Athletic trainers do more than tape ankles and treat sprains — they’re the critical connection between schools, hospitals, coaches, and student athletes. In this episode of Better Today, Healthier Tomorrow, host Ryan Howard talks with Cody Walker, Supervisor of Sports Medicine at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, about the essential role trainers play in protecting young athletes.

🎙️ Inside this episode:
- How athletic trainers serve as the first line of defense on the field
- The medical bridge between youth athletes, doctors, and emergency care
- Real-world stories of trainers identifying life-threatening conditions
- How trainers help schools implement emergency action plans
- The role of trainers in preventing and responding to:
▫️ Heat illness
▫️ Concussions
▫️ Sudden cardiac arrest

🏈 From sideline assessments to hospital referrals, athletic trainers are keeping kids safer — and getting them the care they need, fast.

📌 Why this matters:
In high school sports, every second counts. Whether it's recognizing signs of heatstroke, responding to a heart emergency, or guiding return-to-play after injury, athletic trainers are trusted experts in youth health and safety.

🫀 Learn about Project ADAM and why every school should have an AED and cardiac response plan.
📋 Coaches and schools — don’t forget your annual training requirements under Arkansas AAA guidelines!

In this episode of Providing Pediatrics: A Better Today, Healthier Tomorrow, host Charles Wooley sits down with Dr. Deidre Wyrick, Trauma Medical Director at Arkansas Children's, to discuss the national Pediatric Readiness (PEDS Ready) initiative. With over 24 million children seeking emergency care each year—90% of them in adult facilities—this conversation shines a light on a critical gap in pediatric emergency preparedness across the U.S. and Arkansas.

🩺 Topics Covered:

• What “PEDS Ready” really means for emergency departments & EMS
• Arkansas’ pediatric readiness score (and why it matters)
• The importance of the Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC)
• Real-life challenges in rural pediatric emergency care
• How facilities can take the national readiness survey and improve care
• The role of Arkansas Children's Hospital in supporting providers statewide

💡 Whether you're a healthcare provider, EMS professional, or work in hospital leadership, this episode is a must-watch for understanding how to improve pediatric outcomes and save lives.

✅ Subscribe for more expert discussions on pediatric healthcare, trauma, and emergency medicine.

#PediatricCare #PEDSReady #ArkansasChildrens #EmergencyMedicine #PediatricEmergency #TraumaCare #EMS #HospitalLeadership #MedicalPodcast #HealthcareImprovement #PediatricReadiness #ArkansasHealth #ChildrensHospital

In this episode, host Charles Wooley sits down with Beth Hanks-Clark, CNP, of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, for a powerful and personal conversation about pediatric traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—from severe trauma to mild concussions—and how early intervention and follow-up care are changing outcomes for kids.

👶 What You’ll Learn:

• The differences between mild, moderate, and severe pediatric TBIs
• Why many children with concussions were being lost to follow-up
• How the Concussion Consult Program is filling that critical gap
• The role of inpatient consults in improving continuity of care
• The importance of “Return to Learn” vs. “Return to Play”
• Arkansas Children’s leadership in concussion care and rehabilitation

🧠 Whether you're a healthcare provider, school official, coach, or parent—this conversation offers critical insight into how early education, follow-up, and advocacy are helping children heal and thrive after brain injury.

✅ Subscribe for more inspiring episodes exploring the future of pediatric care and innovation in children’s health.

#PediatricCare #ConcussionRecovery #ArkansasChildrens #TraumaticBrainInjury #ReturnToLearn #BrainHealth #TBIRecovery #ConcussionAwareness #ChildrensHospital #PediatricRehab #Nursing #PedsPodcast #NeuroRehab #HealthcareInnovation

Ever wondered how kids continue their education while in the hospital? In this episode, we take you inside the Arkansas Children's Hospital School Program, where dedicated teachers provide personalized learning to young patients. From one-on-one sessions at the bedside to group lessons and coordinating with students' community schools to manage expectations and navigate returning to school, these educators go above and beyond to ensure every child stays on track. Hear their inspiring stories, the challenges they overcome, and why they love making a difference in their students' lives.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel!

On this episode of Providing Pediatrics, Charles sits down with flight nurse Matthew Whaley of Angel One Transport here at Arkansas Children's to discuss delivering newborns in the pre-hospital setting. They discuss when to stop and deliver versus when to transport, specific equipment needed for delivery, emergent concerns that may arise and what to do about them, as well as an in-depth discussion around the resuscitation of the neonate in the pre-hospital setting. 

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Braden, the 3D Print Lab Manager at Arkansas Children's Hospital, to explore how cutting-edge 3D printing technology is transforming pediatric care.

