Few things are more frightening for a parent than seeing their child have a seizure — especially when it’s unexpected and linked to a fever. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department doctor Sandy Hopper to help parents understand febrile seizure. They explain what febrile seizures are, why they happen, how common they are, and what parents should do if their child experiences one. With calm, clear advice and expert insight, this episode helps parents understand the difference between febrile convulsions and other types of seizures and offers reassurance about what to expect if it happens to your child. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Febrile seizures
The social media delay is now in place and Australian teens aged under 16 will no longer be able to access some online platforms. But now what? How can parents support their teens through this transition and what else should they be doing to make sure their children can thrive in an increasingly online world? Host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Paul Clark, Executive Manager, Education Prevention and Communities at the eSafety Commission to discuss what parents need to know about these topics and more. In an ever-changing world it can feel challenging to know what to teach your children about online safety and what you should be doing to support them. This episode contains some simple tips that families can put in place to help set their children up for success and safety. Parents can learn more about screen time and social media here: Kids Health Info : Screen time and social media – teens and young people We have also developed a version of this fact sheet that you can share with your teen: Teen Health Info : Screen time and social media Learn more about the regulations and support available at eSafety.gov.au: Social media age restrictions hub | eSafety Commissioner If you or your teen need to speak to someone, there is support available: Kids Helpline: Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 Lifeline: Home | Lifeline Headspace: headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.
Sunscreen has been in the spotlight over the past few months, making it tough for parents to know what products they can trust to keep their kids safe. In this bonus episode of the Kids Health Info podcast, our host, Dr Anthea Rhodes, is joined by Dr Susan Robertson, Director of Dermatology at The Royal Children’s Hospital to unpack some of the mystery surrounding sun protection. Exploring ways to keep your family safe this summer, they unpack how you can check the sunscreen you have purchased and explain the other essential steps you should be taking to protect yourself and your family from harmful sun exposure. In the episode, the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods was discussed. You can check the ARTG number of any product by visiting their website: Searching the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids health info fact sheet: https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Sun_safety/ Information to share with your teenager: https://www.rch.org.au/teeninfo/fact-sheets/Staying_safe_in_the_sun
Thunderstorms and asthma might seem like an unlikely pair — but for some children, stormy weather can trigger sudden and severe breathing problems. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department specialist Dr Tristan Harding to unpack the phenomenon of thunderstorm asthma. They explain what it is, why it happens, which children are most at risk, and how parents can prepare during storm season. Whether your child has asthma, hay fever, or just gets a bit wheezy, this episode offers practical advice to help everyone breathe easier when the winds pick up. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Thunderstorm asthma Check the forecast for thunderstorm asthma by using the Melbourne Pollen App: Mobile App - Melbourne Pollen
From backyard bee stings to jellyfish encounters at the beach, bites and stings are a common reason kids end up in the Emergency Department. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department doctor Tristan Harding to explore what parents need to know about bites and stings — including insect bites, spider bites, snake bites, and marine stingers like jellyfish. They discuss what’s mild, what’s serious, and what to do in the moment. Whether it’s swelling, pain, or a potential allergic reaction, this episode helps parents feel prepared and confident when nature gets a little too close. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Insect bites and stings
Rashes are a common concern for parents — but not all rashes are cause for alarm. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department Dr Fiona Reilly to unpack the wide world of rashes in children. They explore what different rashes can mean, which ones are linked to infections, allergies or serious illness, and how to tell when a rash needs urgent medical attention. Whether it’s spots, bumps, blotches or hives, this episode helps parents feel more confident navigating the skin signs that can leave them guessing. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Rashes Parents seeking more information about eczema can visit our Kids Health Info fact sheet on the topic here: Kids Health Info : Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Giving medicine to children can be one of the most stressful parts of parenting — especially when they refuse, spit it out, or cry at the sight of a syringe. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Dr Amanda Stock from our Emergency Department to explore the common challenges parents face when giving medicine to kids. They share practical tips for making the process smoother and advice on how parents can feel in control of these situations. Whether it’s antibiotics, pain relief, or allergy treatments this episode helps parents feel more confident and less alone in the medicine struggle. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: KidsHealthInfo Factsheets: How to give your child medicine Lean about pill swallowing techniques for kids here: RCHTV: A child's guide to hospital: oral medications KidzMed: e-learning for healthcare
