Opal Court Pediatrics

04/02/2026

03/30/2026

Happy Doctors’ Day to an incredible part of our team! 👩‍⚕️💜

Today we’re celebrating one of our own, Dr. Rao. Thank you for your compassion, dedication, and the genuine care you show every patient who walks through our doors. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful to have you.

You make a difference every single day!

03/27/2026

Having one medical home means your child’s care stays connected.

We coordinate well visits, sick visits, chronic condition management, school forms, mental health follow-ups, and specialist referrals all within our practice at Opal Court Pediatrics.

When everything runs through one team, we can see the full picture, track patterns over time, reduce duplicate testing, and communicate clearly with outside providers.
This continuity improves safety, strengthens relationships, and makes care more convenient for families.

Have questions about coordinating your child’s care? Call our office or speak with your provider at your next visit to keep everything streamlined.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.

03/25/2026

Got asthma? Routine follow ups are important.

Asthma care doesn’t stop after an urgent visit. Regular follow-ups allow us to review symptoms, adjust inhalers, update asthma action plans, and check inhaler technique to prevent future flare-ups.

In general, children with stable persistent asthma should be seen about every three months, while those with stable intermittent asthma are typically followed every six months. Both should be evaluated sooner if there is an exacerbation or worsening of symptoms.

Routine visits help reduce emergency visits and keep kids active and breathing well.

Call to schedule your child’s next follow up.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666

03/23/2026

Difficulty focusing doesn’t automatically mean ADHD.

Many factors can affect attention in teens, including poor sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, heavy screen use, learning differences, or substance use.

ADHD is typically characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity that interfere with school, relationships, or daily functioning, and symptoms are usually present for years, not just a few weeks.

An evaluation may be helpful when focus problems are ongoing, affecting grades, causing frustration, or impacting home life. Proper assessment includes input from parents, teachers, and the teen, not online quizzes or quick assumptions.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s attention or behaviors, schedule an appointment for a full evaluation with one of our pediatric trained providers.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.

03/21/2026

Today we celebrate and honor individuals with Down syndrome and the families who support them.

World Down Syndrome Day was created to celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome and to make sure they have the same freedoms and opportunities as everybody else.

21st March (21/3) matches the 3 copies of chromosome 21. This is unique to people with Down syndrome.

Around 1 in 800 babies is born with Down syndrome. It is the most common chromosomal disorder.

Children with Down syndrome thrive when they receive consistent healthcare. Annual wellness visits are especially important to monitor growth and development, review hearing and vision, screen for thyroid and cardiac concerns, support learning and behavior, and coordinate recommended labs and referrals. Regular visits allow us to partner closely with families, anticipate needs, and adjust care plans as children grow.

301-791-6666

03/18/2026

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us with a successful RunFest!

03/16/2026

Tinea corporis, commonly called ringworm, is a common fungal skin infection, not a worm.

It often appears as a round or ring-shaped rash with a raised, scaly edge and clearer skin in the center. It can be itchy and may spread through close contact, shared towels, clothing, or sports equipment.

Many cases improve with antifungal creams, but some rashes need prescription treatment or further evaluation especially if they’re spreading, not improving, or located on the scalp or face.

Not sure if a rash could be a ringworm? Call our office so we can guide you on treatment and next steps.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.

03/11/2026

Toddlers are still learning balance and coordination, so minor falls and bumps are very common, especially as they climb, run, and explore.

Most small tumbles are harmless and don’t require medical care.

However, call your provider or seek care if you notice red flags such as repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, confusion, behavior changes, loss of consciousness, severe headache, or difficulty walking.

Trust your instincts. Parents often know when something doesn’t feel right.

If you’re ever unsure after a fall, give our office a call. Remember we are available 24-7.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.

03/10/2026

An umbilical granuloma is a small, pink or red piece of tissue that can appear in your baby’s belly button after the umbilical cord falls off.

It may look moist or ooze a small amount, but it’s usually not painful and is a common part of the healing process for some newborns.

Umbilical granulomas are typically easy to treat in the office, often with a quick, painless application that helps the tissue dry up and heal.

If you notice persistent moisture, redness, or tissue in your baby’s belly button, or if it’s not healing as expected, schedule a visit so we can take a look and help it heal properly.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.

03/04/2026

Spring is the perfect time to get outside together.

Simple activities like family walks, park play, bike rides, or a nature scavenger hunt help kids move their bodies, support better sleep, and strengthen family connection. Even short bursts of outdoor time can boost mood and reduce stress for kids and adults alike.

Our NP Tara's favorite springtime activity to do with her family is going on nature walks and seeing all the new flowers and plants bloom…and her favorite season is Spring!

What’s your family’s favorite way to enjoy the outdoors in spring? Share your go-to activity in the comments!

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.

03/03/2026

Before the Hib vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b was a leading cause of bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, and life-threatening infections in young children.

Thousands of kids were hospitalized each year, and many were left with permanent complications such as hearing loss or brain injury.

Vaccination dramatically changed that story making Hib disease rare in countries with strong immunization programs.

Keeping children up to date on routine vaccines helps protect them and prevents these serious infections from returning.

Take a moment to review your child’s vaccine record or ask us at their next visit. Our pediatric trained providers are happy to answer questions about recommended immunizations.

Opal Court Pediatrics
301-791-6666.