700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Mike Patrick, MD

Posted by: Mike Patrick, MD on Apr 16, 2026

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.

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young boy laying in bed
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Why Is My Child Screaming at Night? Understanding Night Terrors
First published October 2013 Updated April 2026 Few things are more unsettling for parents than being awakened in the middle of the night by a child who is screaming, thrashing, or sitting upright in bed with wide eyes that seem to look right through you.
Blog Functional Movement Disorder
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Functional Movement Disorder in Teens
Health care providers are seeing an interesting trend as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Functional movement disorder is on the rise in teenagers. The cause? Some experts say screen time habits may play a part, but more research is needed to determine the exact reason.

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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

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

Doctor holding tube of blood for testing.

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

Toddler receiving eye drops.

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

Brown bottles on table with flowers.

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 girl having hair combed through for lice check.

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

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

Adult with oxygen mask placed on their face

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