Sleep SOS: An Integrated Roadmap for Childhood Sleep Problems - Dr Venita Patel

Disordered sleep in children and adolescents is an escalating public health challenge, with a growing number of young people experiencing persistent sleep difficulties that impact learning, behaviour, and mental health.  In this session, Dr Venita Patel presents a practical four-pillar integrative framework to support childhood sleep.  Drawing on both her paediatric and nutritional expertise, she will explore the role of nutrition and gut health, including nutrient deficiencies and the microbiome - gut-brain axis; the evidence and guidance around supplements and melatonin; lifestyle factors such as circadian rhythms and screen exposure; and mind–body strategies to reduce anxiety and hyper-arousal at bedtime.  This whole-child approach offers clinicians and parents a comprehensive roadmap for improving sleep quality and supporting healthier developmental outcomes.

Treatment of Children with Asthma from an Integrated Lifestyle Perspective - Dr Judit Wesseling

Childhood asthma management traditionally focuses on medication, trigger avoidance, and regular monitoring. However, emerging evidence suggests that broader environmental and lifestyle factors play a critical role in both the development and control of allergic disease.  Drawing on the “epithelial barrier hypothesis,” Dr Judit Wesseling will explore how diet, physical activity, and mind-body approaches such as relaxation, yoga, and mindfulness can support immune regulation and respiratory health in children.  She will present findings from research on nutritional and lifestyle interventions including Mediterranean-style diets and targeted supplements, that may help prevent asthma development and improve symptom control.  The session will provide clinicians with practical, evidence-informed tools to offer personalised integrative advice to families managing childhood asthma.

Connecting Care: An Integrated Network for Collaborative Learning and Practice in Paediatrics - Dr Ines von Rosenstiel

Modern paediatric care is evolving as families increasingly value approaches that combine conventional medicine with safe, evidence-informed complementary therapies.  Dr Ines von Rosenstiel will present the work of the KINA Foundation, a collaborative initiative established within Rijnstate Hospital in the Netherlands, to foster dialogue and cooperation between paediatricians, complementary practitioners, researchers, and educators.  The network provides a structured platform for shared case discussions, interprofessional education, and practice-based research while also developing referral pathways and communication frameworks between disciplines. Early experience suggests that this model strengthens professional trust, improves confidence in collaborative care, and enhances the experience of families navigating complex health journeys.  This presentation explores how interdisciplinary learning and respectful collaboration can support more compassionate, integrated, and effective models of paediatric healthcare.