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Available Episodes

5 of 19

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in Children
Tiny blisters, big disruption. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah explain what Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) really is, why it spreads so quickly, and how to care for kids (and yourself) when it hits. With calm, practical advice, Penny and Sarah help you navigate the chaos of outbreaks with confidence, no panic, just preparation. Key Topics Discussed: ▶︎ What Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is and how it spreads ▶︎ Who it affects and why early childhood settings see it so often ▶︎ How to recognise symptoms and prevent dehydration ▶︎ When children need to stay home and when they can return ▶︎ Comfort care: hydration, pain relief, soft foods, rest ▶︎ Simple hygiene steps to reduce spread ▶︎ Supporting children and families during outbreaks Additional Resources: Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.
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20:03
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20:03
Thunderstorm Asthma in Children
Thunderstorm Asthma – When Weather Turns Dangerous When a storm rolls in after a hot, windy, high-pollen day, it can do more than just bring rain. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah unpack thunderstorm asthma: how weather patterns can trigger serious breathing difficulties, and why awareness and preparation matter. This episode walks you through practical prevention steps and clear action plans to keep families, schools, and communities safe during high-risk weather. Key Topics Discussed: ▶︎ What thunderstorm asthma is and how it happens ▶︎ How storms turn pollen into dangerous airborne particles ▶︎ Who’s most at risk: including people with mild or undiagnosed asthma or hayfever ▶︎ Lessons from Melbourne’s 2016 thunderstorm asthma event ▶︎ How to stay informed with pollen and storm forecasts ▶︎ Why updated asthma action plans and inhalers are essential ▶︎ What to do if someone starts wheezing or has trouble breathing Additional Resources: Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education Asthma First Aid Australian Resuscitation Council First Aid for Asthma Guidelines Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.
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20:31
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20:31
Hayfever: When spring gets up your nose
If everyone starts sneezing the minute the wattle blooms, it might not be a cold: it’s probably hayfever. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah explain what hayfever (allergic rhinitis) actually is, how to spot the difference from a virus, and what you can do to manage it. Key Topics Discussed: ▶︎ What hayfever (allergic rhinitis) actually is, and why it’s not a cold ▶︎ Seasonal vs perennial hayfever and common triggers ▶︎ How hayfever affects kids, adults, and those with asthma or eczema ▶︎ Practical prevention: checking pollen forecasts, closing windows, and post-outdoor showers ▶︎ Treatment options: antihistamines, nasal sprays, and saline rinses ▶︎ How to help children recognise early symptoms ▶︎ Why managing hayfever improves sleep, focus, and overall wellbeing Additional Resources: Pollen Forecasts: www.pollenforecast.com.au Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education Saline rinse information Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.
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19:37
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19:37
Welcome back to season 3
Welcome back to Prepared Not Scared. This is *the* podcast that helps parents feel prepared, not scared, when illness or injury strikes. In Season 3, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah dive into the everyday health worries that send families searching for answers. From hayfever and thunderstorm asthma to dehydration, hand, foot and mouth disease, and more, they unpack what’s happening, why it happens, and how to handle it calmly. This season is full of practical guidance, real stories, and simple steps to make sick days less stressful for everyone. Because sickness is inevitable, but panic doesn’t have to be.
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3:24
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3:24
Dehydration: More than thirst
Dehydration isn’t just about feeling thirsty, it’s when the body runs low on the fluid it needs to function, and it can happen faster than you think, especially in kids. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah break down what dehydration really is, who’s most at risk, and how to spot the early signs before things escalate. Key Topics Discussed: ▶︎ What dehydration actually means (and why thirst isn’t the first sign) ▶︎ Why babies and kids dehydrate faster than adults ▶︎ Early warning signs: from dry lips to no tears ▶︎ Common triggers: heat, illness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and busy play ▶︎ How dehydration can impact mood, energy, and brain function ▶︎ Tips for prevention: water breaks, fun cups, and healthy hydration habits ▶︎ What to do if your child becomes dehydrated ▶︎ When dehydration becomes an emergency A big thanks to our sponsor, Kidhy, for supporting this episode of Prepared Not Scared. If you’ve ever tried to convince a sick child to take just one sip of water, or watched a full drink bottle come home from preschool, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why two Aussie mums created Hydra Helpa by Kidhy: a tasty hydrating water infusion made just for kids, with added electrolytes, prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy tummies and growing bodies. Hydra Helpa is designed to help kids stay hydrated: on sick days, hot days, and even the “I don’t like water” days. Learn more (and try it for yourself) at kidhy.com
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21:42
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21:42