Olentangy Pediatrics

09/01/2025

💙 Happy Labor Day! 💙
Today we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our incredible Olentangy Pediatrics team who give their all to care for our families year-round. We hope our staff — and all of you — enjoy a well-deserved day of rest and celebration. 🌟

Our office will be closed Monday, September 1st and will reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!✨

08/30/2025

🤧 It’s that time of year again—flu season!
Olentangy Pediatrics is now scheduling drive-up flu shots for our patients on Saturday mornings (by appointment only). This convenient option is available for children 6 months and older.
✅ Appointments are quick—typically less than 5 minutes!
✅ Simply drive up to our tents, hop out for the vaccine, and you’re on your way.
✅ Save time by completing the vaccine consent form ahead of your visit (available in the Resources section of our website: https://olentangypeds.com/resources )
📲 How to schedule:
Call our office directly, OR
Use the Patient Portal: https://6860.portal.athenahealth.com/
-Click Find Appointments
-Select Flu Shot
-Click Discover Other Providers (blue box)
-Look for green dots for available days
*(On mobile, scroll to the bottom and tap “Full Site” to view available appointments.)
👉 At this time, we are offering the injectable flu vaccine. We will update families once Flumist becomes available, which we typically receive mid-to-late September.
Protect your child—and your family—this flu season. Call or click today to reserve your spot! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

08/26/2025

💡Tip Tuesday: Tricks to Help Kids Take Medicine Without the Fuss

Chill It First 🧊 – Some liquid medicines taste better when refrigerated (check with your doctor/pharmacist first).

Use a Syringe, Not a Spoon 🥄 – Medicine syringes let you sq**rt the dose toward the inside of the cheek, so kids don’t taste it as much.
**Parenting Hack: practice using a syringe with water when they're young and turn it into a game! Trust us...when the time comes to give medicine, you'll be thankful!

Mix with a Tiny Bit of Applesauce or Yogurt 🍎 – For stubborn tasters (ask your pediatrician to confirm it’s safe to mix first).

Follow with a Favorite Drink 🥤 – Offer a quick sip of juice, milk, or water right after to wash away the taste.

The “Chaser” Trick 🍫 – Some parents give a small piece of chocolate chip or fruit snack right after medicine as a reward.

Distraction Works Wonders 📱 – Have them watch a funny video or sing a silly song while giving the medicine.

Empower with Choice 👍 – Let them pick the cup, the “special spoon,” or where they want to take the medicine (kitchen, bathroom, even outside!) to give them a sense of control.

Role Play with Toys 🧸 – Pretend to give medicine to a stuffed animal first, then “it’s their turn.”

Sometimes a little creativity can make all the difference. 💙 What’s your go-to trick? Share in the comments below! ⬇️

08/19/2025

🍽️ Did you know that studies show involving children in cooking can increase the likelihood of them trying new foods? It's true! Helping with meal prep can boost their confidence, teach them valuable life skills, and make mealtimes more enjoyable for everyone.
What's your favorite way to get your kids involved in the kitchen? Share your tips in the comments below! 👇
PS- tag a friend who could use this helpful hint! 💖

08/14/2025

Back-to-school season is upon us, and while excitement is in the air, so too can be a little anxiety. Help your child start the school year on a positive note with a few tips to help ease the transition:

✅Open Conversation: Start talking about school now. Ask them how they feel – really listen to their worries and excitement.
✅Get Organized Together: Help them pack their backpack, gather supplies, and create a system that works for them.
✅Structure & Routine: Create a new school-day schedule together. This can create expectations, and eliminate some stress!
✅Outfit Planning: Letting them plan their outfits can give them a sense of control and excitement about the new year.
✅Extracurriculars & Sports: Encourage them to participate in activities they love!

These can boost confidence, build friendships, and provide a healthy outlet.
A happy, healthy school year starts with support and understanding. If you have any concerns about your child's mental health, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Olentangy Pediatrics!

08/12/2025

Tip Tuesday: Dr. Pratt shares her favorite products before summer is over! 👩‍⚕️
What are some of your must-haves for your kids during heat waves? Share in the comments below! 👇

08/07/2025

😴 Is your child ready for back-to-school? Don't forget a key element: sleep! Olentangy Pediatrics reminds parents that now is the time to gradually adjust your kids' sleep schedules to ensure they're rested and ready to learn. Start a little earlier each night to make the transition smoother!

08/05/2025

🤔 : How ready are YOU for back-to-school sniffles and scrapes? Olentangy Pediatrics wants to make sure you're prepared!
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must! Do you have these essentials? 👇
Wound care (bandages, gauze, antiseptic)
Pain relief (Tylenol or Motrin)
Allergy meds (Zyrtec or Claritin)
A good pair of tweezers!
What are YOUR must-have first aid kit items? Share in the comments!

07/29/2025

07/22/2025

Tip Tuesday: Babyproofing Your Summer Stay – Hotels, Airbnbs & More! 👶🏡

Squeezing in one last summer getaway with the kids before school starts? ☀️ Whether you're heading to a hotel, an Airbnb, or a VRBO rental, it's essential to take extra precautions to ensure your baby's safety.
While these accommodations offer convenience and comfort, they may also have hidden hazards for little ones. A little planning can go a long way!
Here are some key tips to consider, inspired by the experts at HealthyChildren.org:

🧳Inspect Everything! Whether it's a hotel crib, an Airbnb's high chair, or a VRBO's play area, thoroughly inspect the provided items for any damage, loose parts, or potential safety concerns. Request replacements if needed!
🔌Cord Control: Window blind cords, electrical cords, and appliance cords can be strangulation hazards. Keep them out of your baby's reach at all costs! Secure or remove them if possible.
🎛Outlet Awareness: Electrical outlets are a constant temptation. Pack outlet covers and use them throughout your stay, especially in unfamiliar environments.
🛁Bathroom Basics: Never leave your baby unattended in the bathroom, even for a second. Bathtubs, toilets, and cleaning supplies pose significant risks.
♨️Temperature & Air Quality: Check the room temperature and air quality. Portable fans and air purifiers can help, but ensure they are safely positioned and out of reach.
📺Furniture Stability: Assess the stability of furniture (dressers, bookshelves, TVs) and take steps to prevent tip-overs. Improvise with towels to pad sharp corners.
🏠Supplies from Home: Consider bringing key items from home, such as your own travel crib/pack 'n play, baby gate, monitor, and any familiar comfort items to help your baby settle in. You can even bring your own portable carbon monoxide detector if the place you're staying doesn't have one!

No matter where you're staying, a little babyproofing can make all the difference. For more detailed information on hotel safety, check out the article "Hotel Dangers That Put Baby Safety at Risk" on HealthyChildren.org. These tips apply to various vacation rentals as well.
Enjoy your last summer adventure before the school bells ring! 🔔

07/17/2025

📝 Time to start planning your back-to-school shopping! Ohio's Sales Tax Holiday is happening again in 2025, offering a chance to save big on those must-have school items. Make a list, check it twice, and get ready to shop tax-free! 🍎📚