700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Mike Patrick, MD

Posted by: Mike Patrick, MD on Jan 27, 2026

Middle-of-the-night earache? Weekend sports injury? Not every illness or accident needs the ER—but not every urgent care is right for kids, either. Learn how to tell what’s an emergency, what can wait, and how to choose an urgent care center with true pediatric expertise, including options from Nationwide Children’s in Central Ohio.

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When Kids Go Missing: What Parents Need to Know
Worried about how to explain stranger safety without causing anxiety? These expert-backed tips can help you guide the conversation with clarity, compassion and confidence.
Close-up of a smartphone lying on a wooden surface with a USB charging cable positioned near the charging port, ready to be connected.
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Safe Charging of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day, from smartphones to electric scooters. When handled incorrectly, these batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode. Learn practical tips for safe charging, storage, and disposal to keep your family and home protected.

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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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Latest Posts

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

Kids' Behavior and the Full Moon

Apr 03, 2024

The full moon. Some said it had the power to turn a sleeping human into a ferocious wolf-like creature—if the poor soul drank rainwater out of a wolf’s footprint before falling asleep outside on certain cloudless summer nights. Read More

newborn baby looking at the camera

Understanding Baby Acne: A Guide for Parents

Mar 19, 2024

Baby acne is common and temporary. With patience and gentle care, baby acne will soon clear, leaving your child’s skin healthy and smooth. Read More

Child having throat medically examined.

What You Need To Know About Strep Throat

Feb 15, 2024

You’ve probably heard of strep throat, but what exactly is this common condition? Read on to find out! Read More

baby getting their hair brushed

Understanding Cradle Cap: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Jan 24, 2024

Cradle cap, medically known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes scaly, crusty patches on an infant's scalp. Though it might look uncomfortable or itchy, it usually doesn't bother your baby. Read More