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.
Blog

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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Latest Posts

How to Choose an Urgent Care

Aug 01, 2018

Convenience seldom plays a role in the timing of your child’s illness or injury. Take the sudden earache at 3 in the morning…or a fall down the stairs on a Sunday afternoon. Sporting injuries are more likely in the evening or on a weekend. 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

Child playing with slime

The Joys and Dangers of Slime

Jul 24, 2017

At home, daycare and camp, kids (and adults) are clamoring to create and play with slime. Of course, slime is not new. Read More

Fidget spinners

Fidget Spinners: Don't Get Injured by This Latest Craze

May 18, 2017

A couple of weeks ago, during a family visit to an aquarium, a gift shop display caught my eye. Tucked among the racks of plastic fish and shark magnets was a stack of small colorful propeller-like things. Read More

Warts: What They Are and How to Treat Them

Apr 10, 2017

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a virus and can vary in size and appearance. They are spread person-to-person through touch and typically appear on the hands and feet. Read More