Happy Thanksgiving!

Our office hours for the holiday:

Wednesday, November 27: Closing early at 2:00 PM
Thursday-Saturday, November 28-30: An on-call physician will be available for emergency issues. Closed for office hours to allow our staff to spend time with their families.

A Thanksgiving Celebration of Gratitude: What Our Kids and Families Are Thankful For

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on the things that matter most. This week, we asked our young patients and their families to share what they’re grateful for this year. Here’s a glimpse of their heartwarming responses.

A little girl is eating a roasted chicken with a fork

The Little Ones: Gratitude for Simple Joys

Our youngest patients express their gratitude in the simplest ways-whether it’s family, food or a favorite toy.

"I love my mommy, sister, and brother!" – Age 5
"I’m thankful for going to school!" – Age 4
"I’m grateful for eating good food!" – Age 4
"Playing catch with my brother and sisters." – Age 5
"Dolls in the Tubby." – Age 2
‘Milk.” – Age 15 months
"Thankful for being nice." – Age 3
"Hearts." – Age 5

These sweet, joyful expressions remind us that gratitude often comes from everyday things.

The Joy of Pets

Pets hold a special place in many families' hearts:

"I’m thankful for my kitty Jax!" – Age 4
"I’m grateful for my dog!" – Age 9
"My bunnies." – Age 7

Pets are more than just animals—they’re family. This Thanksgiving, we celebrate both our human families and the pets that brighten our days.

Tweens and Teens: A Growing Sense of Appreciation

As children grow older, their gratitude becomes more nuanced. They begin to recognize the importance of health, family, friends, and opportunities to pursue their passions.

"I’m grateful for my family and friends." – Age 9
"Sports make me happy." – Age 12
"Food and TikTok, Uggs, Mom." – Age 12
"I’m grateful for my family, friends, sports, and being alive." – Age 11
"I’m grateful for my family, my best friends, and Spotify." – Age 12
"I’m thankful for good grades and the opportunities I have." – Age 15
"I’m grateful for my friends who are always there for me, and my mom who supports everything I do." – Age 14
"I’m thankful for my health, my family, and that I get to do what I love—dance and play soccer." – Age 13
"I’m grateful for my phone." – Age 13

For these teens, gratitude extends beyond family and friends, embracing technology, passions, and opportunities to grow and express themselves.

Parents and Adults: Gratitude for Support, Love, and Health

For many adults, gratitude focuses on family, health, and the support systems that sustain them.

"I’m extremely grateful for my village." – Age 30
"Thankful for a healthy & happy family." – Age 42
"Thankful for my beautiful wife and our healthy baby girl!" – Age 34
"Thankful for the doctors that listen." – Age 43
"Thank you for my son." – Age 35
"I’m grateful that I finally live in a peaceful country." – Age 30

Adults express deep appreciation for the people who support them—whether it’s a spouse, children, or healthcare providers. These responses remind us that gratitude often comes from the relationships and support systems in our lives.

Grateful for You: A Thanksgiving Message to Our Families

Take a moment this Thanksgiving to reflect on what you’re most thankful for. The gratitude shared by our young patients and their families reminds us that the most important things are often the ones closest to us.

We are grateful for our wonderful patients and their families. Your trust and partnership in your child’s care mean so much to us, and we are honored to be a part of your health journey.

From all of us at Pediatric Associates at Northwoods, we wish you a joyful, peaceful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and all the things you’re grateful for.

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What to do with ALL THAT CANDY?

October 19, 2025

🎃 Halloween is full of excitement—costumes, friends, and candy galore! But come November 1st, parents face the real challenge: what should you do with ALL THAT CANDY ? Let kids go free rein… or pace their candy spree?

A baby is laying on a bed with an oxygen tube in his nose.

Two Effective Ways of Protecting Babies from RSV

October 17, 2025

As the colder months approach, so does the return of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Let’s explore some key measures to keep our little ones healthy and safe!

The AAP Updated Vaccine Schedule

October 15, 2025

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently updated its vaccine schedule, and we want to let you know that our practice will be following their guidance. These updates are based on the latest research and a strong commitment to maintaining children’s health. You can read more on the AAP's parent-focused website: HealthyChildren.org .

Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day

October 3, 2025

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to honor the enduring presence, wisdom, and cultural contributions of Indigenous communities. It reminds us to recognize their deep connections to the land and the traditions that have been preserved and shared across generations, often in the face of great challenges. This day is not only about celebration, but also about reflection. It calls us to acknowledge the history of colonization, displacement, and inequities faced by Indigenous peoples, while also recognizing their strength, resilience, and continued influence on our shared story. As we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let us take the opportunity to learn more about the diverse languages, customs, and knowledge that shape Indigenous cultures. By listening, learning, and supporting Indigenous communities, we can help amplify their voices and contribute to a future rooted in respect, inclusion, and equity. Today, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and commit to building a more just and inclusive tomorrow—together with Indigenous peoples. Here at PAN, we are also reminded of the privilege it is to care for all children and families in our community. We are truly grateful for the trust you place in us and for the opportunity to play a role in your children’s health and well-being. Ways to celebrate: 2025 Indigenous Peoples Day Events Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness

A Message from Dr Frank & Beth Tomase

September 3, 2025

After 36 wonderful years of caring for families in our community, Beth and Dr. Frank Tomase have announced their plans to retire in 2026. Beth will be retiring in the spring and Dr. Tomase in August. While they are excited for the next chapter, they will truly miss the many families they’ve had the privilege to serve.

New Resource Link: Connecting Families to Community Support Programs

August 5, 2025

We’re excited to share a new addition to our website designed to support families in navigating important assistance programs. Our goal is to help connect you to the resources you need to address health-related social needs that impact your family’s well-being.

August Update

August 5, 2025

As August begins, we're officially a little more than halfway through summer vacation. While there's still plenty of fun to enjoy, it’s also a great time to start preparing for the upcoming school year. Here’s how you can make sure you’re ready:

Don’t Forget the Tick Check!

By Frank Tomase • May 19, 2025

As New England thaws and spring brings warm sunny days filled with outdoor fun, it also brings bugs—especially ticks! After a long winter, it’s easy to let our guard down—but ticks are already active, and daily tick checks are an important part of keeping your child healthy.

Celebrating our 2024 MHQP Award for Patient Trust!

March 5, 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Pediatric Associates at Northwoods has been recognized by Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) with a 2024 Patient Experience Award for Patients’ Trust in Their Providers! This award is a testament to the strong relationships we build with our patients and families every day. Trust is the foundation of quality pediatric care, and we are incredibly proud of our team for their dedication to creating a welcoming, supportive, and compassionate environment where children and families feel heard, valued, and well cared for. MHQP is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality, patient experience, and transparency in Massachusetts. Each year, MHQP collects and analyzes patient survey data to evaluate healthcare experiences across the state. Their Patient Experience Awards recognize top-performing practices in key areas such as provider communication, coordination of care, and patient trust. This recognition reflects direct feedback from families like yours, making it an especially meaningful honor. We are grateful to our patients for their confidence in us and to our incredible staff for their commitment to providing the highest level of care. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s healthcare journey! 💙👶👩‍⚕️

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 2, 2025

St. Patrick’s Day , celebrated on March 17th, is a fun holiday that honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While it’s widely recognized for its shamrocks, leprechauns, and everything green, the holiday originally began as a religious observance. Today, it’s a joyful celebration full of parades, music, and festive cheer. As you enjoy the day, here are a few tips to keep your little ones happy and healthy: 🍀 Stay Hydrated – Whether at a parade or home, make sure kids drink plenty of water. 🍀Allergy-Friendly Treats – Double-check ingredients in festive snacks, especially if your child has food allergies. 🍀 Safe Celebrations – Avoid small decorations or trinkets that could be choking hazards for little ones. 🍀 Get Active – Take a walk and see how many green things your child can spot! 🍀 Drive Safely – If you're out and about, be mindful of road safety and always drive carefully. Fun Green Things to D o: 🍀 Green Scavenger Hunt – Create a list of green things to find around the house or yard. 🍀 Make Green Crafts – Use green paper, markers, and glue to make shamrocks, leprechauns, or rainbows. 🍀Green Snack Time – Try green smoothies, guacamole, or a colorful fruit salad with green grapes, kiwi, and apples. 🍀 Wear Green – Get in the festive spirit with green outfits! Fun Leprechaun Facts Leprechauns, those mischievous creatures from Irish folklore, have some fun traits! Here are a few: 🍀Leprechaun Origins: Leprechauns are a type of fairy from Irish folklore, known for their mischievous nature and love of gold. 🍀Appearance: They are small, bearded men wearing green coats and hats. 🍀Occupation: Leprechauns are cobblers or shoemakers by trade. 🍀Gold at the End of the Rainbow: According to legend, leprechauns hide their pots of gold at the end of rainbows. Fun Books for St. Patrick’s Day Add some extra magic with these highly-rated reads: 🍀"The Luckiest St. Patrick's Day Ever!" by Teddy Slater 🍀 "How to Catch a Leprechaun" by Adam Wallace 🍀 " There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover!" by Lucille Colandro A ll of us at PAN wish you a safe, happy, and lucky St. Paddy’s Day! 🌈 🌈 🌈 Pediatric Associates will be open for our regular office hours.