Penis pain in children can be alarming for parents and confusing for kids — but not all causes are serious. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department Doctor, Bec Hughes to unpack the common reasons children can present to the ED with pain in the penis. Unpacking the conditions and injuries that can lead families to head to the Emergency Department, they explore what to look out for and when to seek help. A must-listen for any parent wanting to feel more confident navigating this sensitive topic. Note: across the course of the episode our doctors mostly refer to ‘children’ rather than using gendered terms. This decision was made to ensure the information supports all children who may be impacted by these concerns. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Penis and foreskin care
When you search for health information online, how can you tell if it is true? When you see a post on social media, what signs should you look for to make sure the advice can be trusted? It’s not always easy to navigate online sources when you’re seeking support for your child’s health. Listen in for some simple tips you can follow to make sure you’re ready to spot mis- and disinformation when it appears. In this bonus episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast, your host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Paediatrician, Dr Alex Cussen, whose experience in the Department of Adolescent Medicine provides her with insight into the challenges faced by young people exploring health information online. To support young people and their parents, the Royal Children's Hospital has developed new fact sheets that tackle topical health issues and questions commonly encountered when it comes to teens health. Explore our teen health info fact sheets here: Teen Health Info : Teen Health Info fact sheets Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.
Poos and spews. Voms and bombs. We all know the feeling of stress and discomfort when one of your children comes down with gastro. But how can you best look after your child and the whole family when gastro arrives in your home? Tune in for some tips on keeping up the fluids and how to stop the spread. Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department Specialist at the RCH, Dr Tom Glover, to provide some helpful advice for getting through a bout of gastro in the household. This episode is part seven of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Gastroenteritis (gastro)
How can I identify hand, foot and mouth disease and if my child has it, will I catch it too? Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Director of General Medicine at the RCH, Dr Sarah McNab, to explain what hand, foot and mouth disease is and help you to understand how you can stop the spread in your household this winter. This episode is part six of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Hand, foot and mouth disease
Croup can be scary and serious – can you recognise the signs, and would you know what to do if your child gets croup this winter? Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department Specialist at the RCH, Dr Tristan Harding, to explain how you can spot the signs of croup in your child and what to do if they develop the distinctive barking-style cough or have difficulty breathing. This episode is part five of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Croup
Do you know what a ‘whoop’ sounds like? Could you tell if your child had whooping cough? Would you know how to stop it spreading through your household? Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Director of General Medicine at the RCH, Dr Sarah McNab to unpack the signs and symptoms of whooping cough in this episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast. This episode is part four of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Whooping cough
What is RSV and how concerned should you be about this virus? Who can have the new RSV immunisation this winter? In this episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast our host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by paediatrician and immunisation expert, Dr Margie Danchin to discuss what RSV is, what it looks like in children of different ages and how you can protect your family this winter. This episode is part three of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
When the sniffles, cough and fever arrive in your home this winter, rest assured you have the right information on hand to navigate what lies ahead. In this episode of the Kids Health Info podcast Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by paediatrician, Dr Margie Danchin to explore whether it’s important to know the difference between illnesses and whether COVID is really still around this winter. This episode is part two of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Viral illnesses Kids Health Info : Cough Kids Health Info : Influenza (the flu) Kids Health Info : Influenza (flu) vaccine Kids Health Info : Coronavirus COVID-19
Winter can be a tiring time of year and when multiple family members get sick at once, exhaustion levels can peak. While some illness is inevitable, especially when children are young and their immune systems are developing, there are steps you can take to prepare for the season ahead. In this episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast, your host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Infectious Disease Expert Dr Linny Phuong to discuss winter wellness for your family. This episode is part one of our winter wellness season. Listen to the full season to prepare your family for the cooler months. Each episode contains useful tips about illnesses that spread more often in winter. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Vaccination and needle phobia Kids Health Info : Viral illnesses
