Kids' Health

Early interventions give kids a head start on good health. For example, research shows that breastfeeding may reduce disease and obesity in children. Join the January edition of Health Dialogues as we explore programs aimed at giving kids a healthier start in life.

Breastfeeding

KQED health reporter Sarah Varney examines the "Baby Friendly" designation at San Francisco General Hospital.

• How Many Children in California Are Breastfed?: Studies have shown that breastfeeding significantly reduces health risks for babies and their mothers. So how many Californians are breastfeeding their babies? Not enough. See our interactive charts and sort the data by ethnicity, income and gender.

In the Practice

Host Rachael Myrow speaks with a pediatrician and an OB-GYN about the kinds of things they see in their practices. Guest: Dr. Brian Blaisch, MD, Oakland Pediatrics and Behavioral Medicine. Guest: Dr. Lynn Yonekura, MD, OB-GYN, and senior adviser to L.A. Best Babies Network.

Hard-to-Reach Populations

"Radio Bilingue" reporter Zaidee Stavely profiles a nurse with Nurse Family Partnership, an organization that pairs public health nurses with first-time mothers and their children, up to the age of two.

Preschool

Host Rachael Myrow visits a preschool in San Francisco for an on-site interview with the school's director. Guest: Molly Skuse, program director at Children's Village Child Development Center in San Francisco.

• Preschool for At-Risk Youth: See photos from Health Dialogues' trip to Children's Village: a non-profit day center for at-risk youth in San Francisco. Children's Village gives preference to children from low-income and homeless families, and children in the care of Child Protective Services.

Budget Update

Host Rachael Myrow asks what the Governor's proposed budget cuts might mean for the health of California's kids. Guest: Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, a non-profit dedicated to health care reform.

Reality Check

Host Rachael Myrow examines the real-life challenges of being a mom and giving your kids the head-start they need. Guest: Sandra Tsing Loh, commentator for KPCC in Southern California, and author of "Mother on Fire: A True Motherf%#$@ Story About Parenting".