Play dates are an exciting — and developmental — part of growing up for kids. But when the play date is not at their house, parents ask about all sorts of safety concerns before they allow their children to attend. Especially for new friends or caretakers, they may ask about pets in the home, various […]
Archives for May 2025
Four reasons MyChart is essential when traveling
With summer vacation just around the corner, many families are gearing up for their annual trips — from lakeside adventures to beachside fun. The bags are packed, hotel reservations confirmed and the family pet is boarded. The only thing left to do is fill up the gas tank, right? Wrong. Packing your child’s medical record should […]
What parents should know about breast milk production
Every breastfeeding experience is different. If you’re navigating yours or about to start breastfeeding, you might be wondering what you can expect. What breastmilk is made of, the amount of it your breasts make and even its color changes as your baby grows. Here’s what you should know about the stages of breast milk production, […]
How to talk to your children when news is scary
Recent natural disasters, mass shootings and international conflicts in the news can have a profound effect on kids. Mental health experts at Akron Children’s offer these tips to help parents handle these difficult conversations and provide reassurance.
Mckenzi’s road from micropreemie to first birthday
When Ginny Hardwick went into labor at 22 weeks, she was terrified for her daughter, Mckenzi, and what her future may hold. Through patience, persistence and a wonderful team of labor and delivery doctors and nurses at Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital’s Birthing Center, Ginny’s labor was held off for 2 weeks. Mckenzi […]
The prescription for a fulfilling career: Julie Prather shares her professional milestones and retirement plans
In 1995, after nearly a decade of honing her skills in adult hospital pharmacies, Julie Prather was ready for a change. While perusing the Akron Beacon Journal’s classified ads on Jan. 22, one ad caught her attention. Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron was searching for a pharmacist, and little did Julie know, this opportunity […]













