Pediatric Meltdown

• 238. Dr. Gaggino Goes to Washington: Advocacy for Kids

  Have you ever wondered what happens when children's healthcare programs like Medicaid and CHIP face cuts? In this episode of Pediatric Meltdown, Dr. Lia Gaggino emphasizes the urgent need to stand up for kids, who are disproportionately impacted by shifts in policy and funding. She highlights the power of sharing real-life stories and forging unexpected partnerships to protect essential resources. Advocacy takes perseverance and creativity, as complacency only enables political and social obstacles to harm children. Pediatricians and other advocates must unite, use their voices effectively, and push for healthier, safer lives for all kids. So now the only question is….. Will you help safeguard the well-being of the next generation?[00:00 - 05:07] Advocacy Conference Insights for Child HealthA large percentage of children rely on public insurance programs, underscoring the high stakes of legislative decisions.Some decision-makers do not fully grasp the consequences of cutting critical services.Hope fuels long-term efforts and energizes those championing children’s well-being.An “advocacy wave,” highlights the need for a strong, collective push for change.[05:07 - 12:32] Medicaid Challenges and Coverage GapsPublic health emergency rollbacks led to reductions in child enrollment due to procedural missteps.Many children lost insurance coverage not because of ineligibility, but because of bureaucratic hurdles.70% of youth are deemed unfit for certain national service due to physical or mental health issues.Call to safeguard essential child services (such as preventive care and immunizations) from budget cuts[12:32 - 21:07] Immunization and Food Security ConcernsRenewed challenges to routine childhood vaccinations, with instances of preventable diseases appearing again.Politicians downplaying vaccines, prompting greater vigilance in safeguarding public health.Proposals to cut school meal provisions, raising ethical questions about denying basic nutrition to children.Caring for children’s fundamental needs (like food and healthcare) should not be up for debate.[21:07 - end] The Urgent Call to Protect Future GenerationsRejecting indifference and uniting for children’s rights and well-being.Communities where basic resources, such as clean air, safe neighborhoods, and equitable opportunities, are universal.Use every possible platform—professional and community-based—to champion the needs of children.Final rallying cry to stay focused, gather supportive voices, and take concrete steps to safeguard the next generation.Connect with Dr. Gagginowebsite at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12656341/Resources mentioned in the show:AAP Advocacy Guide: Located at aap.org/advocacyguide (helpful for step-by-step approaches to policy engagement).Store It Safe Program: https://ohioaap.org/storeitsafe A collaborative initiative addressing firearm...

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• 237. Physician Wellness: Needed Now More Than Ever

  Could coaching be the key to overcoming burnout and moral injury that plagues the medical profession? In this episode of Pediatric Meltdown, Dr. Lia Gaggino welcomes back Dr. Adrienne Mann and Dr. Tyra Fainstad, pioneers in physician well-being research, as they unpack the results from their studies on the impact of group coaching on physicians. Drs. Mann and Fainstad share their journey from a "cute little study" to a groundbreaking national program that offers a lifeline to medical students, residents, and faculty. As they study the struggles and triumphs of physicians battling burnout, moral injury, and self-compassion deficits, they reveal a whole new approach to healing and growth. Hear how their innovative program is providing solace to thousands and lighting a path to flourishing in medicine.[00:05 - 01:17] Transforming Physician Wellness through CoachingExplore the origins of a simple idea during the pandemic that blossomed into a renowned coaching programUnderstand how pivoting to online platforms expanded their coaching reach significantly beyond initial expectationsDiscover the importance of addressing burnout, moral injury, and imposter syndrome in healthcare professionalsLearn about the innovative group coaching model and its profound impacts versus traditional one-on-one methods[01:18 - 03:54] Impactful Outcomes of Group CoachingRecognize the need for a targeted approach focusing initially on women due to higher burnout representationEvaluate the coaching methodology's evolution from novice trials to thousands of residents in randomized control settingsAppreciate insights into baseline distress levels and how these reveal prevailing systemic issuesAnalyze how group coaching effectively elevated self-compassion, reduced moral injury, and tackled burnout[03:55 - 06:06] Inclusivity and Institutional PartnershipsGrasp the expanding scope to now include men and diverse genders, enhancing coaching accessibilityReveal the collaboration with institutions to democratize coaching, offering programs at low costs per participantExamine how privacy and anonymity are maintained to encourage participation without stigmaRecognize the structural evolution from restricted groups to open participation for trainees at all career stages[06:07 - 8:52] The Future Direction of Physician Coaching ProgramsInvestigate the ongoing research into why and how coaching uniquely benefits medical professionalsThe potential restructuring of medical leadership to address autonomy and eradicate systemic burnoutAppreciate the continuous refinement and adaptation of the coaching model based on participant feedbackFact-check how empirical evidence supports the coaching method's resilience against challenges posed by modern healthcare[48:51-32:50] Dr. Lia’s TakeAwaysConnect with Dr. Adrienne MannInstagram: @amw1983Connect with Dr. Tyra FainstadInstagram: @TyraindenverResources Mentioned in the EpisodeBetter Together Coaching https://bettertogetherphysiciancoaching.com/-Major updates: You can see our website here for research and peer-reviewed evidence updates. Of high interest is our most

