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

Herpetic Lesion

What You Need to Know About Herpes Mouth Sores

Feb 11, 2021

If you have experienced a cold sore, you are already familiar with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). But did you know that cold sore actually began much earlier, typically during your toddler years? Read More

Child's arm

Impetigo: What You Need to Know

Jan 13, 2021

Impetigo is common on the face, especially around the nose and mouth. It usually begins as small sores that are red and a little itchy. Read More

Mother and daughter washing their hands at kitchen sink

The Importance of Handwashing

Dec 10, 2020

We know the simple act of handwashing is a powerful way to protect ourselves from infection. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly two million young children die each year from illnesses that can be prevented by washing hands with soap and water. Read More

AFM

What Parents Need to Know About Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)

Nov 02, 2018

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare condition that has received much attention recently. The reports are scary, with most cases involving young healthy children who suffer from muscle weakness or paralysis that can last a long time. Read More

image of two hands covered with a rash

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Jul 03, 2018

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease is a common childhood illness caused by a virus. Be aware of symptoms, treatment and prevention to help set your child on course for a speedy recovery. Read More

Little girl sick in bed with mom at bedside.

What Parents Need to Know About Adenovirus

Jan 23, 2018

Adenovirus infections peak in winter and spring; but unlike the flu, they remain common throughout the year. These viruses cause about 10 percent of all childhood fevers, and nearly every child has had at least one adenovirus infection by 10 years of age. Read More

Lunar eclipse

Watch the Great American Eclipse… Safely!

Aug 18, 2017

Once upon a time, there was a Hindu demon named Rahu. He wanted to live forever, so he disguised himself as a god and set out to steal an elixir of immortality. The sun and moon saw what Rahu was doing and reported the incident to the god Vishnu, who chased down the demon and cut off his head. Read More

Teenager with crown ankle tattoo

Teens and Tattoos: What Parents Need to Know

Aug 17, 2017

Americans love their ink. One in five have at least one tattoo, and the numbers are higher among young adults. So, it’s not surprising that teenage interest in tattoos is on the rise. Read More