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

Why Your Toddler is Biting and Hitting

Nov 19, 2014

Biting and hitting are common problems during the toddler years, and whether your child is on the giving or receiving end, your goal is the same: you want the behavior to stop. Read More

The Pros and Cons of Homemade Baby Food

Oct 03, 2014

Commercial baby food is expensive, and many parents question the quality of ingredients in the jar. Homemade baby food provides convenience, flexibility and more choices. Read More

Enterovirus D68

Enterovirus D68: Learn the Facts

Sep 09, 2014

Runny nose, cough and congestion are sweeping across central Ohio. You know this because you’ve seen it in the news, on social media feeds, and (if you’re like me) in your own home. It happens this time every year. Read More

Homemade Baby Food: The Danger of Botulism

Jul 16, 2014

Botulism is a disease caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria produces a substance called botulinum toxin, which works at the cellular level, causing muscle paralysis. Read More

Homemade Baby Food: The Danger of Nitrates

Jun 19, 2014

Many parents want to make homemade baby food. And why not? But danger lurks in that good-looking meal, primarily in the form of nitrate contamination and botulism. Read More

Night Terrors

Oct 30, 2013

It’s that time of year, and the scene is the same in neighborhoods across America. Lawn ornaments have morphed into giant spiders, life-sized witches rest on once-empty front-porch rockers, and tree-hanging birdhouses have made way for swaying skeletons. Read More

Stranger Danger

Sep 16, 2013

We interrupt this regularly-scheduled blog for an important safety reminder: Strangers may be dangerous! It’s a nightmare scenario for parents. Your child doesn’t arrive home from school at the expected time, or you turn away for a moment—on the playground or at the shopping Read More