700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Mike Patrick, MD

Posted by: Mike Patrick, MD on Sep 01, 2026

Red, watery or crusty eyes can have several causes—and not every case of pink eye needs antibiotics. Learn how to recognize common types of conjunctivitis, ease your child’s symptoms, prevent spreading infection, and know when eye symptoms need medical attention.

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Mother and her little sons hiking. They are taking a break and sitting on the old stairs. Examining map.
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Step Outside — Your Next Adventure Awaits!

You don’t need expensive gear or a weekend getaway to have an adventure. Explore simple outdoor activities that encourage movement, spark curiosity, and help families connect, right outside your front door.

Brown bottles on table with flowers.
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Are Essential Oils Safe for Kids?
Essential oils may smell soothing, but “natural” doesn’t always mean safe—especially for kids. Learn what research says about aromatherapy, the risks of essential oils for children, and how to use these highly concentrated products more safely.

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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

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

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

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