In this episode of the Arkansas Children’s Better Today, Healthier Tomorrow podcast, host Ryan Howard sits down with Andrew Ghrayeb, a music therapist at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. They discuss the transformative power of music therapy in pediatric care, how it aids in motor skills, speech recovery, and emotional well-being. Andrew shares insights on working with children across various units, from rehabilitation to the NICU, and offers a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a music therapist. Learn about the role of music therapy, its benefits, and the dedication behind the scenes in improving the lives of young patients.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the healing power of music!

👉 Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes!
#MusicTherapy #ChildrensHealth #ArkansasChildrensHospital #music #BetterTodayHealthierTomorrow #PediatricCare #TherapyThroughMusic

In this episode of Providing Pediatrics, host Charles Wooley talks with Brian Eble, MD, Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine at Arkansas Children's about a variety of cardiac emergency topics. Dr. Eble serves as the Medical Director of the Pediatric Exercise Laboratory at ACH and the education coordinator for the medical students and pediatric residents rotating through cardiology.   Topics include cardiac emergencies in sports, having a plan for when those cardiac emergencies happen, and a breakdown of the high profile case of Damar Hamlin, NFL player who had sudden cardiac arrest in a game. Dr. Eble also answers viewer questions.

Brian Eble, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Pediatric Cardiology section of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), practicing at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH). 

Dr. Eble received his MD in 1999 from the University of Missouri – Columbia. He completed his pediatric residency at ACH and UAMS in 2002 and spent an additional year as a pediatric critical care fellow at ACH. He then completed his pediatric cardiology fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in 2006.

Dr. Eble returned to ACH in July 2006 following completion of his formal training. He is board-certified in pediatric cardiology. He is a member of the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and the North American Society for Pediatric Exercise Medicine. His clinical interests include pediatric cardiac intensive care and pediatric exercise stress testing. Research interests include hemodynamic monitoring of perioperative patients following cardiac surgery and serial exercise testing in patients with palliated or corrected heart disease. 

#pediatriccardiology #ArkansasChildrens #ArkansasChildrensHeartInstitute #cardiology #pediatriccardiologists #pediatriccardiologysurgery #hearttransplant #cathlab #heartmurmur #arrhythmia #pediatriccardiologycare 

In this episode of "Providing Pediatrics," Charles Wooley sits down with Dr. Todd Maxon to explore pediatric trauma and the trauma systems in place throughout Arkansas.

Join us in this enlightening episode of "Better Today, Healthier Tomorrow" as we delve into the revolutionary world of pediatric endoscopy with Dr. Elaine Odiase, the only pediatric gastroenterologist in Arkansas certified in advanced endoscopic procedures. Discover how Dr. Odiase's unique blend of gaming precision and medical expertise is not just improving but transforming the experience of pediatric endoscopy, offering hope and smiles to our young patients and their families. Learn about what to expect during an endoscopy, how to prepare your child for this procedure and why Arkansas Children's is at the forefront of pediatric gastrointestinal care.

🔍 Topics covered:
* What is therapeutic endoscopy?
* Preparing for your child's endoscopy: A comprehensive guide
* The intersection of gaming skills and medical procedures
* Why choose Arkansas Children's for your child's endoscopy needs?

Subscribe for more insights on how we champion children at Arkansas Children's, making them better today and healthier tomorrow.

Learn more about our pediatric gastroenterology program: Gastroenterology Clinic | Arkansas Children's (archildrens.org) 

Connect with us:
Website: http://www.archildrens.org 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArkansasChildrens/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/archildrens 
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/archildrens 

#gastroenterology #pediatricgastrointestinal #endoscopy #celiac #crohnsdisease #irritablebowelsyndrome #irritableboweldisease #GIproblems #pediatricGI #poorweightgain #bellypain #tummytrouble #vomiting #constipation #GERD #pediatricacidreflux #foodallergy #IBS #IBD 

Solar Eclipse 2024: Expert Guide to Eclipse Safety for Kids!  

The upcoming total solar eclipse is a monumental occasion for Arkansas, marking the first event of its kind since 1918 and one that won't happen again until 2045. As anticipation builds, so does the responsibility to protect our children's delicate eyes. 

Dr. Laura Sisterhen, a pediatrician at Arkansas Children's Hospital, offers expert advice on the latest episode of Better Today, Healthier Tomorrow on how to view the eclipse safely during this historic spectacle. Her passion for eclipses makes her eclipse safety tips invaluable for families looking forward to the 2024 solar eclipse.

#Eclipse #Eclipse2024 #SafetyTips #Safety

Meet One of Our Champions for Children, Dr. Sade Francois.

"I think the fun thing about pediatrics is, yes, I am taking care of the children, but it's all-encompassing. Most of the time, I'm talking to the parents more than the kids, especially when they are younger. So that whole family feel, I love that about the job."

Watch this video to learn more about Dr. Francois, a general pediatrician at Arkansas Children's Hospital Pine Bluff. We chat about simple ways to keep your family healthy and take a closer look at her day-to-day life as a general pediatrician.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 10, Dr. John Oden's unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise provides a comforting and relatable perspective for children facing similar health challenges.

