Etowah Pediatrics

Etowah Pediatrics Etowah Pediatrics, The Leader in Caring for Kids! We pride ourselves in being a personal choice for
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At Etowah Pediatrics, our goal is to keep your child happy and healthy. Our board certified pediatricians provide a superior level of care in a friendly, loving environment. Rely on us as your pediatric health care providers from birth to late teen years. Ben Hester, MD, FAAP
Julia Pena, MD, FAAP
Becky Strunk, CRNP
Denise Adcock, CRNP

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness in young children. It often starts with a fever and decreased ap...
05/06/2026

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness in young children. It often starts with a fever and decreased appetite, followed by painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the diaper area. The spots may look like small red bumps or blisters.

This illness is very contagious and spreads easily through saliva, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Good handwashing and keeping children home while they have fever or open sores can help reduce spread.

Most cases are mild and improve on their own within about a week. Focus is on comfort, including fluids and pain control, since mouth sores can make eating and drinking uncomfortable.

Call our office if your child is not drinking well, shows signs of dehydration, has persistent high fever, or if you have concerns about worsening symptoms.

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Pollen counts measure how much pollen is in the air and can help predict how likely allergy symptoms are on a given day....
05/04/2026

Pollen counts measure how much pollen is in the air and can help predict how likely allergy symptoms are on a given day.

Low pollen levels generally mean most people will have minimal or no symptoms. Moderate levels may cause symptoms in children who are sensitive to pollen. High pollen counts are more likely to trigger symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, or coughing in many children with allergies.

On higher pollen days, simple adjustments can help. Keeping windows closed, using air conditioning, showering after outdoor play, and changing clothes can reduce exposure.

Limiting outdoor activities during peak pollen times, especially in the morning, may also help.

If your child’s allergy symptoms are becoming more frequent or harder to manage, contact Etowah Pediatrics so we can help.

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Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to symptoms such as coughing, w...
05/01/2026

Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It affects about 1 in 12 children in the United States, making it one of the most common chronic conditions in childhood.

Managing asthma and allergies is not only about medications. Daily habits at home can help reduce exposure to triggers and prevent symptoms.

Common strategies include identifying and avoiding known triggers such as pollen, dust, smoke, and pet dander. Using allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, washing bedding regularly, and keeping bedrooms clean can help reduce exposure.

After outdoor play, rinsing off or changing clothes can remove pollen and other irritants from the skin and hair.

If your child continues to have symptoms or you have questions about triggers and prevention, or want to review your child’s asthma action plan, call or send us a portal message today.

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🎂🎈 Help us wish Denise the happiest of birthdays!We’re so lucky to have you on our team—hope your day is full of smiles,...
04/30/2026

🎂🎈 Help us wish Denise the happiest of birthdays!
We’re so lucky to have you on our team—hope your day is full of smiles, treats, and celebration! 💙🩺

Lauren and Shelly attended a national user conference for our EMR this weekend. We met with pediatricians and pediatric ...
04/30/2026

Lauren and Shelly attended a national user conference for our EMR this weekend. We met with pediatricians and pediatric offices across the country and heard from pediatric leaders with the most up to date information. We were able to fit in an afternoon of fun at Magic Kingdom and a delightful visit with Dr Pena and family!

Well visits are an important part of keeping children healthy as they grow. These visits allow providers to monitor grow...
04/29/2026

Well visits are an important part of keeping children healthy as they grow. These visits allow providers to monitor growth, review development, discuss nutrition and sleep, and keep vaccines up to date. They also provide time to talk about school, behavior, and mental health.

Even when a child seems healthy, well visits help identify concerns early and ensure development is on track. They also give families the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any changes at home, school, or in daily routines.

Staying on schedule with well visits helps support your child’s health at every stage of development. Not sure if your child is due for a well visit? Call our office to speak with a staff member.

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Dizziness is a common complaint in teenagers and can have several causes. In many cases, it may be related to dehydratio...
04/27/2026

Dizziness is a common complaint in teenagers and can have several causes. In many cases, it may be related to dehydration, skipped meals, lack of sleep, or rapid growth during adolescence.

Standing up quickly can also cause brief lightheadedness due to temporary changes in blood pressure.

Encouraging regular meals, staying well hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and standing up slowly can often help reduce mild symptoms.

However, certain symptoms should be evaluated. Dizziness associated with fainting, chest pain, severe headaches, shortness of breath, or symptoms that interfere with daily activities should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

If your teen frequently experiences dizziness or if symptoms are worsening, contact Etowah Pediatrics to schedule an evaluation.

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As children grow, friendships begin to play a bigger role in their lives. Sometimes parents may notice that a friend’s b...
04/24/2026

As children grow, friendships begin to play a bigger role in their lives.

Sometimes parents may notice that a friend’s behavior or choices do not align with the values they are trying to teach at home. This can be a good opportunity to talk with your child about decision-making, kindness, and how to handle situations where peer pressure may arise.

Open conversations tend to work better than strict criticism of the friend. Ask questions, listen to your child’s perspective, and help them think through healthy boundaries and how to respond in challenging situations.

If you notice significant changes in your child’s behavior, mood, or school performance, it may be helpful to discuss these concerns with your provider at Etowah Pediatrics.

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etowahpediatrics.com

✨ Celebrating Pediatric Admin Week!The friendly voices, the helping hands, the ones keeping everything running behind th...
04/23/2026

✨ Celebrating Pediatric Admin Week!
The friendly voices, the helping hands, the ones keeping everything running behind the scenes — we see you! Thank you for creating a welcoming experience for every family who walks through our doors. 💛

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children, especially during growth spurts. It occurs when the g...
04/22/2026

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children, especially during growth spurts. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repetitive stress, often from running and jumping in sports.

Children may complain of pain at the back or bottom of the heel, especially after activity. Some children may limp or avoid putting full weight on the affected foot.

Treatment usually focuses on reducing stress on the heel.

Rest from high-impact activities, wearing supportive shoes, stretching the calf muscles, and using ice after activity can help relieve symptoms. Most children improve as the growth plate matures.

If heel pain continues, causes limping, or interferes with normal activity, schedule a visit with one of our pediatric providers so the symptoms can be evaluated.

256-413-1467
etowahpediatrics.com

Young children explore the world by touching and tasting, which makes poisoning prevention especially important in the t...
04/20/2026

Young children explore the world by touching and tasting, which makes poisoning prevention especially important in the toddler years.

Medicines, vitamins, cleaning products, and other household chemicals should always be stored out of reach and ideally locked away. Child-resistant caps can help, but they are not childproof.

Avoid leaving medications on counters or in bags where children can access them, and keep products in their original containers so labels and instructions remain clear.

If a child may have swallowed something harmful, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

256-413-1467
etowahpediatrics.com

Developmental milestones are helpful guides, but every child reaches them at their own pace. Some toddlers walk earlier,...
04/17/2026

Developmental milestones are helpful guides, but every child reaches them at their own pace.

Some toddlers walk earlier, while others focus first on language, problem solving, or social skills. Differences in timing are common and often part of normal development.

Comparing children to siblings, classmates, or children on social media can sometimes create unnecessary worry. What matters most is steady progress over time and opportunities for children to explore, play, and practice new skills.

Well visits are an important time to review development, answer questions, and identify any concerns early.

If you have questions about your child’s development or milestones, bring them up at your next visit with Etowah Pediatrics so progress can be reviewed together.

256-413-1467
etowahpediatrics.com

Address

Rainbow City, AL
35906

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12564131467

Website

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