s of Alabama by highlighting advancements in care and technology at the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama. This partnership between Children’s and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) brings together more than 250 team members who focus solely on the care of children with heart disease. From the time a baby is diagnosed, even before birth, a plan for that child’s care is developed. As Division Director of Pediatric Cardiology, Dr. Yung Lau and his team follow patients from birth until the transition to adult care. Recent partnerships and advancements in technology help to save lives in schools, monitor patients from afar and operate using less-invasive techniques.

Heart Month Highlights Advancements in Technology & Family-Centered Care

Children's Hospital of Alabama's unique partnership with Lakeshore Foundation includes a new facility on the Lakeshore campus. The extension of services for patients offers physician care provided by the UAB Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine and therapy provided by Children's of Alabama's physical, occupational, and speech therapists. The added benefit is a physical connection and an inspiring way for patients who qualify to connect with sports, fitness, recreation, and healthy living activities and events provided by Lakeshore Foundation.

Unique Partnership Gives Hope, Expands Services to Lakeshore Foundation Campus

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating stress in individuals of all ages. Children can be particularly fearful, as they may not fully comprehend what is happening. Nina Reynolds, PhD, provides tips for parents on mitigating anxiety and stress, as well as strategies for managing all the time both parents and children are forced to spend at home.Please visit these additional resources for more information:https://www.childrensal.org/PIRChttps://www.childrensal.org/behavioral-health

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating stress in individuals of all ages. Children can be particularly fearful, as they may not fully comprehend what is happening. Nina Reynolds, PhD, provides tips for parents on mitigating anxiety and stress, as well as strategies for managing all the time both parents and children are forced to spend at home. Please visit these additional resources for more information: <a href="https://www.childrensal.org/PIRC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.childrensal.org/PIRC </a><a href="https://www.childrensal.org/PIRC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.childrensal.org/behavioral-health" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.childrensal.org/behavioral-health</a>

Coping with COVID-19 at Home

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