Charting Pediatrics

When adults look back on school, they often remember more than lessons and worksheets. They remember recess — the playground, movement, friendships, laughter and freedom. Yet in many schools today, recess can be one of the most negotiable parts of the school day. It may be shortened, delayed or withheld in favor of academics, structure or behavior management. But research continues to show that recess is far more than a break. Regular opportunities for play and movement support children's physical health, mental well-being, social development, and ability to learn. Pediatricians are uniquely positioned to keep play, movement and recess part of the conversation about child health. 

We're joined by two experts from Children's Hospital Colorado: Amanda Lopez, a school health nurse, and Eve Kutchman, a prevention education and outreach manager. Together, they share insights into the role of recess in children's health and development and how pediatricians can advocate for making play a priority. 

Some highlights from this episode include:
The health benefits of recess that go beyond a "break" from learning
How movement and play support children's physical, emotional and social health
What children may lose when recess is shortened, delayed or withheld
How health care professionals can help keep recess visible in conversations about child health
This episode is underwritten by Ovintiv, proud philanthropic supporter of Charting Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation. Ovintiv recognizes that their responsibility begins in the communities where they live and work. They are committed to giving back and building safer and more resilient communities. Ovintiv's generous support has made a monumental difference for our patients and families, from enhancing health outcomes to reducing health disparities.

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.

Some of the most serious diagnoses in pediatrics begin with common pediatric symptoms. A child comes in looking pale or with a febrile illness. They've been more tired than usual. Maybe they're bruising easily or complaining their legs hurt. Individually, none of these symptoms are unusual. Together, or with persistence, they can tell a different story. Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, but it's earliest signs often resemble everyday illnesses.  

The episode introduces Ashley Rogers, MD, a pediatric oncologist at Children's Hospital Colorado and faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, as the newest host of Charting Pediatrics. As David Brumbaugh concludes his remarkable nine-year tenure as host, he passes the microphone to Dr. Rogers, ushering in the next chapter of the podcast. 

Dr. Rogers joins the conversation to share her expertise on childhood leukemia, including key considerations for diagnosis, treatment and the pediatrician's role in recognizing and managing these patients. This episode offers both valuable clinical insights and a warm welcome to a new voice who will continue bringing evidence-based pediatric education to listeners. 

Some highlights from this episode include:
Earliest signs of leukemia pediatricians can look out for 
How to distinguish between viral illnesses or leukemia 
Red flags that shouldn't be dismissed 
Role of the pediatrician after a leukemia diagnosis  

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.

Tick bites used to be a seasonal nuisance, something you might mention briefly at a well visit in late spring. But that's no longer the reality. With emergency department visits for tick bites climbing to their highest levels in nearly a decade and tick populations expanding into new regions, pediatricians are now seeing the ripple effects of a changing environment in real time. In this episode, we break down what's driving this surge, how to approach tick bites in clinic, and what's new in our understanding of tick-borne illness — including important updates on alpha-gal syndrome that every clinician should have on their radar.  

In this episode, we are joined by tick expert, Justin Searns, MD. He specializes in pediatric infectious diseases and hospital medicine at Children's Hospital Colorado. He is also an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include:
Why tick bites are currently at an all-time high 
Best practices for tick removal and immediate post-removal care 
When tick-borne illnesses should be a concern for pediatricians 
Prevention strategies and geographical considerations

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.

Puberty doesn't always follow the expected timeline. What happens when it shows up ahead of schedule? For pediatricians, the early appearance of breast development, pubic hair or accelerated growth can trigger a cascade of questions. Is this a normal variant? Should we investigate further? When is it time to refer? In this episode, we unpack the complexities of precocious puberty and explore how timely identification and thoughtful management can make a lasting difference for kids and their families. 

To create clarity, we are joined by Stephanie Hsu, MD, PhD, and Clare Parker, MD. Dr. Hsu specializes in endocrinology here at Children's Hospital Colorado and is an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Parker is a pediatric endocrinology fellow.
Some highlights from this episode include:
The differences in early puberty between boys and girls 
Environmental impacts that can lead to misleading results 
Signs and symptoms pediatricians can look out for 
Treatment options and their severity 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.

A child's future begins long before the first words, first steps or even the first smile. In the span of just 1,000 days, billions of neural connections are formed, and the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and resilience quietly takes shape. Pediatricians understand the critical nature of early development, and they translate that message to parents, helping guide, nurture, recognize risk and shape outcomes that can last decades.  

To explore this fascinating time in a child's life, we are joined by two experts. Caroline Dias, MD, PhD, and Annie Helms, MD, both specialize in developmental and behavioral pediatrics here at Children's Hospital Colorado and are assistant professors at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Helms also leads the BLOSSOM Clinic at Children's Colorado. 

Some highlights from this episode include:
How small things can have the biggest impact in these 1000 days 
The importance of supportive caregivers 
The balance of nature versus nurture 
Easing parent's minds that they aren't "doing enough" 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.