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

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

All About Croup

Jan 24, 2017

What causes croup? What other symptoms are present? How do we treat croup, and can it be prevented? Let’s take a closer look. Read More

Beware of Bats and Rabies

Oct 27, 2016

It’s that time of year again, when ghoulies and goblins take to the streets, begging for treats and accumulating heaps of sugary treasure. And while the blogosphere is alive with advice on costume design and safety tips, I’d like to side-step these issues and draw your attention to a Read More

Family Fun with Pokémon GO

Jul 14, 2016

My kids have begun inviting me on excursions into the great outdoors. In the past week, we have trekked through expansive neighborhoods, explored community parks and journeyed to our hometown’s old business district. Read More

High-Fructose Corn Syrup and Fruit Juice: What You Need to Know

Jul 05, 2016

Fruit juice tastes good and is fun to drink. The key is to monitor and seriously decrease our intake, especially if obesity is a concern. Read More

Does the Sight of Blood Make Your Child Feel Faint?

Oct 15, 2015

If your child feels faint when they see blood, Halloween is probably not your favorite holiday. The reaction may be caused by vasovagal syncope – the term for a rapid drop in blood pressure and heart rate which can trigger fainting. Read More