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Can nearsightedness actually be reversed, and can a lazy eye be corrected at home? In this episode of the In Focus podcast, board-certified ophthalmologist and pediatric eye specialist Dr. Rupa Wong answers your questions about myopia in children and adults, amblyopia and strabismus, vision therapy, safe distances for TVs, tablets, and books, and whether sunglasses reduce the myopia prevention benefits of outdoor time. She also explains which treatments can slow nearsightedness, why at-home eye exercises should be guided by an eye doctor, and simple ways families can support healthy vision without giving up screens, reading, or sun protection. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Ask. Dr Rupa 00:43 Can Nearsightedness Be Reversed? 02:43 Can Myopia Keep Getting Worse in Your 30s? 04:04 Can Lazy Eye Be Corrected at Home? 08:00 Does Vision Therapy Work for Strabismus? 10:15 How Far Should Kids Sit From the TV? 11:58 How Far Should Kids Hold Tablets, Phones, and Books? 13:40 Do Sunglasses Reduce the Myopia Benefits of Outdoor Time? 14:41 How Much Outdoor Light Helps Prevent Myopia in Kids? 17:23 Should Kids Wear Hats and Sunglasses Outside? 18:15 How Can I Submit an Eye Health Question to Dr. Rupa? IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  HOST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong  Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG: Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.  Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the best way to help your young athlete is to stop coaching them? When parents push harder, correct every mistake, or focus too much on outcomes, support can start to feel like pressure. The shift is learning when to step back, let the coach lead, and help your child take ownership of the work. In this episode of the In Focus podcast, Dr. Rupa Wong talks with Chris Faildo, co owner of Flexx Fitness Hawaii, IFBB Pro bodybuilder, National Guard veteran, and coach to youth athletes. They discuss discipline, sleep, nutrition, phones, consistency, strength training, and what parents should say after a disappointing performance. This conversation offers a practical way to build confident, resilient athletes without sacrificing the joy of sport. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 How to Support Young Athletes Without Pressure 02:34 Youth Athlete Discipline: Talent vs. Habits 05:16 Teen Athletes, Screen Time, and Sports Focus 09:49 How Parents Affect Youth Sports Performance 13:06 Why Young Athletes Listen to Coaches 15:30 Building Discipline and Consistency in Young Athletes 19:34 How to Motivate Young Athletes 23:04 Strength Training for Young Athletes 26:41 Sports Nutrition for Teen Athletes 30:06 Sleep and Recovery for Teen Athletes 33:05 What to Say After a Bad Game or Meet 35:04 How to Keep Kids in Sports GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisfaildo Website: https://flexxfitnesshawaii.com IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  HOST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong  Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG: Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.  Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much screen time is too much for kids? If counting the hours doesn’t tell the whole story, what should parents watch instead? In this solo episode of In Focus, board-certified ophthalmologist, pediatric surgeon, and mom of three Dr. Rupa Wong breaks down the Surgeon General’s screen time warning and shares seven realistic rules families can use. She explains which patterns deserve closer attention, how screen use can affect sleep, mood, online safety, and eye health, and where parents can begin without guilt or panic. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Kids? 01:29 What Is the Surgeon General’s Screen Time Warning? 02:43 What Makes Screen Use Harmful for Children? 05:17 Why Can’t My Child Stop Using Screens? 06:32 How Does Screen Time Affect Kids’ Sleep? 07:36 How Can Parents Keep Kids Safe Online? 09:19 What Is Screen Time Replacing in Your Child’s Life? 10:02 Does Screen Time Damage Children’s Eyes? 11:28 Can Reading Cause Nearsightedness? 12:00 Can Outdoor Time Prevent Myopia in Children? 12:34 How Can Kids Reduce Eye Strain from Screens? 13:33 Why Does My Child Melt Down After Screen Time? 14:52 How Do You Know if Your Child Has Too Much Screen Time? 16:03 What Screen Time Rules Actually Work? 18:55 How Can Parents Set Healthy Screen Time Boundaries? IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  HOST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong  Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG: Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.  Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You have screen limits, filters, and family rules in place, but are they enough to protect your child’s mental health in a digital world you cannot fully control? Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and mother Dr. Roshni Koli to discuss what truly supports children’s mental health. They explore social media readiness, healthy boundaries, warning signs that a child may need help, and why protection is not only about what children see online. It is also about building the trust they need to tell us what they are experiencing. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Children’s Mental Health in the Digital Age 01:40 How Has Parenting Changed in the Digital Age? 03:18 How Does Technology Affect Children’s Mental Health? 04:53 What Is the Right Age for Kids to Use Social Media? 07:17 How to Talk to Kids About Inappropriate Online Content 08:12 How Do You Build Trust and Set Boundaries With Kids? 09:17 Should You Let Your Child Fail? 10:46 How Do Sleep and Nutrition Affect Children’s Mental Health? 12:46 Is Teen Moodiness Normal or a Mental Health Concern? 14:15 What Are the Signs of Depression in Children? 15:30 When Should a Child See a Therapist or Psychiatrist? 17:09 Can a Pediatrician Help With Mental Health? 18:59 Are Pediatricians Trained to Treat Mental Health Concerns? 21:29 At What Age Do Mental Health Conditions Begin? 21:55 Does Social Media Cause Mental Health Problems in Children? 24:07 Why Is Children’s Mental Health Care Hard to Access? 27:06 What Is the Best Way to Support Your Child’s Mental Health? 29:06 Connect With Dr. Roshni Koli GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roshnilani/ Website: https://mmhpi.org/staff/roshni-koli-md/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshni-koli-7671b8247/ IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  HOST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong  Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG: Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.  Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can red light therapy for myopia safely slow eye growth in children? Red light therapy for eyes is attracting attention because some short-term studies show striking reductions in axial elongation, but the exact device, treatment protocol, retinal safety, and what happens when treatment stops all matter. In this episode, board-certified ophthalmologist and pediatric eye surgeon Dr. Rupa Wong examines the evidence, the unanswered safety questions, and the established myopia-control options parents can discuss when a child’s glasses prescription keeps getting stronger. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Should My Child Try Red Light Therapy for Myopia? 02:29 What Is Childhood Myopia? 03:46 How Does Red Light Therapy for Myopia Work? 04:35 Does Red Light Therapy Slow Myopia? 05:47 How Strong Is the Evidence for Red Light Therapy? 06:56 Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Children’s Eyes? 09:04 What Happens When Red Light Therapy Stops? 10:11 Is Red Light Therapy for Myopia FDA Approved? 11:08 What Should Parents Do When Myopia Gets Worse? 11:59 How Much Outdoor Time Do Kids Need to Reduce Myopia Risk? 12:20 How Do Screens, Reading, and Near Work Affect Myopia? 13:39 What Myopia Control Treatments Are Available for Kids? 14:29 Is Ortho-K Safe for Children With Myopia? 14:54 What Is the Best Myopia Treatment for My Child? 16:01 What if My Child’s Myopia Is Progressing Quickly? 16:28 What Red Light Therapy Research Is Still Needed? 17:21 Is Red Light Therapy Ready for Childhood Myopia? IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  HOST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong  Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG: Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.  Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re getting enough hours, following every sleepmaxxing rule, and checking your sleep tracker each morning, but you still don’t feel rested. Is your routine the problem, can trying too hard make insomnia worse, or should you be evaluated for a sleep disorder? Dr. Rupa Wong talks with triple board-certified sleep neurologist Dr. Meredith Broderick about how to sleep better without becoming trapped by sleep scores, supplements, and viral advice. They examine melatonin, mouth taping, screens, blue light, sleep trackers, sleep apnea, and the habits that help children and teenagers sleep. Which strategies are supported by evidence, and which could distract you from the real reason you are not sleeping well? IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Sleepmaxxing and the Search for Better Sleep 01:25 Meet Dr. Meredith Broderick 02:17 What Is Behavioral Sleep Medicine? 04:01 Why Sleep Medicine Is Preventive Care 06:00 How Do Screens Affect Sleep? 07:50 How Does Blue Light Affect Sleep? 09:41 Do Blue Light Glasses and Dark Mode Work? 10:41 Why Are Adults Trying to Optimize Sleep? 11:45 What Is Sleepmaxxing? 12:17 What Is Orthosomnia? 13:37 Can You Trust Your Sleep Tracker? 16:11 Is Mouth Taping Safe? 17:33 Does the Sleepy Girl Mocktail Work? 18:27 Does Melatonin Help You Sleep? 