Episode 39: Chickenpox

01/28/25 • 45 min

Chickenpox is one of the most common childhood illnesses, yet when those first spots appear, many parents find themselves filled with questions. How can you tell if it’s really chickenpox? How do you manage the relentless itching? And at what point should you seek medical help?

In this episode of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid, host Kate Ball is joined by Dr. Lillie Parker, a paediatrician with over a decade of experience, to provide expert guidance on chickenpox. Together, they discuss:

✅ The signs and symptoms of chickenpox and how to differentiate it from other childhood rashes
✅ How to ease discomfort, reduce itching, and prevent scarring
✅ When to keep your child home and when they can safely return to school or nursery
✅ The risks of chickenpox in pregnancy and for vulnerable individuals
✅ Whether it’s true that you can only catch chickenpox once—and the truth about shingles

If you're an expectant or new parent, or simply want to be prepared for when chickenpox makes its inevitable appearance in your home, this episode is packed with clear, practical advice to help you navigate it with confidence.

References:

Follow and connect with Dr Lils here on Instagram

Find NHS guidance including visual images of the chickenpox spots here

All about the chickenpox vaccine

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi award winning two hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email [email protected]

Series 4 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future for their children.

The team at Things Happen consists of highly qualified financial experts who can guide you through the different types of life insurance policies to consider as your family expands, taking the stress out of decision-making by finding the best deals. If you already have life insurance Things Happen will carefully review your existing policy to ensure it still meets your family's needs, giving you peace of mind, knowing your family is fully protected.

And finally, if reviewing your life insurance is still on your to-do list, take time to get in touch with an experienced Things Happen financial advisor today.

References:

Follow and connect with Dr Lils here on Instagram

Find NHS guidance including visual images of the chickenpox spots here

All about the chickenpox vaccine

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email [email protected]

And finally, if reviewing your life insurance is still on your to-do list, take time to get in touch with an experienced Things Happen financial advisor today.

Previous Episode

Episode 38: Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is often a hidden condition—one that many children and teenagers struggle with in silence. While they may appear outwardly fine, internally, they experience intense distress over perceived flaws in their appearance. What may seem like common self-consciousness can, in reality, be a deeply debilitating mental health disorder. Unfortunately, BDD often goes unrecognised for years, leaving young people feeling isolated and unsupported.

In this episode of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid, host Kate Ball is joined by body image coach Olivia Bowden and counsellor and psychotherapist Jennie Penkel to explore the complexities of BDD.

This discussion covers:
✅ The signs and symptoms of BDD in young people
✅ How parents can differentiate between typical self-consciousness and disordered thinking
✅ The impact of social media, perfectionism, and external pressures on body image
✅ Practical steps for supporting a child with BDD
✅ The pathways to recovery and the importance of professional help

If you are concerned that your child may be excessively preoccupied with their appearance, experiencing distress related to their body image, or withdrawing from social situations, this episode provides valuable guidance on recognising and addressing the issue. There is help available, and recovery is possible.

Olivia Bowden is Founder of Body Image Coach, supporting children with eating disorders and Body Dysmorphic Disorder in schools, click here to find out more about the therapeutic services Body Image Coach offer.

Find Body Image Coach news and resources relating to Body Dysmorphic Disorder here

Olivia’s A-Z online free self help platform Dear Heart Column can be accessed here if you need support with general life difficulties.

Find Olivia’s self-help books here at Front Door Publishing

Jennie Penkul is a psychotherapist and cofounder of The Thorndon Centre, a clinic specialising in the prevention and treatment of body image disorders including BDD.

Connect with Jennie on LinkedIn

Check out the free resources and signposting on Jennie’s website here

Read the NHS guide to BDD

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email [email protected]

Next Episode

Episode 40: Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting 1 in 7 women in their lifetime. Yet, many people still believe it’s a disease that only affects older women. The reality? 2,500 people under 40 are diagnosed every year.

In this episode of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid, host Kate Ball speaks with Paralympic champion Erin Kennedy OBE and Emma Walker from the breast cancer awareness charity Coppafeel! Erin shares her powerful story of discovering a lump at just 29, her journey through treatment, and her extraordinary return to competitive sport. Emma provides essential guidance on breast health, including:

✅ The importance of checking your chest regularly and knowing your normal
✅ Common misconceptions about breast cancer and who it affects
✅ Signs and symptoms to look out for, including those that are often missed
✅ How pregnancy can impact breast cancer diagnosis
✅ What to do if you find something unusual

Early detection saves lives, and this conversation is a must-listen for every woman, mum, daughter, and friend. Checking your chest is quick, simple, and could be life-saving.

References:

Connect with Erin Kennedy here on Instagram

Find out more about Coppafeel!

Download the leaflet Your Breasts During and After Pregnancy

Find out more about Triple Negative Breast Cancer and other types of cancer here at Cancer Research UK

Find out more about Mummy Star - cancer support in pregnancy

Find out more about breast cancer treatments including the different types of chemotherapy treatment here

Cancer treatment prehabilitation advice

Coppafeel’s guide to breast cancer signs and symptoms

Find out more about fundraising for Coppafeel! including how to join a Coppafeel! trek here.

Find out more about our NEW first aid awareness for adults classes here; just two hours of your time to learn life-saving skills.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email [email protected]