Heritage Pediatrics

04/28/2026

04/23/2026

👇 Type SKILLS to get a PDF copy of this list 👇

Life skills aren’t taught all at once…they’re built slowly, over time.

From putting toys away, to cooking a full meal, to managing money and time.

Each stage of childhood brings new opportunities for growth.

But here’s the important part . . .
This isn’t a checklist to rush through.

It’s a guide.

Children develop these skills best when they feel:
✔️ Supported
✔️ Capable
✔️ Included in real life

Because confidence doesn’t come from being told what to do—
it comes from doing it alongside someone who believes in them.

So if your child isn’t doing everything on this list yet…
that’s okay.

💛 Follow their pace.
💛 Stay connected.
💛 Invite them in.

That’s how life skills—and confidence—are built.

CREDIT: Adapted from the original image by

04/23/2026

The amount of screen time your child views can affect their mental and physical development. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use by children younger than 18 to 24 months. Over the age of 2, screen time's quality should be limited and should avoid solo media use. For children ages 2 to 5, limit screen time to one hour a day of high-quality programming. We understand it can be hard to calm your child's tantrums; however, screen time should be limited as much as possible.

04/22/2026

Attention Graduating High School Seniors! Heritage Pediatrics is proud to award its annual scholarship. Please submit the following to cruffin@heritagekidz.com or hand deliver to our office at Russell Medical Center (Professional Office Building, Suite 108):
1. A one page essay to include your future plans, your most memorable moment from high school, one lesson you've learned from high school, and words of wisdom to underclassmen.
2. A copy of your high school transcript
3. A copy of your resume'
4. College acceptance letter
Application deadline is April 30th, 2026.

04/16/2026

Today is - a day aimed to promote awareness, understanding, and prevention of self-harm and mental health struggles. The semi colon is a positive reminder that the story isn't over yet.
Let's continue the conversation and break down barriers to mental health support.

04/14/2026

Cutie alert! We just love our patients. It's always fun to get to sit on Dr. Ruffin's stool and pretend to be the doctor.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more Cutie Alerts!
If you took a picture of your child while in the office, send us a private message so we can share.

04/08/2026

Carol's Corner is a special reading space in the lobby at Heritage Pediatrics, created in loving memory of Dr. Ruffin's mother, Matilyn Carol Beale, whose passion for reading continues to inspire us. In her honor, every child who visits is invited to take home a book or two--- sharing the joy of stories with each family. Be sure to stop by Carol's Corner at your next visit.

04/07/2026

Researchers studied survey responses regarding screen use, suicidal ideation and behaviors, sleep disturbances, and substance use.

04/07/2026

It's a great day to go out and walk with your family. Not only today, but try to incorporate extra steps in your day. Park the car farther away at work or stores. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk in place while watching television. The recommended steps goal for a healthier lifestyle is 7,000-10,000 steps/day.

04/03/2026

No matter what this week looked like, you made it. You showed up. You didn't give up.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Good Friday.

Heritage Pediatrics will close at noon today!

04/02/2026

"The world needs all kinds of minds." — Temple Grandin

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how a person’s brain develops, especially in how they communicate, interact with others, and experience the world.

Think of it this way:
Autism is a “spectrum”, meaning it can look very different from one person to another—some people need a lot of support, while others need very little.

Autism is usually noticed in early childhood (often before age 3).
Signs can include delayed speech, limited eye contact, or not responding to their name.

At Heritage Pediatrics, we screen for Autism at age 18 months and 2 years of age. If you have questions or concerns about your child's development, please discuss at your next visit.

04/01/2026

Heritage Family! We have some exciting news to share. Heritage Pediatrics will be extending our services to Clay County Rural Emergency Hospital. No worries...Dr. Ruffin is not leaving Alexander City:). This is a great opportunity for us to extend pediatric care to areas with limited access. Nothing will change with Dr. Ruffin's current schedule in her Alexander City office. 😀

🎉💙 THE SECRET IS OUT, CLAY COUNTY! 💙🎉

We’ve been keeping something special behind the scenes… and we are SO excited to finally share it with you! 👀

👶🩺 A PEDIATRICIAN IS COMING TO CLAY COUNTY!

Please join us in welcoming:
✨ Dr. Chante M. Ruffin, MD ✨
with Heritage Pediatrics

Families will now have access to compassionate care for their children—right here at home. 💙

No more long drives… just quality pediatric care, close to the people you love most.

💬 Help us give Dr. Ruffin a warm Clay County welcome!

👇 Tag a parent who needs to see this
👉 SHARE to spread the word across our community!

🏥 Clay County Rural Emergency Hospital
Caring for our community—every stage of life.