

Shots Are Scary. But They Don't Have To Be.
Mar 27, 2024
Tom Dreisbach, a guest host from NPR, chats with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf, a pediatric expert in pain management at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. They delve into the ever-present fear of needles, often rooted in childhood experiences. Discover a groundbreaking five-step plan to minimize pain during injections, including the use of topical numbing cream and engaging distractions. The duo discusses innovative strategies like celebratory practices and age-specific techniques designed to transform children's medical experiences and alleviate their anxiety.
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Childhood Trauma
- Stefan Friedrichsdorf recalls a painful childhood medical procedure where he felt ignored.
- This experience shaped his commitment to pain management in pediatric care.
Public Health Impact
- Childhood needle fears affect adult healthcare decisions, impacting public health.
- Untreated phobias contribute to preventable illnesses and deaths, like measles.
Numbing Cream
- Apply 4% lidocaine cream 30 minutes before injections.
- This over-the-counter numbing cream minimizes needle pain.