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

Toilet training is a big milestone, and readiness varies for each child. Signs your toddler may be ready include: stayin...
12/19/2025

Toilet training is a big milestone, and readiness varies for each child.

Signs your toddler may be ready include: staying dry for 2+ hours, showing interest in the toilet, communicating the need to go, and demonstrating basic self-care skills like pulling pants up and down.

Remember, children potty train at different times, so give yourself grace and patience throughout the process. Pushing too early can lead to frustration for you and your toddler.

Wellness visits are a great time to chat with your provider about potty training. Do you have your next well visit scheduled? Call today.

etowahpediatrics.com
256-413-1467

Do you know how many hours per day your toddler should be sleeping?Toddlers typically need about 11–14 hours of sleep pe...
12/17/2025

Do you know how many hours per day your toddler should be sleeping?
Toddlers typically need about 11–14 hours of sleep per 24 hours, including naps. Most children between 1 and 2 years take 1–2 naps per day, while 3-year-olds often transition to a single nap or may skip naps entirely.
Consistent sleep routines help toddlers feel secure and well-rested. Establish a regular bedtime, calming pre-sleep activities, and a predictable nighttime routine.

Keep your toddler in their own sleep environment to encourage independent sleep, and if transitioning from a crib to a big kid bed, offer comfort items, use positive reinforcement, and allow time to adjust gradually.

Limit screen time before bed, keep the room dark and quiet, and offer a favorite stuffed animal for comfort.

Consistency is key for better sleep and overall mood.

Well rested toddlers = happy parents.

Call our office if your toddler struggles with sleep. Our team can provide personalized strategies that work for your family in order to help your child rest better.

etowahpediatrics.com
256-413-1467

Ear infections are common in school-age children, but not all ear infections are the same.1) Otitis media (middle ear in...
12/15/2025

Ear infections are common in school-age children, but not all ear infections are the same.

1) Otitis media (middle ear infection): This occurs behind the eardrum, often following a cold or upper respiratory infection. Symptoms can include ear pain, fever, irritability, or trouble hearing. Some cases improve on their own, but antibiotics may be needed if symptoms are severe or persistent.

2) Otitis externa (outer ear infection or “swimmer’s ear”): This affects the ear canal, often after swimming or water exposure. Symptoms include ear pain when the ear is touched, redness, itching, and sometimes discharge. Treatment typically involves ear drops rather than oral antibiotics.

Understanding the type of infection helps guide proper treatment and prevent complications.

Call our office if your child shows signs of an ear infection so we can determine the type and provide the right care.

etowahpediatrics.com
256-413-1467

12/12/2025

Kids answer questions at Etowah Pediatrics 💙💚

Did you know that about 1 in 5 high school students report using e-cigarettes or va**ng products? Va**ng and ni****ne us...
12/12/2025

Did you know that about 1 in 5 high school students report using e-cigarettes or va**ng products?

Va**ng and ni****ne use are serious health concerns for teens. Many va**ng products are not regulated and can contain harmful chemicals, including heavy metals and toxic flavorings.

Open, honest conversations about the risks of ni****ne, addiction, and lung health are essential. Encourage your teen to ask questions, and provide resources for quitting if they’ve already started. Modeling healthy behaviors at home also reinforces these messages.

The providers at Etowah Pediatrics can support your teen in quitting ni****ne, including the option for ni****ne replacement therapy when appropriate. Call today to schedule an appointment.

etowahpediatrics.com
256-413-1467

The holidays are a time for family and fun…but also for germs! Encourage handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and s...
12/11/2025

The holidays are a time for family and fun…but also for germs!

Encourage handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if anyone is sick to help prevent spreading illness.

If someone can’t attend in person, consider celebrating together virtually via video calls so everyone can join safely.

If your child develops symptoms during the holidays, call our office for guidance on care and testing.

etowahpediatrics.com
256-413-1467

Combination vaccines protect against multiple diseases in a single shot, reducing the number of injections your child re...
12/10/2025

Combination vaccines protect against multiple diseases in a single shot, reducing the number of injections your child receives.

They are just as safe and effective as giving single vaccines separately. Using combination vaccines helps children stay up to date on recommended vaccines, while minimizing discomfort, office visits, and stress for both children and families.

Want to know what vaccines your child will be due for next?

Call one of our phone nurses today so they can review your child’s vaccine record with you.

Our phone nurse can also schedule your child’s next wellness visit.

etowahpediatrics.com
256-413-1467

Your child’s pediatric provider plays a key role in coordinating care with specialists, including sending referrals, rev...
12/09/2025

Your child’s pediatric provider plays a key role in coordinating care with specialists, including sending referrals, reviewing test results, and ensuring treatments are consistent.

This helps families avoid gaps in care and unnecessary appointments, while keeping all providers on the same page.

Important Fact: Some insurances require up to date wellness visits before a referral to a specialist can be initiated…another reason why staying up to date on wellness care is so important.

If you need help with care coordination or to schedule your child’s wellness visit, reach out to us today.

etowahpediatrics.com
256-413-1467

Today is Hannah's second Et Peds-iversary, yippee! We're so grateful you're part of the Etowah Pediatrics family, Hannah...
12/08/2025

Today is Hannah's second Et Peds-iversary, yippee! We're so grateful you're part of the Etowah Pediatrics family, Hannah! Cheers to year number three!

Etowah Peds was out in the community this morning. We joined Physicians Who Care in helping to brighten area children’s ...
12/07/2025

Etowah Peds was out in the community this morning. We joined Physicians Who Care in helping to brighten area children’s holidays. Nurse Kim and Dr Hester excited for today’s SEC championship game!

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Rainbow City, AL
35906

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+12564131467

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