S1 E7: Pediatric Health, Vaccines, and Raising Healthy Kids with Dr. Zoy Patouhas
Meet our guest Dr. Zoy Patouhas of Mali and Mali Pediatrics
Dr. Zoy Patouhas is a board certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She practices at Mali and Mali Pediatrics, where she’s been a pediatrician for 18 years. A graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine and having completed her residency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Dr. Patouhas also has made appearances on “The Dr. Nandi Show” and “Live in the D” helping spread the word on pediatric health and well being.
She lives with her husband, John, 2 children, and her little pup, and is active in the community, attending her children’s activities and volunteering as a Sunday School Director and helping direct her church’s Christmas pageant.
Episode Summary
In this episode of The DBT Podcast, Dr. Neel Shah welcomes Dr. Zoy Patouhas, a board-certified pediatrician who has dedicated her career to children’s health and wellness. With a strong focus on preventive care, family education, and supporting parents in making informed health decisions, Dr. Patouhas brings years of experience from both clinical practice and community engagement. Her approach emphasizes collaboration with families to ensure kids grow up safe, healthy, and resilient.
This conversation explores vaccines and the myths that surround them, including concerns about autism, preservatives, and natural immunity. Dr. Patouhas also provides practical guidance for parents on screen time, nutrition, stress management, and safe physical activity for children. The episode wraps with some lighthearted football talk as she and Dr. Neel turn to Detroit sports and share predictions for the Lions.
Episode Highlights
• Why vaccines are essential and how they protect children
• Discussing misinformation about autism, preservatives, and vaccine ingredients
• Recommendations for screen time, phones, and social media use in kids
• Nutrition tips including colorful eating and daily fruit/vegetable goals
• Strategies to help kids manage stress and build healthy routines
• Safe approaches to exercise and strength training
• The importance of keeping communication open with your pediatrician
(0:45) Meet Dr. Zoy Patouhas!
(1:50) Dr. Patouhas talks about pediatric “anticipatory medicine”, explains what it is, why it’s important and how it works. Also, why vaccines are important and how they work…protection without having to fight a disease. And, what’s natural immunity?
(8:24) What does the data show about the risk for getting vaccines? And what about Autism and vaccinations?
(13:20) What’s the number one item of misinformation about vaccinations? Then, what about preservatives? What about aluminum content?
(16:30) and…what about formaldehyde content?
(18:43) Dr. Zoy talks about measles, how it changes the brain chemistry and its long-term effects.
(20:19) What’s “herd immunity” and why’s it important to the population?
(23:41) Does complete isolation prevent you from getting an illness?
(24:45) When should kids get phones, how much screen time is too much, and other questions are addressed by Dr. Zoy…and she provides recommendations. For example – less than 2 hours of screen time per day…parents set the example!
(29:21) What about nutrition and processed foods? Look for all the colors of the rainbow! And 5-6 fruits and veggies per day.
(32:22) Dr. Zoy addresses stress in kids and makes recommendations to address this. Remember, EVERY age experience stress. Decrease screen time, healthy diet, water, fresh air, hugs (tactile experiences) and 5-6 pictures that bring happiness to share right before lights out.
(35:34) At what age is it OK for kids to start lifting weights? Dr. Zoy discusses the options.
(38:00) And now…of course, Dr. Neel and Dr. Zoy discuss football and specifically the Detroit Tigers!
(40:17) Will the Lions win the division this year?!
(40:40) What final words does Dr. Zoy want to share? “Keep the dialog open with your pediatrician”!
(42:55) What’s the major cause of childhood death in the US?
The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Neither the host, the guests, nor Flint Rock LLC assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast.
