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Every October, Down Syndrome Awareness Month invites families, schools, and communities to pause, reflect, and uplift children and adults with Down syndrome—celebrating their unique abilities, affirming their worth, and equipping parents and caregivers with confidence for the journey ahead. If you’ve recently learned that your child has Down syndrome, that news may have left you […]

Every October, National Bullying Prevention Month reminds us that raising confident, kind, and emotionally intelligent children begins at home. With one in five U.S. students reporting they’ve been bullied, this month is a time to renew our collective commitment to creating safe environments—online and in person—where all children feel valued and protected. At Sandy Springs

It’s a common sight: you wake up your child in the morning and notice crust in the corners of their eyes — or maybe there’s more discharge than usual during the day. Parents often call this “eye gunk,” “sleep,” or “goop.” While often harmless, sometimes it signals an infection or allergy that may need medical

Parents often wonder: Is my child’s runny nose just a cold — or could it be a sinus infection? The two can look very similar at first, but there are key differences in cause, duration, and treatment. Understanding these differences helps families know when to provide comfort care at home and when to call the

Each year on September 11th, families across the United States pause to remember the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the resilience of our communities. For many parents, however, this anniversary also raises a delicate question: How do I talk to my child about such a tragic event? Children today weren’t alive when September

Why Whooping Cough Is Making Headlines This Fall Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways. Caused by Bordetella pertussis, it is best known for severe coughing fits followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when a child breathes in. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently

A shift in timing: Why allergy symptoms may appear before “fall” In Atlanta — and broadly across the Southeast — the line between “summer” and “fall” allergies often blurs. Even before calendar autumn begins, children and adults may begin experiencing sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and other symptoms. Several factors contribute: Early ragweed pollen release: Ragweed

At Sandy Springs Pediatrics, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor leaders whose work tangibly improves children’s lives. Few pediatricians embody that mission more than Yvonne A. Maldonado, MD, FAAP, FPIDS, FIDSA — a nationally recognized expert in pediatric infectious diseases, vaccines, and epidemiology whose research and advocacy have guided families, clinicians, and policymakers

August is a month of transitions – kids are sharpening pencils, parents are updating school forms, and families are squeezing in the last summer adventures. But did you know August is also one of the busiest times for infectious disease concerns in pediatrics? From vaccine catch-ups to mosquito bites and back-to-school germs, infections can sneak