19:56 Should You Get Tested for Sleep Apnea? 20:51 Can Palate Expansion Help Children Breathe Better? 23:25 Can Sleep Problems Look Like ADHD? 24:16 How Can Parents Build Better Sleep Habits? 25:46 Why Are Some People Night Owls? 27:46 Is Melatonin Safe for Kids? 30:00 How Can Parents Help Teenagers Sleep Better? 32:10 Should Teenagers Sleep In on Weekends? 33:23 How Do Parents Model Healthy Sleep? 35:13 Is Sleeping Separately Bad for Your Relationship? 36:57 Is Hitting Snooze Bad for You? 37:42 What Is the Best Sleep Position? 38:14 Are Naps Good for You? 39:05 When Should You Stop Consuming Caffeine? 40:01 Are Sleep Supplements Worth It? 40:17 Who Should Be Screened for Sleep Apnea? GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesleepneurologist/ Website: https://soundsleepguru.com/about/?srsltid=AfmBOoox0aU74kYQ88AjZ19dJFWu3IOKZBn1-351jUSeEsogHfYYPQbb IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  HOST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong  Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG: Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.  Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do blue light glasses actually protect your child’s eyes, and how do you know when farsightedness requires glasses? In this first monthly Q&A, board-certified ophthalmologist and pediatric eye specialist Dr. Rupa Wong answers your questions about farsightedness in children, nutrition for healthy eyes, blue light glasses, screen time rules, and why nearsightedness can continue progressing after age 18. She also shares the practical screen boundaries she uses with her own three children and how those rules have evolved as they have grown. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Introducing Ask Dr. Rupa 01:24 Is Farsightedness Common in Children? 01:41 Farsightedness vs. Nearsightedness 03:10 Why Do Children Have Plus Prescriptions? 06:05 When Do Kids Need Glasses for Farsightedness? 08:23 What Should You Eat for Healthy Eyes? 13:11 Do Blue Light Glasses Actually Work? 18:17 Screen Time Rules for Kids and Teenagers 25:24 Can Nearsightedness Get Worse After Age 18? 28:34 Does Farsightedness Worsen With Age? 29:12 Can Eye Rubbing Worsen Astigmatism? FREE SCREEN TIME CHECKLIST: https://www.drrupawong.com/device-checklist IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  HOST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong  Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG: Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.  Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you tell whether the health advice in your social media feed is credible, misleading, or potentially dangerous? Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a board-certified family physician, associate professor, and on-air health expert, to examine what happens when medical misinformation comes between patients and the care they need. They discuss fears about statins and other medications, the assumption that natural products are always safer, viral detox claims, raw milk, cancer myths, and the questions every patient should feel empowered to ask their doctor. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 How Medical Misinformation Affects Patient Care   03:29 Why Is Medical Misinformation Getting Worse?   05:38 What Are the Real Risks and Benefits of Statins?   09:05 What Should You Ask Before Taking a New Medication?   10:19 When Should You Get a Second Medical Opinion?   11:17 Why Do Doctors Talk About Their Own Medications?   13:03 Why Do People Feel Ashamed of Taking Medication?   16:43 Do You Have to Take Statins Forever?   18:28 Can Statins Damage Your Liver?   19:26 Are Natural Remedies Safer Than Prescription Drugs?   22:11 Which Vitamins and Supplements Are Evidence-Based?   24:03 Do Doctors Get Paid to Prescribe Medications?   26:28 How Can You Tell If You Have a Good Doctor?   27:13 What Should You Do When a Doctor Dismisses Your Concerns?   32:02 Do Cortisol Detoxes and Cleanses Work?   35:15 Is Raw Milk Safe to Drink?   37:13 Can Cold Weather or Wet Hair Make You Sick?   38:25 Can Surgery Make Cancer Spread?   39:54 Does Sugar Feed Cancer?   41:00 How Health Misinformation Creates Shame and Blame   43:25 How to Stop Blaming Yourself for a Health Condition GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjencaudle/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjencaudle Website: https://www.drjencaudle.com/ IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  HOST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong  Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG: Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.  Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re a working mom who never feels caught up, you may not need more discipline, a better planner, or an earlier morning. The real problem may be that you are carrying too much and treating every task like it deserves your immediate attention. Dr. Rupa Wong is a physician, practice owner, entrepreneur, and mom of three who knows what it feels like to balance a career, children, household responsibilities, and your own health. In this episode of In Focus, she shares how she prioritizes a never-ending to-do list, separates a real crisis from a systems problem, and decides what to do now, delay, delegate, or delete. This is a practical conversation about working mom productivity, the mental load, and protecting your attention for what matters most. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Can Working Moms Really Get It All Done? 01:00 Why Does Everything Feel Equally Important? 03:00 What Happens When Your Workload Outgrows Your Support? 04:45 Can You Solve Overwhelm by Working Harder? 05:45 What Does a Working Mom’s Mental Load Actually Include? 08:30 How Do You Decide What Needs Your Attention First? 08:44 What Is the Eisenhower Matrix? 09:44 Is an Urgent Task Really a Systems Problem? 10:25 How Can You Tell a Crisis from a Systems Problem? 10:40 What Can Kids Understand About a Parent’s Mental Load? 12:42 How Do You Stop Future Tasks from Consuming Today? 13:37 Does Being Responsible Mean Responding Immediately? 14:52 When Should Working Moms Delegate? 16:03 When Is a Side Project No Longer a Side Project? 16:35 Does Your Level of Support Match Your Workload? 17:40 Which Priorities Should Never Be Postponed? 18:25 How Can Working Moms Make Time for Their Health? 20:22 Is Your Productivity Helping or Hurting Your Life? 21:00 Does Task Batching Really Work? 22:03 Is Attention More Valuable Than Time? 23:04 Is It Okay to Leave Things Undone? 23:31 Why Do Working Moms Feel Guilty When Tasks Wait? 24:57 What Should You Ask Before Doing Another Task? 26:09 How Does the 80/20 Rule Help Working Moms Prioritize? 27:00 What Should You Do, Delay, Delegate, or Delete? IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  HOST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong  Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG: Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.  Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with board-certified pediatrician Dr. Ari Brown, bestselling author of Expecting 411, Baby 411, and Toddler 411, to cut through the noise of modern parenting. They discuss why effective parenting is not about choosing the perfect parenting style, but about holding clear boundaries, validating emotions, and allowing children to experience natural consequences. From what to do during a toddler tantrum to raising digital natives, protecting unstructured play, and avoiding overscheduling, Dr. Brown offers practical guidance for raising resilient kids without the pressure to parent perfectly. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Why Parenting Advice Feels More Overwhelming Than Ever 04:19 Are Parents Overcomplicating Parenting? 06:25 Do Parenting Labels Actually Help? 07:00 How Boundaries and Natural Consequences Build Resilience 09:36 Does Gentle Parenting Mean No Boundaries?11:36 Why Physical Punishment Is Not the Answer 13:03 Why Do Toddlers Have Tantrums? 15:26 What Should You Do During a Toddler Tantrum? 16:11 Why You Shouldn’t Reason During a Meltdown 17:15 Does Redirection Work for Toddler Tantrums? 18:35 The Biggest Mistakes Parents Make During Tantrums 20:13 How Parents Accidentally Create a Feedback Loop 21:00 Why Caregivers Need to Stay Consistent 22:07 Screen-Time Tantrums and Digital Boundaries 22:59 How to Set Screen-Time Rules That Hold 25:48 What Are Screens Replacing in Childhood? 28:18 Why Boredom Is Good for Kids 29:10 Can Fast-Paced Content Affect Attention? 30:38 Are Kids Overstimulated and Overscheduled? 31:45 Letting Your Child Become Who They Really Are 34:34 Why “Good Enough” Parenting Is Enough 36:22 Where to Find Dr. Ari Brown GUEST RESOURCES: Website: https://www.draribrown.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aribrownmd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aribrownmdBooks: https://www.draribrown.com/books   IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  HOST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong  Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG: Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.  Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trying to work while your kids are home for summer can feel impossible. Your schedule is fractured, childcare is imperfect, the house is louder, and every time you finally start focusing, someone needs a snack, a ride, or help finding the sunscreen. Meanwhile, you want your kids to have a real summer. You want to be present. And you would love to stop feeling guilty about the work, the screen time, and everything you are not getting done. If you are a working mom trying to balance summer break with meetings, camp pickups, family time, and a never-ending to-do list, this episode is for you. Dr. Rupa Wong shares the honest lessons that helped her stop treating summer like a productivity failure. You will learn how to create a realistic summer rhythm, protect time for meaningful work, reduce interruptions, and enjoy being with your kids without feeling like you have to entertain them every minute. Because the problem is not that you are failing. You may simply be trying to work like it is September when your life is running like it is July. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: * Why your normal work routine stops working when the kids are home * How to redefine productivity during summer break * The difference between deep work and lighter work, and when to do each * How the 80/20 rule can help you identify what actually matters * Why flexible daily anchors may work better than a rigid summer schedule * How to set work boundaries your kids can understand * Practical alternatives to automatically reaching for the iPad * How to anticipate the moments that cause stress and resentment * Why your kids do not need a magical, Pinterest-perfect summer * How to ask for the specific help that will make the biggest difference * How to get meaningful work done and still be present with your family TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The reality of working with kids home for summer 00:29 Why summer disrupts even the best routines 04:38 Summer is not a productivity failure 05:55 Redefining productivity for the season 06:59 The emotional cost of divided attention 08:37 Deep work vs. lighter work 10:00 Why everything on your to-do list does not matter 10:48 Using the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law 12:59 Why you need anchors, not a perfect schedule 14:17 How to reduce interruptions from your kids 16:08 Screen-time guilt and planning before you are desperate 17:38 Creating an activity menu for kids 19:02 Your kids do not need a magical summer 20:22 How to plan for resentment before it builds 21:29 Asking for help that is actually useful 22:47 Reducing the invisible work of summer 23:54 Separating work time from kid time 25:38 Creating a new summer operating system 26:19 Doing what matters instead of doing it all 27:27 Permission to work differently this summer IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: * Earn FREE CE Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com * Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9  * Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237  * Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03  * Follow Rupa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong  * Get Email Updates: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up  You can learn more about Dr. Rupa Wong’s practice here: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER: All content in this podcast and description including: infor­ma­tion, opinions, con­tent, ref­er­ences and links is for infor­ma­tional pur­poses only. The Author does not pro­vide any med­ical advice on the Site. Access­ing, viewing, read­ing or oth­er­wise using this content does NOT cre­ate a physician-patient rela­tion­ship between you and it’s author. Pro­vid­ing per­sonal or med­ical infor­ma­tion to the Principal author does not cre­ate a physician-patient rela­tion­ship between you and the Principal author or authors. Noth­ing con­tained in this video or it’s description is intended to estab­lish a physician-patient rela­tion­ship, to replace the ser­vices of a trained physi­cian or health care pro­fes­sional, or oth­er­wise to be a sub­sti­tute for pro­fes­sional med­ical advice, diag­no­sis, or treatment. You should con­sult a licensed physi­cian or appropriately-credentialed health care worker in your com­mu­nity in all mat­ters relat­ing to your health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever checked the label on your child’s clothing? Most parents pay close attention to food, water, and screen time – but few think about the chemicals that may be hiding in their kids’ clothes. In this episode of In Focus, Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with attorney-turned-entrepreneur Steffi Schmidt to discuss non-toxic children’s clothing, hidden chemicals in textiles, greenwashing, and the simple clothing swaps that can help parents make more informed choices without feeling overwhelmed. STEFFI EXPLAINS: * Why the European Union bans more than 1,300 clothing chemicals while the United States bans only 11 * Why children’s clothing may be an overlooked source of chemical exposure * The truth about bamboo clothing, polyester, rayon, and other common fabrics * How to recognize greenwashing and what clothing labels actually mean * What certifications to look for when shopping for clothes * Why starting with underwear, socks, and everyday basics is one of the easiest first swaps * How her mother’s cancer diagnosis inspired her to leave law and build a mission-driven business CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 Why Europe bans 1300 clothing chemicals (and the U.S. bans 11) 02:37 Why clothing may be an overlooked source of chemical exposure 04:28 Why Steffi left her legal career 06:42 How her mother’s cancer diagnosis changed everything 11:18 Is bamboo clothing actually better? 