Columbus Pediatric Associates

11/07/2025

November is National Diabetes Month, and we want to show support for all the amazing kids and families managing type 1 diabetes every day. Managing diabetes can be a full-time job checking blood sugars, counting carbs, and balancing insulin, but with the right tools and support, children with diabetes can live healthy, active lives.

Here are a few trusted resources for families:

1) Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF): www.jdrf.org – advocacy, support, and research updates.

2) American Diabetes Association (ADA): www.diabetes.org – educational resources and family programs.

3) Beyond Type 1: www.beyondtype1.org – community stories, tips, and support networks.

If your child has symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, or fatigue - or if type 1 diabetes runs in your family - call our office. We can help with testing, guidance, and next steps to keep your child healthy.

11/05/2025

Grade schoolers are learning to recognize and manage their emotions, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. Encourage open conversations about feelings, model healthy coping strategies, and validate your child’s experiences.

Teaching problem-solving and stress management skills at this stage helps children build resilience and confidence. Encourage your child to manage stress by taking deep breaths, talking about their feelings, or using drawing or journaling to express emotions.

If your child struggles with emotional regulation or frequent mood changes, call our office. We can offer strategies, resources, and referrals if needed.

11/03/2025

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to recognize the unique journey of babies born too soon and the strength of their families. Life after the NICU can feel overwhelming, with many follow-up appointments, therapies, and ongoing care needs.

Every baby’s journey is different, and support looks different for each family.

Our office is here to help coordinate care for your premature baby, including referrals to early intervention, ophthalmology, and developmental specialists.

If your child was born prematurely, give us a call so we can make sure your family has the right support in place for your baby’s growth and development.

11/01/2025

Consider a donation

A Statement
and Call to Action from Feeding the Valley Food Bank

At Feeding the Valley, we take seriously the critical role that our organization plays in food emergency response and disaster relief efforts.

Today, we are in the wake of a new emergency. With impending delays in SNAP benefits, active-duty military paychecks and furloughed government workers, our neighbors will very soon have insufficient food and will be looking to us for solutions.

The issues are not only with a sharp rise in demand, but on the supply side as well. While food banks across the country are experiencing a food shortage from several post-pandemic factors, we now have a suspension of our federal food supplies during this shutdown. The wicked combination of rise in demand and a dwindling food supply is now a reality in our world.

Rest assured that Feeding the Valley is doing everything we can and has been proactive in our approach to this event. We are scheduling additional food distributions, some of them for our military families to get them the nutrition they need. We are in touch with our network of partner agencies to help them prepare for the rise in demand. We have reached out to our local officials and will make them aware of our response plans.

As a proactive measure well before the shutdown began, Feeding the Valley launched the Community Hunger Relief Fund. This fund has a goal of raising $500,000 by the end of the year to help in our ongoing efforts to provide food assistance during these difficult times. Most of the funds will be allocated to purchasing food, which we do at a high enough volume to drive the price down to approximately 10% of the retail level. This will allow us to boost our inventory levels and provide for the spike in demand we know will exist for some time after resumption of government activities.

We need your help to reach the Fund’s goal and to provide for the community during this crisis. Please consider a donation at www.feedingthevalley.org/relief. Your gift of any amount goes a long way to help our neighbors in need during a time when that need is rising.

We are humbled and thankful for the generous and supportive community we live in, one that truly cares for those around them. We see a strong unity of purpose in the community as we answer all the supportive phone calls and send out donation boxes for food drives. Every little bit helps, and we are grateful and appreciate your support as we make our way through this crisis.

Sincerely,
Frank Sheppard, President & CEO

If you need food assistance, please visit: https://feedingthevalley.org/find-food/ Enter a zip code in the locator feature to find one of our partner agency food pantries that can assist you.

In addition, Mobile Pantry food distributions are scheduled on our website to include:
For Active Duty Military and veterans: 1st Saturday of the month at the National Infantry Museum - Must Show a Military ID Card
Georgia Residents: 3rd Saturday of the Month at the Columbus Civic Center
Alabama Residents: 4th Saturday of the Month at the Central Activity Center in Phenix City
LaGrange: 2nd Tuesday of the Month at Shuford Fields in LaGrange

All other Mobile Pantry food distribution schedules for each of our counties can be found on our website:
https://feedingthevalley.org/find-food/

10/31/2025

Wishing our families a safe, fun, and spooky Halloween.