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• 236. Mental Health Advocacy: The Youth Power Project

  Are today's youth the missing voice in mental health advocacy?In this episode of Pediatric Meltdown, host Dr. Lia Gaggino invites passionate mental health advocate Ria Babaria to talk about the unique struggles and strengths of today's youth. In her journey from high school advocate to college policy specialist, Ria emphasizes the need for youth representation in mental health decisions. She discusses the Youth Power Project's initiatives, access to mental health resources, and the importance of bridging societal and systemic gaps. From personal challenges to state-wide advocacy, Ria highlights the transformative power of youth voices in policy-making. Join us as we explore the potential changes when youth are given a platform to be heard. The future of mental health is their future— but are we ready to listen?[00:05 -15:21] The Birth of Youth AdvocacyThe significance of amplifying youth voices in education and policy through advocacy organizationsImportance of bridging education gaps and providing resources for low-income and vulnerable youthEmpowering youth to assert confidence and influence in advocacy spacesThe transformative impact of including diverse backgrounds in policy discussions[15:12 -22:22] Mental Health Advocacy and Cultural ChallengesAddressing mental health struggles within POC households and breaking cultural taboosThe importance of emotion integration for personal growth and social interactionsBuilding confidence to engage in mental health advocacy at a young ageShaping policy through lived experiences and peer discussions[22:23 -38:50] Expanding the Youth Power Project ReachThe national evolution from initial state-focused youth groups to broader advocacy at YPPStrategizing for impactful health reform through youth collaboration and legislative workNavigating peer-to-peer networks to bolster the youth advocacy movementTailoring mental health and educational policies around authentic youth voices[38:51-48:50] Enhancing Access and System ReformsAddressing consistency and discrepancies in mental health resource access nationwideInnovative strategies to demystify access and eliminate stigma around mental health supportStrengthening first aid mental health training to improve communication and supportDeveloping legislative frameworks to integrate youth insights within mental health policy48:51-32:50] Dr. Lia’s TakeAwaysConnect with Ria [email protected] Mentioned:PHQ-9 Screening Tool for Depression:PHQ-9 QuestionnaireYouth Power Project Website:Youth Power ProjectMental Health First Aid Training:Mental Health First AidYouth Power Project

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• 235. Managing Chronic Pain: Creative Healing for Youth in Pain

