In this week's episode, Dr. Blair Rolnick discusses how to talk to children about puberty. She recommends starting conversations early, around ages 7-9, before puberty begins. Key points include using correct anatomical language, keeping initial talks short, and being prepared for questions.

Dr. Rolnick provides book and video resources for both girls and boys, as well as specific materials tailored for children with autism. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing discussions about changing bodies and emotions to foster trust and make children feel comfortable. Ultimately, by approaching the topic of puberty in an age-appropriate, straightforward manner and utilizing helpful resources, parents can effectively guide their children through this crucial developmental stage, setting the foundation for open communication about even more sensitive topics in the future.

Resources:

The Care and Keeping of You: https://www.amazon.com/Care-Keeping-You-Younger-American/dp/1609580834

It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, Gender, and Sexual Health: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Perfectly-Normal-Changing-Growing

Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys: https://www.amazon.com/Guy-Stuff-Body-Book-Boys/dp/1683370260

What's Happening to My Body (Boys) https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Happening-Body-Book-Boys/dp/1557047650

What's Happening to My Body (Girls) https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Happening-Body-Book-Girls/dp/1557047642

Sex is a Funny Word: https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Funny-Word-Bodies-Feelings/dp/1609806069/

The Boys' Guide to Growing Up: https://www.amazon.com/Boys-Guide-Growing-Up/dp/1526360179

The Growing Up Book for Boys: What Boys on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Book-Boys-Spectrum/dp/1849055750

The Growing Up Guide for Girls: What Girls on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Guide-Girls-Spectrum/dp/1849055742

What's Happening to Tom?: A book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditions https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Happening-Tom-conditions-Sexuality/dp/1849055238

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4NZwmSwIzQc

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician.

For Dr. Rolnick's practice and more content, visit: https://beekindpediatrics.com/

Welcome back to The Beehive Doc talks with Dr. Blair Rolnick. Today, she addresses the increasing trend of early puberty or "precocious puberty" in children and explores potential causes. Notable factors include childhood obesity, with a correlation found between higher BMI and earlier puberty onset, possibly due to the hormone leptin. Environmental chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and phenols might also contribute, as some studies suggest their prenatal exposure is linked to earlier puberty in girls. Additionally, childhood stress and events like the Covid-19 pandemic are hypothesized to be influences, though evidence remains inconclusive.

Early puberty can lead to long-term health risks such as cancer and cardiovascular disease and negatively impact mental health. Parents are advised to consult pediatricians if they notice signs of early puberty in their children. Understanding and addressing this trend is crucial for safeguarding children's health and well-being.

Please see studies mentioned below:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33673836/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34732894/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5014756/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35466359/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30517665/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3838525/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12723990/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32372073/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27836531/

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VpKQPZYDzlg

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician.

For Dr. Rolnick's practice and more content, visit: https://beekindpediatrics.com/

In this episode of The Beehive Doc Talks, Dr. Blair Rolnick, a board-certified pediatrician, discusses head lice outbreaks, highlighting symptoms, diagnosis, transmission, and treatment. Lice cause severe itching, which typically appears 4-6 weeks post-infestation, aiding their spread as many remain asymptomatic initially. Diagnosis involves checking the scalp, particularly behind the ears, for hard-to-remove nits resembling small white sesame seeds.

Lice spread through hair-to-hair contact or sharing personal items like brushes and hats, not due to poor hygiene. Treatment includes using a lice comb, medicated shampoo (Permethrin 1%), and decontaminating household items. Dr. Rolnick advises treating all household members. Importantly, children without live lice can return to school, as no-nits policies are outdated. For accurate diagnosis and advice, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. Understanding these measures can ease the stress of managing lice outbreaks, ensuring a prompt and effective response.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qIpWQmYVWTg

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician.

For Dr. Rolnick's practice and more content, visit: https://beekindpediatrics.com/