In our latest 'Better Today, Healthier Tomorrow' podcast, Dr. Oden, chief of pediatric endocrinology at Arkansas Children's Hospital and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, shares his inspiring journey from a young diabetes patient to a leading medical professional. His personal insights and professional expertise offer a unique and comforting perspective to those facing similar challenges.  

Hear Dr. Oden's personal and professional insights on living with diabetes in this special Diabetes Awareness Month episode. 

This special series from "Better Today, Healthier Tomorrow – An Arkansas Children's Podcast" is designed to bridge the gap for health care providers who predominantly treat adults. Pediatric care can be intimidating for those unaccustomed to it; with a mix of expert knowledge and relatable experiences, Charles ensures that no child's healthcare needs are left unaddressed.

Join us as we make pediatric care more approachable and ensure every child receives the best possible care.

We are thrilled to introduce our newly rebranded video podcast— 'Better Today, Healthier Tomorrow – an Arkansas Children’s Podcast.’ The name reflects our mission of a healthier future for the children of Arkansas and beyond.

We couldn’t think of a better way to launch than sitting down with Arkansas Children’s President and CEO, Marcy Doderer, who is celebrating a decade of serving the state’s only pediatric health system. 

Doderer reflected on what she’s most proud of during her tenure at AC Arkansas Children’s, her experience on the “parent side of the bed,” and its impact on her leadership style. She also revealed that being president and CEO was not her first job at Arkansas Children’s — as a teenager, she worked in the billing department, converting paper files to microfiche.

Is your child part of the 6-8% of kids in the U.S. with a food allergy? Knowing the signs, triggers, and what to do if it happens will help you navigate food allergies with confidence.

Dr. Stacie Jones joined us for Food Allergy Awareness Week to share vital insights on managing food allergies and the exciting research her team is conducting.

Dr. Jones is the director of the food allergy program at Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

With an uptick in respiratory illnesses, it's important to know the differences between RSV, flu and COVID-19 viruses and when it's time to take your child to a primary care doctor or the emergency room.

 In our latest Live. Learn. & Play podcast, we asked Dr. Kaitlin Cockerell, a general pediatrician at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock and assistant professor of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences explains what a respiratory illness is and goes in depth on the symptoms to watch for when deciding which type of care a sick child may need. 

Endometriosis is more than just a painful period, and it may be difficult to know what's normal and what's not. 

It takes a team of experts to keep young athletes healthy and get them back on the field. 

On our latest “Ask the Experts”, Dr. Lauren Poindexter a non-surgical sports medicine physician at Arkansas Children’s Northwest shares how she uses her own story and personal experience with multiple sports injuries, to help treat young athletes at our Springdale location.

Endometriosis is more than just a painful period, and it may be difficult to know what's normal and what's not. 

On the latest episode of our Live. Learn. Play video podcast, Dr. Laura Hollenbach, one of only two fellowship-trained pediatric and adolescent gynecologists in Arkansas, shares her expertise on the signs of this condition, when it's time to make an appointment for your daughter and the benefits of seeing a pediatric gynecologist. 

We all know kids and adults snore from time to time. Most of us just pass it off as being tired or exhausted. What happens if that snoring is everyday or they were not active the day before sleep? Could it be a sign of a more serious condition? Janine Amos, D.O., a Pediatric Otolaryngologist at Arkansas Children's sits down to talk about snoring and kids. She breaks down what makes kids snore, what to listen for, and when it may be time to see a physician. 

Incontinence can impact kids in various ways. From bedwetting to accidents while out and about, each form affecting their wellbeing. We talk with Sally Puckett, CPN from the Urology department at Arkansas Children's about incontinence and kids.

Learn about the types of incontinence that kids experience, what is happening mentally and physically around an incontinence accident, and what parents can do to help out. 

Are you new to breastfeeding? It can be hard to know if you're producing enough milk for your baby or how long you should breastfeed. 

We're here to answer your top breastfeeding questions with Dr. Sarah Sobik, outpatient breastfeeding medicine specialist at Arkansas Children's.

It's Migraine Awareness Month and we're asking Dr. Joe Elser, pediatrician and pediatric headache management specialist, what parents need to know about kids and migraines. What is a migraine? What are the symptoms of headaches vs. migraines? What can be done to relieve symptoms?

Join us as we take a deep dive into fetal echocardiograms (fetal echo) with Dr. Elijah Bolin, Pediatric Cardiologist at Arkansas Children's Hospital. A fetal echocardiogram is a highly specialized type of prenatal ultrasound. This type of imaging study is performed to evaluate the structure of the heart of the unborn child. We discuss how a fetal echo is performed, what conditions it can diagnose in your baby, what patients it is essential for, and hear Dr. Bolin talk about real scenarios where fetal echo's catch cardiovascular conditions before birth..