  Have you ever wondered what to do when traditional treatments for chronic pain in children don’t seem to help? In this episode of Pediatric Meltdown, Dr. Lia Gaggino chats with Dr. Lonnie Zeltzer and Kim Poston Miller about innovative ways to address pediatric chronic pain. They discuss CHYP (Creative Healing for Youth in Pain), an organization offering hope to families through a creative, holistic approach to healing. Kim shares her personal story of supporting her son Grant’s remarkable recovery, showing how creativity can play a powerful role in pain management. Tune in to learn how these approaches are opening new doors for children and families. Could creativity be the missing piece in chronic pain care?[00:02 - 08:46] From Suffering to Hope – Introduction to CHYPKim talks about her personal journey as an advocate for CHYP, and the pivotal role creative arts played in her child's recovery.Unpack the story behind Dr. Zeltzer’s influence in reshaping pediatric pain management.Learn about the resourcefulness of a mother navigating her child's illness in a segmented medical landscape.Understand CHYP’s role as a free, accessible solution to complex chronic pain issues for any child worldwide.[08:47 - 14:53] Kim’s Inspiring Journey: Transforming Tragedy into TriumphSee the power of combining modern medicine with creative healing arts.Examine the interconnected struggles of family members often overlooked in medical treatments.Discover how social engagement became a lifeline for healing and improved quality of life.Find out how a mother's intuition and creative willingness conquered skepticism in professional medical advice.[14:54 - 23:30] The Creative System: Dr.Zeltzer's Vision and CHYP’s FoundationExplore Dr.Zeltzer's 30-year journey of treating kids with chronic pain and the birth of the CHYP initiative.Appreciate the need for an online platform providing holistic, no-cost care to children globally.Grasp the significance of the biopsychosocial model in comprehending pediatric pain.Understand the empowerment and education process for both children and parents under the CHYP program.[23:31 - 54:36] Creating Magic: Camp as a Vessel for Change and ConnectionHighlight the access to interactive platforms and workshops designed to enhance creative healing for youth.Recognize the significance of larger social networks in managing pain through shared lived experiences.Celebrate the impactful break-through of barriers, from timidity to friends on social platforms.Appreciate CHYP’s strategic growth with events uniquely catering to different age brackets for maximal impact.[54:37 - 1:00:53] Dr. Lia’s Takeaways Connect with Lonnie Zeltzerhttps://linktr.ee/mychyphttps://www.instagram.com/my_chyp/https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-healing-for-youth-in-pain/https://www.facebook.com/creativehealingforyouthinpainConnect with Kimberly MillerLI Kimberly Miller, MBAFB

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• 234. Chronic Pain in Kids: An Innovative Approach

  Did you know that nearly twenty-five percent of adolescents suffer from chronic pain, and for some, it’s severe enough to impact daily life? In this episode of Pediatric Meltdown, Dr. Lia Gaggino and guest Dr. Lonnie Zeltzer talk about the complexity of chronic pain in children and adolescents—a subject often misunderstood and inadequately addressed in pediatric medicine. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, Dr. Zeltzer shares her journey from a curiosity about adolescent medicine to specializing in pediatric chronic pain using modern pain science. This conversation not only unravels the preconceived beliefs surrounding chronic pain but also offers potential pathways and methods to manage and reframe the experience of pain in young individuals. The episode is an eye-opener for anyone seeking to understand and support children grappling with chronic pain.[00:00 - 17:02] Prevalence and Challenges of Pediatric Chronic PainChronic pain affects 15–30% of adolescents globally, with 15% experiencing severe impairment. 70% of adolescents with untreated chronic pain develop adult chronic pain. Pediatricians often lack training in modern chronic pain management concepts. Subspecialists frequently struggle to address chronic pain after ruling out organic causes. [17:02 - 27:55] Neurobiological and Psychosocial Factors Chronic pain correlates with limbic system hyperactivity and prefrontal cortex underdevelopment in adolescents. Neurodiverse individuals may experience heightened sensory sensitivity, amplifying pain perception. Hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) retrain pain-related neural pathways. POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) reflects autonomic nervous system dysregulation linked to chronic pain. [27:56 - 21:06] Gastrointestinal and Autonomic Dysregulation Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) stems from brain-gut axis dysfunction, not structural gastrointestinal issues. Autonomic dysregulation in POTS requires salt intake, hydration, and compression garments for management. Acupuncture and acupressure offer nonpharmacologic relief, particularly for needle-tolerant patients. Abdominal pain often involves muscular tension, addressed through targeted physical therapy. [21:07 - 48:48 ] Practical Clinical Interventions Brief in-office mindfulness exercises (e.g., guided breathing) provide immediate stress relief. Motivational interviewing helps adolescents identify achievable goals, like gradual physical activity. Parent-child dyads benefit from joint mindfulness apps (e.g., Insight Timer) to reduce household stress. The "five golden minutes" of non-directed play or connection improve emotional regulation.[48:49 - 54:23] Dr. Lia’s Takeaways Connect with Lonnie Zeltzerhttps://linktr.ee/mychyphttps://www.instagram.com/my_chyp/https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-healing-for-youth-in-pain/https://www.facebook.com/creativehealingforyouthinpainResources mentioned in the...

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