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
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Thunderstorm asthma: why it happens and how to prepare
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
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Medicine meltdowns: what can parents do?
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
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Penis pain in the Emergency Department
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
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Online health information – what can you trust?
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.
Based on the hugely popular RCH Kids Health Info fact sheets, the Kids Health Info podcast explores common topics and concerns with experts in children's health from The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of
The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. To view the Kids Health Info fact sheets visit: www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/