New podcast series ‘Kids Health Matters’ set to put parents in the know

Families can now access information and advice from some of Western Australia’s leading child health experts thanks to an exciting new podcast series from the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS).

Kids Health Matters will feature interviews with a range of passionate staff from Perth Children’s Hospital, Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH) and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) who share their expertise and insights on child health and developmental issues and concerns.

CAHS Chief Executive Valerie Jovanovic said the series had been created to answer the most common questions parents and carers ask on health concerns that matter to them.

“This is a valuable new resource for parents to tap into and be reassured by the incredible knowledge of our staff in a conversational and accessible format,” she said.  

“The series highlights the breadth and diversity of our services and the collaboration of our staff across CAHS to promote the health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families.”

The series is hosted by broadcaster Dani Shuey. Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) Respiratory Consultant Dr Adelaide Withers and CAHS Coordinator of Nursing in Infection Prevention and Control, Danielle Engelbrecht share co-hosting duties.

Dr Adelaide has been a respiratory clinician at PCH and Princess Margaret Hospital for more than 15 years. She is also a medical researcher in the Children’s Lung Health Team at Telethon Kids Institute.

“As a passionate clinician and researcher, I’m so excited to be involved with this podcast series which provides excellent evidence-based advice,” Dr Adelaide said.

“Each episode is packed full of helpful hints and easy to understand information for anyone involved with caring for an infant, child or teen,” she said.

Danielle Engelbrecht, who has also worked as a midwife, orthopaedic and theatre nurse said it was a privilege to interview some of our dedicated and talented staff.

“One of the common themes to emerge is the importance of caring for your own health and wellbeing as a parent or carer.

“The interviews not only provide support and strategies for families, but they aim to help ease stress for parents by arming them with excellent health knowledge,” Danielle said.

Topics featured in the first series will include:

• Delving into depression in young people and how to plant a seed for good mental health
• The rise and harm of vaping and why it’s cool to quit
• A cheat sheet for sleep - top tips for babies to teens and in between
• Managing a mental health crisis in young people - a behind the scenes look at how the CAMHS Crisis Connect support service can help
• Understanding ADHD - supporting children and families impacted by this neurodevelopmental disorder
• Milestones matter - why child health nurses can be a ‘godsend’ for parents
• Visiting the ED - what to expect and fast facts on common childhood illnesses
• Food for thought on the allergy front.

The series will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and our website. Show notes will direct listeners to resources for further information.

Episodes will be released weekly over 8 weeks, starting Wednesday 19 June 2024.

Kids Health Matters is proudly produced by the Child and Adolescent Health Service which includes Neonatology, Child and Adolescent Community Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and PCH.

CAHS is committed to programs that promote lifelong health and wellbeing in children and adolescents.