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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Latest Posts

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

The Parent's Guide to Pink Eye

Sep 10, 2015

Your child wakes up with something new and unexpected: their eyes are matted shut and they have trouble opening them. The right answer depends on the underlying problem. Read More

A Doctor's Take on Essential Oils

Jun 04, 2015

Essential oils are all the rage. You’ve probably also wondered if they really work. Are they safe? And is buying into the movement a waste of money or an effective use of a natural remedy? Read More

young boy frustrated pulling his hair

How to Get Rid of Head Lice

May 01, 2015

“Mommy, my head itches!” Not the words you want to hear from your child, because it usually means one thing- head lice. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a statement that children with head lice do not need to be kept home from school which understandably has many Read More