Game on! Host Bo McMillian sits down with Child Life Specialist Matt Flynn on the latest episode of the Young & Healthy Podcast to talk about video games, screen time and healthy gaming habits. They talk about the game worlds kids love and balancing them with the real world.

Matt explains the difference between passive scrolling on TikTok and active video gaming. He also shares his thoughts on how electronics and games can both support and challenge childhood development. Spoiler, there are skills kids can learn from gaming that can be applied to real-life situations.

Listeners will learn how to keep their kids safe in online gaming and make sure that their children are connecting instead of isolating themselves. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or gamer, this episode offers practical insights on screen time, healthy gaming habits, and childhood growth. Power up, grab a seat and dive in for an insightful conversation.

Resources:

To learn more about Child Life at Cincinnati Children’s, visit Child Life | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

To learn more about game ratings, visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website ESRB Ratings | Entertainment Software Rating Board

For other media and entertainment information to keep your family up to date on all things media, visit the following websites:

Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families | Common Sense Media

TechCrunch | Startup and Technology News

WIRED - The Latest in Technology, Science, Culture and Business | WIRED

Chapter Markers:

00:00:53 – What is a Child Life Specialist?

00:02:31 – Is There a Difference Between Scrolling and Playing Games?

00:05:21 – In What Ways Do Electronics and Games Support Childhood Development?

00:07:25 – How Can Skills Learned from Games Apply to Life?

00:11:37 – Do Video Games Negatively Impact Childhood Development?

00:13:22 – Are There Signs Screen Time Is Affecting Your Child?

00:17:15 – How Can Parents Decide if a Game Is Appropriate for Their Child?

00:22:10 – How Can Parents Keep Kids Safe in Online Games?

00:26:48 – How Can Families Make Games Feel Connecting, Not Isolating?

00:28:15 – Final Thoughts and Wrap Up.

A few drops of blood from a heel prick shortly after birth is sent to the state lab for every baby born in a hospital, and most who are born at home. The screening looks for markers of critical health conditions and flags abnormal results to the family’s pediatrician, and to genetics specialists. In this episode of the Infant Series on the Young & Healthy Podcast, host Kate Setter sits down with genetic counselors Lisa Berry, LGC and Cecilia Goueli, LGC to answer the question: What happens next if a newborn screening shows an abnormal result?

They explain everything families need to know about newborn screenings—from what to expect to how results are interpreted. Families will learn what to expect after an abnormal newborn screen, understand the possibility of false positives, and discover how to access support if a diagnosis is confirmed following screening. Don’t miss this insightful episode full of important guidance for new parents.

Chapter Markers:

00:00:57 – What Is Newborn Screening and How Is It Done?

00:02:48 – What Conditions Does Newborn Screening Detect?

00:04:11 – How Is Newborn Screening Handled for Home Births?

00:05:04 – Can Newborn Screening Be Done Too Late?

00:05:45 – What Should Parents Expect After an Abnormal Newborn Screen?

00:08:46 – Can Families opt Out of Newborn Screening?

00:10:07 – Do False Positives Happen in Newborn Screening?

00:11:06 – How Are Families Supported After a Flagged Newborn Screen?

00:14:15 – What Do Follow-Up Tests Look Like for Newborn Screening?

00:15:29 – What Does Guidance Post Diagnosis Look Like?

00:19:59 – What Support and Resources Are Available for Families?

00:22:54 – Final Thoughts and Wrap Up.

Emergencies like natural disasters, fires, or even power outages can happen any time, and staying prepared can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Nathan Timm, medical director of emergency management at Cincinnati Children’s, to explore easy ways families can prepare for unexpected situations without feeling stressed.

Dr. Timm shares advice on how to talk with kids about emergencies in a way that helps them feel safe and calm. He also gives tips on first aid kits, including items every household should have, how often to check it, and where to keep supplies in your family home for easy access. We also talk about fire safety, including checking fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are up to date. You’ll also learn how to create a simple starter checklist to prepare for natural disasters.

This episode is packed with hospital recommended safety tips and small steps your family can take to make your home safer. Tune in to learn how a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your loved ones safe.

Resources mentioned in episode:

https://www.ready.gov/

Other Resources:

Emergency and Disaster Planning | Ongoing Support Resources

Disaster Preparedness Resources for Families

https://www.fema.gov/

For emergency kits and learn more about the Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/store/training-supplies