Whether your little ones are dressing as superheroes, princesses, or friendly ghosts, we hope your night is filled with laughter, treats, and just the right amount of candy. Thank you for letting us be part of your family’s health and happiness all year long.

We would love to see all our adorable ghosts and goblins so post those pictures in the comments below!

10/28/2025

It’s common for toddlers’ legs to appear bowed as they start walking. The condition often corrects itself as they grow.

Bow legs usually begin to straighten naturally by around 18–24 months and are typically fully resolved by age 3–4 years.

Bowing is usually normal if both legs are affected equally, there’s no pain, and your child’s growth and motor skills are on track. We follow pediatric growth and development guidelines to determine if X-rays or referrals are needed.

Not sure if your toddler’s gait is normal? Take a video of them walking and call us for an appointment.

10/25/2025

Before your child heads out for trick-or-treating, keep these tips in mind:

1) Bright & visible: Choose costumes with reflective tape or give them a glow stick or flashlight.

2) Proper fit: Avoid long hems or oversized shoes that could cause tripping.

3) Comfortable mask: If a mask is part of the costume, make sure it doesn’t block vision or breathing.

4) Weather-ready: Dress in layers if it’s chilly outside. 😂

What costume is your child wearing this year? Tell us below!

10/22/2025

Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development, but there are ways to help:

- Stay calm: Your reaction can help your child regulate emotions.

- Set limits consistently: Clear expectations reduce frustration.

- Offer choices: Giving toddlers small decisions helps them feel in control.

- Validate feelings: “I see you’re upset” helps them feel understood.

Provider Tip: Dr. Freeman reminds us that all emotions - big or small - are normal at every age.
Toddlers, however, often need extra guidance in learning how to express them appropriately. Caregivers play a crucial role in teaching healthy emotional expression, and toddlers learn most from observing us. Next time you feel frustrated or upset, try modeling a calm, healthy way to handle your emotions - it’s a lesson they’ll carry forward.

While tantrums are common, parents should talk with their child’s provider if tantrums are extremely frequent, last longer than 15–20 minutes, involve aggression that’s hard to manage, or significantly interfere with daily life.

10/20/2025

Many teens benefit from safe over-the-counter acne products:

1) Benzoyl peroxide: reduces bacteria and inflammation

2) Salicylic acid: helps unclog pores
Differin gel: helps prevent new breakouts and treats inflammation

3) Gentle cleansers: avoid harsh scrubs that irritate skin

Always follow directions and start slowly to avoid dryness or irritation.

Have questions about the right product for your teen? Ask us during your next appointment, we can recommend what’s safe and effective. We may even have samples to send home with your teen.

10/17/2025

October is a special month—it’s my birthday month! Instead of focusing on me, I’d like to use this time to spotlight a cause close to my heart: Feeding the Valley.

Child food insecurity in our area has increased by 7% this past year. That means more families are struggling to put meals on the table, and more kids are going without the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.

Feeding the Valley is working hard to change that, but they need our community’s support.

For my birthday this year, I’d love for you to join me in supporting this incredible organization. Every gift makes a difference for families right here in our area.

💙 Learn more or make a donation:
https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E342467&id=125

10/15/2025

Prenatal Lactation Visits are now available!

We’re offering individual consultations with our IBCLC and breastfeeding expert, Krista Cassel, to create a personalized plan for your breastfeeding journey.

These visits are not limited to our future patients - any family seeking education and support is welcome.

Prenatal lactation support can be especially helpful if you have a history of feeding challenges, breast or chest surgery, or health conditions such as PCOS, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or infertility.

Call today to schedule your visit and start your breastfeeding journey with confidence.

10/14/2025

We are looking forward to seeing you all at our Trunk or Treat on Thursday! 👻🎃

Columbus Pediatric Associates and Gentle Dentistry are teaming up for Trunk or Treat on October 16th from 5–7pm.

Bring the whole family out for an evening of costumes, candy, and Halloween fun - we can’t wait to see everyone’s spooky (and silly) outfits!

Gentle Dentistry of Columbus