We know that parents want to keep their children as safe as they can at all times. But when it comes to traveling in the car, the law and the safety advice aren’t aligned, making it tough for parents to know what to do. In this bonus episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast, your host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Trauma Specialist, Dr Warwick Teague, to discuss the choices that parents can make to keep their child safe in the car. The National Child Health Poll surveyed more than 1,600 Australian parents of children aged between 0 months to 12 years to understand their car seat practices and awareness of safe restraint recommendations. These findings have helped guide the inclusion of advice within this episode. The National Child Health Poll and Kids Health Info are funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore our fact sheets on car seat safety here: Kids Health Info : Car seat safety
A healthy night’s sleep is key to a child’s overall health and wellbeing, but what can parents do to help make that happen? In this bonus episode of the Kids Health Info Podcast, your host Dr Anthea Rhodes, paediatrician and Director of the National Child Health Poll chats to Dr Moya Vandeleur, respiratory and sleep paediatrician. Dr Moya offers advice for parents on how to create healthy sleep habits in their homes and delves into some of the findings from the Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll. The National Child Health Poll surveyed more than 1,600 Australian parents of school-aged children (5-17 years) about their beliefs regarding sleep and their child’s sleep habits and common bedtime myths. These findings have helped guide the inclusion of advice within this episode. The National Child Health Poll and Kids Health Info are funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. Explore our fact sheets on sleep here: Kids Health Info : Sleep problems - children and teens Kids Health Info : Sleep problems - babies and toddlers
Finding the cause of pain in children and what to do about it can be one of the trickiest things for parents to manage. In this episode, Anthea is joined by Dr Nadine Sharples from the Emergency Department at The Royal Children's Hospital to share lots of practical advice on pain and pain relief in kids. For more information RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - pain relief for children Victorian Poisons Information Centre RCH Kids Health Info Podcast - Head injuries RCH Kids Health Info Podcast - Viruses and fevers RCH Kids Health Info Podcast - Headaches and tummy aches
Hand, foot and mouth disease is one of those things that seems to always be "going around". In fact, it's one of our most asked about topics. In this episode, Lexi speaks with Dr Gabrielle Haeusler, an infectious diseases specialist, to understand the signs of HFMD and discuss some prevention and treatment strategies. Click here to read our RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet on Hand, foot and mouth disease.
When a child is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, it has a profound impact on their life and family. Diabetes requires strict management every single day. Added to that burden is the confusion and misunderstanding that others might have about the disease and its cause. In this episode, Margie and Lexi are joined by Professor Fergus Cameron, Director of Endocrinology and Diabetes at The Royal Children's Hospital, and Sarah, whose son Finn was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 15 months of age. Together they explore the medical aspects of Type 1 diabetes, what it means for children getting on with learning, play and life, and what the future holds with advances in diabetes management. For more information, including the warning signs of diabetes in children, please see our Kids Health Info fact sheet on diabetes. The Royal Children's Hospital has a dedicated website for children and families living with diabetes. You can also learn more about living with diabetes at the Diabetes Victoria website.
Growing up can be tiring work. But what's the difference between general tiredness in children and young people, and relentless fatigue that turns the simplest things into a challenge? Dr Lexi Frydenberg is joined Dr Colette Reveley, a paediatrician in the Department of Adolescent Medicine at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, to unpack the mysteries of chronic fatigue syndrome. They chat about typical symptoms and how chronic fatigue is diagnosed. They also provide advice about the management of chronic fatigue syndrome and where parents can go for help. For more information and support, see: RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Emerge Australia
Ah-choo! It feels like children everywhere are coughing and sneezing their way through this winter. So is it worse than usual? And what is 'RSV'? In this episode, Anthea and Margie are joined by paediatrician Dr Suzanne Boyce to chat about the most common respiratory viruses going around. They talk through the symptoms of COVID-19, RSV and flu, how to know when to seek help and the best ways to stop children from getting sick in the first place. Helpful resources RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Influenza (the flu) RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Bronchiolitis RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Coronavirus COVID-19 RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Cough RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Croup RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Fever in children RCH Kids Health Info podcast - Viruses and fevers, why do kids get sick so often? RCH Kids Health Info podcast - Cough, croup and wheeze GP respiratory clinics (Victoria, Australia)
Mealtimes can be a stressful experience when you've got a little person who pushes away their plate. Especially when you've put a lot of effort into a wholesome meal or the rest of the family is ready to eat. In this episode, Lexi and Anthea are joined by special guest Dr Kathleen McGrath, a paediatric gastroenterologist with a special interest in child nutrition. Together they pick though the common reasons for fussy eating, whether there's a health risk if your child doesn't seem to be eating enough, what you can do to get them enjoying more foods, and where to get help if you're worried that things aren't improving. Helpful resources: RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet: Nutrition babies and toddlers Raising Children Network - healthy eating habits RCH National Child Health Poll - Ready made baby foods: Do parents know the facts?
