Novant Health Pediatrics Blakeney

11/21/2025

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently added misleading claims to its autism webpage. We want to be clear: decades of high-quality, large-scale studies show that vaccines do not cause autism. "Parents deserve peace of mind. Decades of rigorous research have shown vaccines do not cause autism," said Dr. Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children’s health and help them thrive."

The American Academy of Pediatrics stands with members of the autism community who have asked for support in stopping this rumor from spreading any further. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rbx4FX

11/14/2025

Using baby sign language is a great way to communicate with your baby before they can talk! Understanding what your baby wants can make parenting so much easier. On a recent episode of the Healthy Children podcast, Dr. Jennifer Shu, pediatrician and Medical Editor of HealthyChildren.org, recommends teaching your baby the signs for common phrases like “more,” “please” and “thank you” around six to nine months of age. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

11/04/2025

No one should have to go hungry 💜

Food insecurity is rising in our communities as food banks face shortages and federal nutrition benefits are at risk of being stalled or stopped. Families and patients cannot wait for solutions; they need help now.

Novant Health provides emergency food packs and connects families to local food banks through MyCommunity, our online tool for free and reduced-cost resources.

Your support helps us respond quickly and ensure no one goes hungry.

💜 Act now: to make a difference, visit https://tinyurl.com/57jcnswn

🤝 Find resources near you, visit https://tinyurl.com/y79vcvk4

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from all of us at Peds Blakeney! 🎃

10/29/2025

10/22/2025

10/15/2025

09/23/2025

Today’s White House event on autism was filled with dangerous claims and misleading information that sends a confusing message to parents and expecting parents and does a disservice to autistic individuals.

We know autism is complex, highly variable and increasingly linked to genetics. Individualized plans, often involving a combination of developmental, behavioral, educational and social-relational strategies, can help improve outcomes that are meaningful to individuals and families. We also need and welcome additional investments in federally funded research to better support families of autistic children.

Families who have questions about their child’s medications, autism care plans or other health care should consult with their pediatrician or health care provider.
https://bit.ly/4gBDNEc

09/23/2025

Some individuals wrongly assert there is a link between vaccines and autism. Before the claim was discredited, researchers took it seriously, investigated it thoroughly, and found no link. This research, in many countries, involving thousands of individuals, has spanned multiple decades. Any effort to misrepresent sound, strong science poses a threat to the health of children and does a disservice to the autistic community.

Immunizations are important to help children stay healthy, so they can learn, grow and thrive. If parents have questions about vaccines or autism, we encourage them to talk to their child’s pediatrician. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4nI0Rnb

09/19/2025

We’re entering flu season! 🍂💉

Peds Blakeney has Flu Clinics on the following days throughout September and October:

👉 Fridays: 8:40 AM – 3:40 PM
👉 Saturdays: 9:20 AM – 11:20 AM

Call our office to schedule your child’s flu vaccine appointment and help keep your family healthy this season.

08/26/2025

We want to share that as of August 20th, Dr. Barbara Christakis is no longer with Novant Health Pediatrics Blakeney, as she will be moving back to Florida.

From Dr. Christakis:
“Since joining the team at Novant Pediatrics Blakeney 2 years ago it has been a true joy getting to know the children and families that I have had the honor of serving. Thank you for entrusting me with the care of your child and allowing me to be a part of your family’s journey in healthcare. I will carry memories of all the laughter, smiles, and tears we have shared as I move on to this new chapter. It has been a true privilege to work with such an incredible team of physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and secretarial staff that made coming to work each day a true joy, and I am so happy to leave you all in the best hands of a truly collaborative and excellent team at Novant Pediatrics Blakeney.”

We know so many of our families have loved and appreciated her care, and we will deeply miss her. Please join us in thanking Dr. Christakis for her dedication and in wishing her all the best as she begins this next chapter! 💙