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Most Learning Happens Through the Eyes A large share of what children learn in the classroom depends on clear vision. This includes reading, copying from the board, recognizing faces and facial expressions. When a child cannot see well, it doesn't always look like a vision problem. It can look like trouble focusing, falling behind in reading, or even symptoms that get mistaken for ADHD. A School Screening Is Not a Full Eye Exam Many children get a quick vision screening at sc

Packing a Lunch Your Child Will Actually Eat A school lunch needs to do two jobs: cover your child's nutritional needs and actually get eaten. Using the USDA's MyPlate as a simple guide makes both easier, even on the busiest mornings. The MyPlate Lunchbox Formula ● A lean protein: turkey or ham slices, beans, hummus, or a hard-boiled egg ● A whole grain: whole-wheat bread, crackers, or brown rice ● A fruit: apple slices, berries, or a small orange ● A veg

Don't Let a Missing Vaccine Delay the First Day Maryland law requires children enrolled in preschool through 12th grade to have age-appropriate immunizations on file before they can attend school. If your child's records are not complete, they can be excluded from class. Summer is the time to check and catch up, not the week before school starts. What's Required, By Grade ● Kindergarten and grades 1–11: two doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, or documented proof of

Tryouts Are Closer Than You Think If your student-athlete has practice, tryouts, or conditioning starting in August, now is the time to schedule their sports physical. Maryland schools require a current preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) before a child can practice or compete, and appointment slots fill up fast in late summer. A Sports Physical Is Not the Same as a Well Visit Many parents assume their child's annual well-child visit covers this requirement. It doesn't

The Fourth of July is one of the most anticipated weekends of summer. Fireworks, cookouts, parades, and time with family make it a wonderful celebration. It is also one of the busiest days of the year for pediatric emergency rooms, so a little preparation goes a long way. Here is what our team wants you to know before you head out to celebrate. Fireworks Safety Fireworks are involved in thousands of injuries each year, with children under 15 accounting for a large amount of

Maryland summers are hot and humid. By late June, Baltimore County routinely sees temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. For children, this combination of heat and humidity creates a real risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. Children are more vulnerable to heat than adults: They have a higher body surface area to mass ratio They produce more heat during physical activity They sweat less efficiently They are less likely to recognize the signs of overheating on thei

June is Men's Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the health conditions that affect men and boys. The goal is to encourage early education, prevention, and action. As a pediatric practice, we care for boys from birth through young adulthood, and we believe that the habits and awareness built in childhood and adolescence shape a man's health for decades to come. Why Men's Health Awareness Starts Young In the US, men’s life expectancy is about five years

Summer in Maryland means fireflies, warm evenings, and, unfortunately, bugs. Ticks and mosquitoes are the two most common summer pests in our area, and both can cause more than just an itchy bite. Knowing how to identify, treat, and prevent these bites is an important part of keeping your child healthy this season. Ticks in Maryland Maryland is home to several tick species, but the two of greatest concern for children are the black-legged tick (also called the deer tick) and

June is here, and that means pools are opening. Families across Baltimore County are heading to beaches. While Summer water activities bring so much joy, they also come with serious risks. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, and it can happen quickly and silently — often in just a few seconds and in as little as two inches of water. The good news is that drowning is preventable. Here is what every family should know before heading into the w

Summer is almost here, and many families are planning trips to the pool, the beach, or just spending time in the backyard. While it is important for children to get fresh air and play outside, too much sun can be harmful. Protecting your child’s skin early in life matters, because a large portion of a person’s lifetime sun exposure happens during childhood and adolescence. Sun Safety for Babies Under 6 Months The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies younge

May is National Bike Safety Month. As the weather warms up, many children across Baltimore County will be heading outside to ride bikes on local trails and neighborhood sidewalks. Before your child hops on their bike, make sure they have a properly fitting helmet. A helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety gear your child can wear. It can reduce the risk of head injury by at least 45% and brain injury by 33%. But a helmet only works if it fits correctly. How to Fi

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and children’s mental health is a growing concern. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in children, affecting up to 1 in 5 kids and adolescents. They often begin during the elementary school years, and early recognition is the key to getting help. Feeling worried or nervous sometimes is a normal part of growing up. A child might feel anxious before a big test, on the first day of school, or when meeting new

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. We know that when a new baby arrives, all the attention goes to the little one. But it is just as important to check in on how mom is doing. Most people are familiar with the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. The fourth trimester refers to the first 12 weeks after a baby is born. This period is a time of major physical, emotional, and hormonal change for the new mother. Understanding what is normal and what may ne

We are excited to announce that the official transition from Dr. Nina Pediatrics to Pediatric Providers is now underway. This is a meaningful milestone for our practice and for every family we serve. While the name is changing, our commitment to compassionate, high-quality pediatric care remains the same. For families who have been with us for years and for those who joined more recently, we want to make sure you know exactly what to expect during this transition and what ste

What is Every Kid Healthy Week? Every year during the last full week of April, schools, families, and communities across the country come together for Every Kid Healthy™ Week — a national observance created by Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) to celebrate the health and wellness achievements of children everywhere. This year, it runs from April 20–24, 2026. Launched in 2013, the week shines a daily spotlight on the powerful link between nutrition, physical activity, mental heal

April is Autism Acceptance Month. Many resources exist for children with autism in Baltimore County, but navigating them can feel daunting. It is first important to know what causes autism. While family history and genetics plays a key role in the cause, for most children, it cannot be linked to one medical or genetic condition. Environmental factors also play a role, but this is not fully understood yet. What we do know is that many trusted studies in the last few decades

Insurance apps on your phone can be a great help in managing your child’s healthcare if used correctly. Some ways you can use it include: Digital ID cards: Sometimes we forget our insurance card and don’t realize it until we are standing at the front desk before our appointment. The Digital ID card removes this as a risk of you not being seen that day. Finding a Provider: Whether it is a specialist or primary care provider, you can find one that meets your needs. You can filt

My name is Hibah Mahwish Askari, and I'm honored to introduce myself as the owner of Pediatric Providers — the practice that will continue caring for patients from Dr. Nina Pediatrics. For the past three years, I have worked closely with Dr. Nina and have had the privilege of caring for many of your children. I am deeply grateful for the trust your families have placed in this practice. As many of you may know, Dr. Nina Kashtelyan has announced her retirement after 30 remarka

Spring break for Baltimore County Public Schools begins on March 30. Summer break is not too far away either. Many families will be traveling near and far, and we want to help you be ready. International Travel Traveling to another country can feel stressful, but these tips can help make the trip easier. Car seats and boosters: Even if another country does not require them, we strongly suggest using a car seat or booster. Most airlines let you bring your own for free. Rental

March is National Nutrition Month. Most kids should eat three meals and one to three snacks each day. Many parents know how to make a healthy meal, but snacks can be harder. Let’s focus on how to make snack time easier and healthier. After a long day, it can be tempting to give chips, cookies, or candy. When kids get upset about healthier choices, snack time can turn into a fight. The good news is there are simple ways to make healthy snacks easier for everyone. How to Make a