As more children return to fields, courts and ovals around the country, common sports injuries and accidents are on the rise. What is the best first aid for sports injuries and how do you know when to go to emergency? Margie and Anthea are joined by Dr Peter Barnett, an emergency doctor at the RCH with an interest in sports medicine and Greg Cull, a physiotherapist at the RCH, to chat about managing sports injuries and supporting children to get safely back to all-important physical activity. Helpful resources: RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - ankle sprains RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - head injury Kids Health Info Podcast episode - Was that bump a head injury? RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - fractures RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - mouth injuries Kids Health Info Podcast episode - Brushing up on healthy teeth Raising Children Network: RICER first aid for sprains, strains and fractures
Sadly, burns are still a common injury in childhood. To coincide with National Burns Safety Awareness Month, hosts Anthea and Lexi are joined by Warwick Teague, surgeon, clinical burns lead and Director of Trauma at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Warwick gives us the absolute must-do when it comes to burns first aid (hint: it involves a lot of cool running water) and explains the steps we can all take to prevent burns happening in the first place. For more information: RCH Kids Health Info Fact Sheet: Burns - prevention and first aid
Influenza, or the 'flu', has almost disappeared for the last two years. But it's back, and already bringing children to hospital for treatment. In this episode, Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Dr Margie Danchin as our expert guest to discuss the flu. As well as being a paediatrician at the RCH, and regular host of the this podcast, Margie is an expert in immunisation and a research leader in vaccine uptake. So, there's no better person to discuss why and how to get the vaccine, and answer those common questions and concerns parents have about the flu vaccine. Helpful links: RCH Kids Health Info - influenza vaccine Why does my child need a flu shot? (National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance) 2022 Influenza vaccine fact sheet from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Ausvax Safety ATAGI - clinical advice on influenza vaccines 2022 RCH TV - A child's guide to hospital: Immunisations
Good dental health has huge benefits for our general wellbeing and quality of life, and it starts the moment that very first tooth pops through in babies. In this episode we're joined by special guest Dr Mihiri Silva, a paediatric dentist from The Royal Children's Hospital. If you've ever wondered when and how to start brushing teeth, how tooth decay happens, or what to do if a tooth gets knocked out, Mihiri has these answers and plenty more pearls of wisdom! Helpful resources: RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - dental care RCH Kids Health Info - dental care video Raising Children Network - dental care for babies Australian Government - Child Dental Benefits Schedule RCH TV - A Child's Guide to Hospital: Dentistry
Witnessing a seizure can be a frightening experience for parents and carers, and raises so many questions. What's going on when a child has a seizure and what could it mean for their ongoing health? Does it mean they have epilepsy? To make sense of seizures, Margie and Lexi are joined by Associate Professor Andrew Kornberg, Neurologist at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. As well as understanding seizure types, Andrew has some practical first aid tips, and discusses the process of finding the causes of seizures, including epilepsy. Helpful resources: RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Febrile Seizures RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Seizures - safety issues and how to help RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Epilepsy RCH Neurology Department - About Epilepsy
A restful sleep is so important for children’s health. But sometimes, a stuffy nose or blocked passages get in the way of a good sleep. In this episode we’re joined by Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, Dr Eric Levi, to find out why snooze turns to snoring, and what can be done to get children back on the path to sleep success. For more information, check out these helpful resources: RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Childhood obstructive sleep apnoea RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Hay fever Raising Children Network - Snoring How to use nasal sprays video If you found this podcast helpful, please leave us a review, and thanks for listening.
