700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Mike Patrick, MD

Posted by: Mike Patrick, MD on Oct 15, 2025

First published December 2013 Updated October 2025 In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere and serve a variety of purposes, including learning, socializing, entertainment, and relaxation.

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The Vitamin K Shot: Why Newborns Need It

One of the first health decisions for your newborn is whether to give the vitamin K shot. This quick, safe injection prevents life-threatening bleeding disorders in infants. Learn what vitamin K does, why it matters, and the facts behind common myths.

A teenage girl is sitting on a bed with a laptop in front of her.
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When AI Feels Like a Friend: How to Keep Kids Safe

AI tools aren’t going away, and in many contexts, they can be helpful. By staying engaged, setting limits, and keeping the conversation open, parents can ensure that technology remains a tool—not a substitute for care, compassion, and community.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Community Acquired Pneumonia in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Aug 23, 2024

As the seasons change, we often see a rise in respiratory infections among children. One such infection that has been making the rounds is community-acquired pneumonia, usually caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Read More

How to Cultivate Holiday Rituals and Traditions with Your Children

Aug 09, 2024

It’s that time of year. Fall colors have dropped, the wind has turned brisk, and we enter a season of celebration. Some of us begin with gusto, humming songs of the season with the same breath that extinguished the jack-o’-lantern. Others don’t like to rush it. Read More

The Dangers of Drinking Raw Milk

Aug 05, 2024

Raw milk, which refers to unprocessed milk straight from the cow, has once again become a topic of debate among health-conscious individuals. While some advocate for its consumption due to perceived health benefits, the risks associated with raw milk are substantial and well-documented. Read More

Listeria: Know the Facts

Jul 29, 2024

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial organism that makes its home in soil where it can contaminate vegetation and livestock. It is most commonly passed to humans on raw fruits and vegetables, raw meat, hot dogs, deli meat, smoked fish, milk, cheese and other dairy products. Read More

boy in the woods

The Poison Plants of Summer: Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac

Jul 18, 2024

Summer is in full swing. You know the signs. Dad fires up the grill, mom finds her green thumb, your kids fetch their ball in the weeds…and the whole family comes down with an itchy rash. That’s right, the poison plants are back. Read More

Exam room

Urgent Care or Emergency Department: Which One Is Right for Your Child's Needs?

Jul 10, 2024

Not so long ago, parents had two choices for after-hours medical care: wait for the doctor’s office to open or head to the local emergency room. Today’s parent has more choices, including urgent care centers, grocery store clinics and the newest player in town – the stand-alone ER. Read More

father and son in a pool smiling together

Delayed Symptoms of Drowning: Know the Signs

Jul 09, 2024

As it turns out, the overwhelming majority of kids with a close call in the water do fine, but a few don’t. Knowing the signs and symptoms of drowning—and what to do if they occur—can mean the difference between life and death.   Read More

girl covering her mouth

Understanding Food Poisoning: A Guide for Parents

Apr 25, 2024

Scraped knees and bouts of the common cold are frequent concerns for parents, but there are plenty of other dangers lurking about. One of these is food poisoning, a condition whose source lies in undercooked hamburgers and unwashed produce. Read More