**This is our final episode until February 2025. Please subscribe to ensure you are alerted when episode 100 becomes available.**

This episode of Raising Joy shines a light on the critical work being done to increase access to mental health services for families living in poverty and/or lacking health insurance
in Tarrant County. Our guests, Kelly Rand and Dayo Jolayemi, are two exceptional Licensed Clinical Social Workers dedicated to Cook Children's Neighborhood Health Centers.

In this conversation, we'll explore:

·
The unique needs of children and families facing poverty and health insurance barriers.

·
How Kelly and Dayo navigate these challenges to provide essential behavioral health support.

·
The importance of accessible and equitable mental health care for all children.

·
The impact of their work on the lives of children and families in Tarrant County.

This episode offers valuable insights into the critical role of social workers in supporting the mental health of children and families in underserved communities.

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into the critical issue of childhood obesity and explore a new bariatric surgery program at Cook Children's. Joining us is Kanika Bowen-Jallow,
M.D., the medical director of the program at Cook Children’s Medical Center - Prosper.

Dr. Bowen-Jallow provides invaluable insights into:

·
When and why bariatric surgery is considered
for adolescents struggling with severe obesity.

·
The potential health benefits of weight loss
surgery, including improvements in physical health and mental well-being.

·
The multidisciplinary approach at Cook Children's,
which involves a team of experts to support patients on their weight loss journey.

This episode offers valuable information for parents and caregivers concerned about childhood obesity and provides a deeper understanding of the role of bariatric surgery in addressing
this complex health challenge.

In this episode of Raising Joy, we welcome Andrea Dunlop, author and host of the true crime podcast "Nobody Should Believe Me," which investigates medical child abuse (MCA), formerly known as Munchausen by Proxy. Andrea shares her personal connection to the topic, stemming from a family experience, and explains what MCA is: a parent or caregiver, most often the mother, inducing, exaggerating, or fabricating a child's medical illness for attention and sympathy.

Andrea discusses the red flags that may indicate MCA, and highlights the importance of distinguishing between anxious parents and those intentionally deceiving medical professionals. This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

This episode of Raising Joy focuses on a sensitive yet crucial topic: understanding and managing chronic pain in children. We're joined by Matthew Reed, LCSW, BCB, a pain clinical therapist at Cook Children's who specializes in providing clinical therapy for children, adolescents, and families affected by chronic pain. Whether it’s headaches or other pain, Matthews shares how mental health can be impacted and what parents can do to help their children.

This episode of Raising Joy tackles the important topic of supporting children with learning disorders, specifically focusing on dyslexia. We're joined by Emily Jimenez, Ph.D.,
NCSP, a licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist at The Jane and John Institute for Mind Health here at Cook Children’s. In this insightful discussion, Dr. Jimenez will share valuable insights and practical strategies for parents and educators
on how to effectively support children facing learning challenges.

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into the intersection of dermatology and mental health with Dr. Heather Volkman, a board-certified dermatologist at Cook Children's Medical Center. Join us as Dr. Volkman shares her unexpected journey from aspiring gynecologist to a pediatric dermatologist, driven by the unmet needs she witnessed during her medical rotations.

Discover how skin conditions, often dismissed as mere cosmetic issues, can profoundly affect a child's self-esteem and mental well-being. Dr. Volkman sheds light on the social stigmatization and bullying that children with visible skin conditions endure and emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues with sensitivity and understanding.

We also explore the controversial perceptions around acne treatments, the influence of social media on skincare routines, and practical advice for parents supporting their children through skin struggles. Tune in to learn how dermatology goes beyond the skin, touching lives in ways that are often overlooked.

In this heartfelt episode of Raising Joy, we sit down with Jordan Walker Ross, beloved for his role as Little James in the hit series "The Chosen."

Born two months premature, Jordan lives with cerebral palsy, scoliosis, and severe asthma, enduring numerous surgeries and bullying. Despite these challenges, his passion for acting propelled him forward, even in the face of rejection for his physical differences. Jordan shares his inspiring journey of self-acceptance, the impact of a supportive family, and how embracing vulnerability has turned his challenges into strengths.

This conversation is a testament to resilience and the power of empathy, especially for parents raising children facing unique obstacles.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit www.cookchildrens.org/joy or follow us on Instagram @RaisingJoyPodcast and TikTok @Raising.Joy.

Join us for our first-ever Raising Joy Book Club episode as we dive into “Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary ‘Executive Skills’ Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential” with renowned author Dr. Peg Dawson.

Discover practical strategies to help your child develop essential executive function skills like planning, organization, and time management. Learn how to identify common challenges, create supportive routines, and empower your child to reach their full potential.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit www.cookchildrens.org/joy or follow us on Instagram @RaisingJoyPodcast and TikTok @Raising.Joy.