COPC - Step by Step Pediatrics

01/14/2026

Looking at this gloomy day and wishing we could see the sun . . . . .

Vitamin D is crucial for supporting children’s bone health and immune systems—especially during the cold winter months! The AAP recommends that all children begin receiving vitamin D supplements shortly after birth. Babies younger than 12 months of age should receive 400 IU of vitamin D each day, and toddlers and older children should receive 600 IU. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4inQanF

01/14/2026

At COPC, our Radiologic Technologists enjoy consistent weekday hours, excellent benefits, and a culture that values collaboration and balance.
✨ Monday–Friday, first shift
✨ Full-time with great benefits
✨ No holiday or weekend shifts

Join a team that’s as committed to your growth and well-being as it is to exceptional patient care.
➡️ Apply here: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/CEN1032COHP/JobBoard/14b4a75f-f5ce-4e30-822d-7266b16aa02e/?q=radiology&o=relevance&f5=MMzYEMRMwUqbzXtFo589YA

01/12/2026

Infectious Disease Round Up:
Measles:
The US is approaching the one-year mark of continuous transmission of measles in the country, threatening the country’s measles elimination status. Since the beginning of 2025, there have been 2,147 cases in the US. A majority of new cases are occurring in Arizona, South Carolina, and Utah. There are 3 new cases in the Cleveland area , all in the same family. Their exposure was most likely the outbreak in South Carolina.
Pertussis:
US pertussis cases have climbed to more than 28,000 according to CDC reports, with 20 states surpassing previous year totals amid declining diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccination rates. Tetanus:
At least 37 confirmed tetanus cases were reported in the United States in 2025, marking the highest annual case count in over a decade due to widespread declines in kindergarten diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccination coverage.
COVID-19:
COVID-19 wastewater concentrations, test positivity, and emergency department (ED) visits due to COVID-19 have been increasing in the US. However, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and deaths remain relatively low, particularly compared to this time last year.
Seasonal Flu:
Seasonal Flu cases may be slowing down in Ohio, but this may also be due to decrease reporting over the holidays.
RSV:
Wastewater and CDC data show increasing RSV activity in the US over the month of December, but wastewater activity is lower than this time last year most likely due to increasing uptake of the new RSV vaccine.
Bird Flu:
There have not been any new cases of avian flu in dairy cattle herds since mid-December, and no new human cases of avian flu globally.

Send a message to learn more

01/09/2026

Anyone else seeing the headlines, "SUPER FLU is SURGING!" all over the place? Seasonal flu has quickly increased in the US over the past two weeks. Cases of influenza have surpassed the peaks of the past five seasons, due to a new K subvariant of the H3N2 strain. This K variant emerged after the vaccine was chosen, so this is a mismatched year. Also, less than 25% of Americans have gotten vaccinated and the new variant is better at side stepping previous immunity. So, overall, more people are susceptible to the virus. As more people are getting infected, we are seeing an expected increase in severe cases. However, hospitalizations due to flu are following a similar trend to previous seasons. There is not evidence that this strain is more dangerous than previous H3N2 strains. It is not really a "Super Flu". Actually, the most severe flu season this decade was the 2024-2025 season with activity levels, hospitalizations, and deaths exceeding previous years. Yet, vaccination rates are down this year.
Best protection: wash hands, avoid large crowds and get vaccinated. Even in a mismatched year like this one, the vaccine still provides protection and is worth getting.

01/08/2026

The USDA has released its most current version of dietary recommendations for Americans and as you can see, they kind of flipped the old Food Pyramid on its head.
There is a lot to like with these new guidelines. For example the first statement in these guidelines is, "The message is simple: eat real food." The guidelines make a strong point of avoiding highly processed foods and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods—protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats. There have been some criticisms of the renewed emphasis on red meat and whole milk and I can't say that I am a big fan of beef tallow. However, I feel that this is a minor issue and less important than the overall message. Also, the new guidelines do still include a long held recommendation to limit saturated fat to 10% of your daily calories. In response to these changes, the American Heart Association does encourage consumers to "prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood and lean meats and to limit high-fat animal products including red meat, butter, lard and tallow, which are linked to increased cardiovascular risk."

01/07/2026

The Department of Health and Human Services significantly changed their vaccine recommendations on Monday. Despite this, the American Academy of Pediatrics and experts in the fields of Infectious Disease and Public Health have NOT changed their recommendations on vaccines. The HHS move was not based on any scientific evidence or concerns. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a strong response, calling the overhaul "dangerous and unnecessary". Vaccines will remain available as always and insurance will continue to cover them.

01/06/2026

Strengthen Your Immunity This Winter! 💪
As we find ourselves in the heart of winter, many of us are feeling the effects of less daylight, seasonal stressors, and the chill of freezing temperatures. It's more important than ever to support our immune systems during this time!

We've put together some science-backed tips to help you stay healthy and fend off seasonal illnesses like the flu and RSV. From the importance of vaccinations to the power of good nutrition and restful sleep, we’ve got you covered! 🥦😴✨

👉 Discover how small changes can make a big difference in your health: [How to Support Your Immune System This Winter](https://www.copcp.com/Articles/Details/270-how-to-support-your-immune-system-this-fa)

Let’s prioritize our health together! Share your favorite immune-boosting tips in the comments below! ⬇️

Help your body fight off seasonal illness with simple, science-backed habits. Learn how vaccines, sleep, nutrition, stress management, and regular movement can keep your immune system strong this fall and winter.

01/01/2026

HOLIDAY CLOSURE:
In recognition of New Year's Day, all COPC practices and services will be closed on Thursday, January 1.

12/23/2025

Step By Step Hours this holiday season:
Wednesday: 8am - 12:30pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 8am - 1:30pm
Dec 31st: 8am - 12:30pm
New Years Day - Closed
Jan 2nd: 8am - 1:30pm

12/22/2025

HOLIDAY CLOSURE:
Please note that all COPC practices and services will be closed on Thursday, December 25, and Thursday, January 1.
✨As a COPC patient, if you need non-emergency care around the holidays, check out the availability of the following services:
🩺SameDay Center (ages 18+)
🩺Pediatric Support Center (ages 0-17)
🩺Orthopedic Urgent Care

❤️Wishing you and your family a happy and safe holiday season!

12/17/2025

12/16/2025

The Holidays, despite all of the positives, often leads to stress and anxiety in adults and children. However, children demonstrate stress differently. Holiday stress in children shows up as tantrums, clinginess, sleep/eating changes, or physical complaints (headaches, stomach aches) due to disrupted routines, overstimulation, new people, and high expectations, but parents can help by maintaining routines, ensuring rest/activity, prepping for changes, and creating quiet , calm moments for decompression and allowing emotional release with free play time. It is also important for parents to manage their own stress as children pick up on parental anxiety.

The holidays can be magical times for children, but they can provoke stress, which can manifest in different ways than in adults.