Healthy Children
AAP-American Academy of Pediatrics, with Pediatrician Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanc
Welcome to Healthy Children: a podcast for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Each episode features interviews with leading experts on topics that will help you on your parenting journey, like social media and mental health, nutrition from infancy through adolescence, treating common illnesses, and sleep strategies for kids of all ages. Learn about the most important innovations in pediatrics and parenting from the people behind them. So whether you're looking for general information related to your child’s health or for more specific guidance on parenting issues, you've come to the right place! Get the inside scoop from pediatricians about how to help children and teens thrive.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 16, 2025 • 18min
Are Food Coloring and Additives Safe for Kids? What Parents Should Know – Ep. 60
Dr. Steph Lee joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to explore the world of artificial food dyes and additives. They break down what these substances are, the common foods they appear in, how the FDA oversees them, and what current research says about their safety. They also share practical tips to help parents make informed, balanced choices when it comes to food additives and artificial dyes in their children’s diet. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Oct 9, 2025 • 14min
Trick-or-Treating with Confidence: Halloween Safety Tips for Parents – Ep. 59
Dr. Hailey Nelson joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for a special Halloween-themed episode. They dive into key safety topics including pedestrian safety during trick-or-treating, selecting costumes that are both festive and functional, and setting boundaries for preteens and teens heading out with friends. They also provide practical tips for managing food allergies and keeping candy consumption in check. Whether your child is 4 or 14, this episode offers practical advice to help families enjoy a safe and healthy Halloween. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Oct 2, 2025 • 25min
Sibling Rivalry: Expert Tips to De-escalate Fights and Build Stronger Bonds – Ep. 58
Dr. Corinna Tucker joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about sibling rivalry. They explore what healthy conflict looks like, how birth order and age gaps shape sibling interactions, and the often-overlooked issue of sibling abuse and its long-term effects on mental health and relationships. They also provide practical tips for preventing conflict and defusing tense moments.
Sep 25, 2025 • 29min
Respiratory Virus Season and Shifting Vaccine Policies: A Parent’s Guide – Ep. 57
Dr. Sean O’Leary joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to break down what parents need to know about respiratory virus season. They explore the risks of RSV, influenza and Covid-19, and share tips for keeping babies and kids healthy. They also highlight trusted sources for evidence-based immunization schedules and how Florida’s recent rollback of childhood vaccine requirements might impact community immunity and public health. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Sep 18, 2025 • 29min
Playground Safety for Kids: Injury Prevention and Outdoor Fun – Ep. 56
Dr. Julie Gilchrist, a pediatrician and expert in injury prevention, dives into essential playground safety tips with host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez. They discuss common playground injuries, emphasizing the importance of safe design and materials. Learn how to properly use slides and the significance of shock-absorbing surfaces to prevent mishaps. Dr. Gilchrist also highlights the value of choosing age-appropriate equipment and encouraging kids to tackle challenges in play while ensuring their safety.
Sep 11, 2025 • 17min
Diabetes in Children: Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention – Ep. 55
Dr. Brittany Bruggeman joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about diabetes. They go over the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, causes and risk factors, and how diet and exercise can make a difference. They also talk about the importance of destigmatizing weight and how early screenings can help with prevention. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Sep 4, 2025 • 24min
Back-to-School Vaccines: What to Know About Requirements & Community Immunity – Ep. 54
Dr. Lisa Costello joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about why keeping kids up –to date on vaccines matters for school and child care. They highlight the dangers of declining vaccination rates, how community immunity protects kids and the difference between medical versus non-medical exemptions for vaccines. They also offer practical advice on spotting false claims and point parents to trustworthy sources for accurate vaccine information. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Aug 28, 2025 • 25min
Back to School Sports Physicals and Heart Health – Ep. 53
Dr. Christopher Snyder joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about back-to-school sports screenings and cardiovascular health. They highlight what families can expect during a physical, how heart conditions are detected, and the risk posed by performance-enhancing drugs and energy drinks. They also offer practical tips about how to keep kids safe while participating in organized sports. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Aug 14, 2025 • 15min
Ask the Pediatrician: Back-to-School Anxiety, Flying with Kids, Starting a Sport, Teething Pain & More – Ep. 52
Dr. Jennifer Shu joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for a special “Ask the Pediatrician” episode. They answer questions submitted by listeners on topics including how to make the first day of school easier for kids, when to know if your child is ready to start a sport, e-bike safety, teething pain and entertaining kids on long flights. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
Jul 31, 2025 • 20min
Is a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet Safe for Kids? Myths and Meal Planning – Ep. 51
Dr. Reshma Shah joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about plant-based diets for kids. They explore the health benefits of vegetarian and vegan eating, tackle common myths and share practical tips for ensuring kids get all the nutrients they need. They also suggest some easy, kid-friendly recipes to help families get started. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