13:38 Organic cotton, polyester, rayon, and how to shop smarter 15:57 Why simple clothing swaps matter 18:46 Fast fashion, sustainability, and buying fewer, better clothes 23:23 Activewear, Lululemon, and raising informed kids 24:37 Greenwashing and making informed choices 26:06 Start with your basics: the easiest clothing swap 27:42 Non-toxic clothing for eczema and sensitive skin 29:50 Entrepreneurship, motherhood, and building a mission-driven business 35:36 Advice for moms considering a career pivot 37:33 Where to start if you want to make healthier clothing choices FOLLOW STEFFI: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figforkids/ https://www.instagram.com/figforkids/ IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG: * Earn FREE CE Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com * Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9 * Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237 * Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=56798f573f874bcb * Get email updates: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up * Follow Rupa: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong You can learn more about Dr. Rupa Wong’s practice here: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com  This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER: All content in this podcast and description including: infor­ma­tion, opinions, con­tent, ref­er­ences and links is for infor­ma­tional pur­poses only. The Author does not pro­vide any med­ical advice on the Site. Access­ing, viewing, read­ing or oth­er­wise using this content does NOT cre­ate a physician-patient rela­tion­ship between you and it’s author. Pro­vid­ing per­sonal or med­ical infor­ma­tion to the Principal author does not cre­ate a physician-patient rela­tion­ship between you and the Principal author or authors. Noth­ing con­tained in this video or it’s description is intended to estab­lish a physician-patient rela­tion­ship, to replace the ser­vices of a trained physi­cian or health care pro­fes­sional, or oth­er­wise to be a sub­sti­tute for pro­fes­sional med­ical advice, diag­no­sis, or treatment. You should con­sult a licensed physi­cian or appropriately-credentialed health care worker in your com­mu­nity in all mat­ters relat­ing to your health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of In Focus, host and board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Rupa Wong dives into a highly misunderstood aspect of women's health after being contacted by a writer for Real Simple magazine. Sharing her personal shift into her 50s and her own sudden intolerance to daily contact lenses, Dr. Wong uncovers the hidden link between chronic midlife eye discomfort and the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause. Joined in spirit by the revolutionary insights of board-certified urologist Dr. Kelly Casperson, this conversation pulls back the curtain on why so many women are left treating surface-level symptoms while completely missing the root endocrine cause. Every woman deserves to be a fly on the wall for this discussion, because your visual comfort isn't just fluctuating, your biological machine is running out of fuel. What You’ll Learn: The unique connection between contact lens intolerance and shifting internal biology that dictates your daily vision comfort. Why a hidden 50% drop in a major circulating androgen by your 40s destroys the very glands lining your eyelids. The specific architectural breakdown of your tear film layers that triggers chronic evaporative dry eye during perimenopause. A critical ergonomic hack involving your computer monitor setup that acts as a natural biological shield against moisture loss. The precise thermal requirement and nightly routine needed to melt stagnant, depleted oils and combat systemic inflammation. Topics covered in this episode: dry eyes in midlife women, hormones and eye comfort, tear film and eyelid oil glands, at-home strategies for dry eyes, in-office treatments for dry eyes, testosterone and women’s health, self-advocacy in menopause and hormone care 00:00 dry eyes in midlife women 02:00 hormones and eye comfort 04:14 tear film and eyelid oil glands 08:57 testosterone and women’s health 10:30 at-home strategies for dry eyes 13:17 in-office treatments for dry eyes 17:35 self-advocacy in menopause and hormone care Resources: Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up Instagram: @drrupawong Youtube Channel: Dr Rupa Wong Interested in becoming a patient?: Honolulu Eye Clinic Earn FREE CE Credit: Learn at Pinnacle App  This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of In Focus, host Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with child psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Wakefield to unpack the quiet anxiety modern parents face while trying to keep their kids mentally well. Instead of leaning on clinical jargon, Dr. Wakefield explores the intense pressure of raising children in a hyper-connected world where every mistake can feel permanently recorded and magnified. The conversation centers on the heavy emotional toll of over-monitoring and why shifting our parenting roles is vital to keeping our kids grounded. It's a raw, hopeful discussion that reminds us why stepping back to focus on long-term connection matters far more than managing a daily checklist of expectations.  