Inside Akron Children's

Is it safe to drink caffeine when you’re pregnant?

Heather Bauders, Managing Editor — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:00:25 +0000

A cup of coffee, or two, may be part of your daily routine. But now that you’re pregnant, should you avoid caffeine? Dr. Jacqueline Cornell, OB-GYN with Akron Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine, answers common questions about pregnancy and caffeine. Does caffeine directly affect a baby? If so, how? Yes, caffeine crosses the placenta and affects the […]

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A legacy of compassion: Kimberly Firestone retires after 47 years at Akron Children’s

Lanny Kilpatrick — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:25:13 +0000

For 47 years, Kimberly Firestone, director of respiratory care and clinical outreach services, has dedicated her professional career to improving the lives of the smallest patients at Akron Children’s. “The patients are the heart of what I do,” said Kimberly. “There’s something deeply moving about seeing someone struggle to breathe and being able to help […]

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From the sidelines to state champ: Wrestler fights back from knee injury

Kathy Johnson - Senior Corporate Communications Specialist — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:00:56 +0000

For most of his life, wrestling has been a big part of Blake Bartos’ identity. The 18-year-old recently graduated from Buckeye High School in Medina, where wrestling runs deep in his family. Blake started wrestling when he was 6 years old, following in the footsteps of his dad, uncle, cousin and brother, all of whom […]

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Patient experience spotlight: Dr. Abidin Hakan Tuncer

Heather Bauders, Managing Editor — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:00:49 +0000

Every month, Akron Children’s recognizes an employee for providing an exceptional patient experience. Our most recent honoree is Dr. Abidin Hakan Tuncer, pediatric dentist and director of the Celeste Myers Dental Clinic. He recently received these kind comments from a grateful mom: “My son got a chipped tooth during a baseball game. The next morning, […]

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Tips to help your kids manage back-to-school anxiety

Marketing and Communications Staff Writer — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:00:56 +0000

Back-to-school time can be fun and exciting for some kids, but it may cause anxiety for others. Young children may worry about being away from their parents, while older kids may be anxious about navigating middle school or high school. “It’s important for parents to know that most children who have school anxiety actually like school,” said […]

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Is vaping safe during pregnancy?

Marketing and Communications Staff Writer — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:00:54 +0000

If you’re pregnant, you may be wondering whether vaping is a safer alternative to smoking. After all, many vaping products are marketed as a better option than traditional cigarettes. But here’s the truth: It’s not considered safe to vape during pregnancy. “There’s no safe level of nicotine exposure during pregnancy,” said Jennifer Luli, APRN-CNP, an […]

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Start the year off right with this back-to-school checklist

Marketing and Communications Staff Writer — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:11:22 +0000

Many things are running through a parent’s mind this time of year. Back-to-school chaos and excitement are beginning, but a simple checklist can keep everyone on track and set the tone for the year – parents and kids alike. Pediatrician Jennifer Dwyer shares how her family is getting ready for a healthy, safe and happy start to the school year.

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Cyclospora: What parents need to know

Kathy Johnson - Senior Corporate Communications Specialist — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:37:14 +0000

With recent reports of cyclospora infections making headlines, it’s understandable that parents have questions about what this parasite is, how it spreads and whether they should be concerned. While cyclospora can cause prolonged diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, it remains an uncommon cause of illness in children. To help separate fact from fear, Evelyn Pangonis, […]

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What to do when your child walks funny

Heather Bauders, Managing Editor — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:00:26 +0000

From your child being a “late” walker to developing a limp, parents have questions about why their kids are walking funny. Dr. Walter Samora III, Akron Children’s orthopedic surgeon, answers your common questions about walking concerns and what to do about them. When should my child start walking? “Many parents think their child should be […]

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Learn about ‘mommymaxxing’ and reducing mental overload

Heather Bauders, Managing Editor — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:00:44 +0000

Parenting takes time, love, energy and patience. You don’t have to be perfect – like the viral parenting trend called “mommymaxxing” promotes – and it’s better for your kids if you’re not. Dr. Krista Caldwell, Akron Children’s pediatric psychologist, psychologist, answers common questions about mommymaxxing and offers a healthy approach to parenting. What is mommymaxxing? […]

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