What You’ll Learn: The shifting developmental timeline that dictates when a parent must transition from a hands-on caretaker to a long-term consultant. A hidden danger built into digital algorithms that quietly alters how children consume high-stakes information online. The simple, counterintuitive conversational pivot that immediately halts teenage lecturing and opens up genuine emotional validation. How school-issued devices and clever digital workarounds bypass traditional household boundaries, completely rewriting the rules of modern stress management. The unexpected connection between personal self-compassion and cultivating deep psychological resilience within a chaotic family dynamic. Timestamps: 00:36 – parenting in a digital, high-pressure world 05:30 – failure and resilience in child development 08:32 – “good enough” parenting 11:40 – youth mental health and suicide risk 14:45 – social media and external validation 16:48 – warning signs of teen emotional struggle 20:22 – communicating with teens about hard topics 21:55 – creating a supportive family culture 22:43 – setting digital and device boundaries 28:55 – building internal self-worth and self-compassion Guest Resources: TTUHSC Website: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/hdfs/affiliate_faculty/sarah-wakefield.php Instagram: @sarahbethwake Resources: Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up Instagram: @drrupawong Youtube Channel: Dr Rupa Wong Interested in becoming a patient?: Honolulu Eye Clinic Earn FREE CE Credit: Learn at Pinnacle App  This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of InFocus, host Dr. Rupa Wong, a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist and mom of three, pulls back the curtain on a struggle every high achiever knows all too well: the inability to actually unplug. Sharing her own relatable slip-ups, from running payroll while staring at an iPhone in Rome to the accidental blessing of completely forgetting her phone on a family trip, Dr. Wong dives into why our brains refuse to rest even when our bodies are on holiday. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever claimed they were taking a vacation, only to realize they were just working from a different zip code. It's time to understand the real biological tax of staying constantly connected and how to reclaim true presence for yourself and your family. What You’ll Learn: The invisible neurological trigger that turns a quick inbox glance on a beach chair into a physical fight-or-flight response. How a specific, under-activated brain network holds the key to deep cognitive recovery and preventing long-term executive burnout. The hidden psychological residue that compromises your emotional responsiveness and creates friction with your family during dinner. A strategic blueprint for designing a business architecture that empowers your team and eliminates the small business owner bottleneck. The "Ghost Monday" professional biohack that creates a cognitive buffer zone to neutralize re-entry anxiety and cortisol spikes. Topics covered in this episode: working on vacation vs truly unplugging, how constant responsibility rewires your brain, what real mental rest requires (stress, rest, and the brain), why “just checking email” follows you mentally, building a team and systems so work can run without you, phones social media and the pull to stay online, planning your return and smoother re-entry after time off, “Ghost Monday” and protecting a buffer day, being present with your family and yourself 00:00 – unplugged vacations and working on holiday 01:50 – cognitive rest and mental recovery 05:05 – stress response and “fight or flight” while on vacation 06:40 – default mode network and deep rest 08:40 – attention residue and unfinished tasks 09:50 – setting boundaries with work and email 10:30 – delegating in a medical practice or small business 11:00 – building systems and SOPs for time away 11:40 – defining true emergencies for time off 13:45 – social media, dopamine, and digital overuse 15:40 – digital boundaries and scheduled posting 17:20 – eye strain and screen time on vacation 18:40 – managing re-entry after vacation 19:40 – “Ghost Monday” catch-up day 20:30 – being present with family and partners Resources: Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up Instagram: @drrupawong Youtube Channel: Dr Rupa Wong Interested in becoming a patient?: Honolulu Eye Clinic Earn FREE CE Credit: Learn at Pinnacle App  This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices