Don’t Forget the Tick Check!
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.
Ticks like to hide in warm, hard-to-see places, including:
- behind the ears, in the ear folds, and at the nape of the neck
- under the arms and around the waistband
- behind the knees and between the toes
Getting into the habit of checking your child for ticks every evening—especially after time outdoors—can go a long way in preventing tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. A quick check before bath time or bedtime can make a big difference.
For tips on what to do if you find a tick on your child, visit the CDC Tick Bite Bot —an interactive tool that can help guide you through what to do next. The site also includes helpful information about preventing bites and recognizing symptoms of Lyme Disease.
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 .
At Pediatric Associates at Northwoods, we are committed to fostering values of respect, compassion, and fairness in the children and families we serve. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. King—a visionary leader whose work continues to inspire hope, unity, and positive change. His dedication to justice and equality serves as a meaningful reminder of the role we all play in creating a more inclusive and caring world for future generations.
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.
The holiday season is here, and we know it’s a busy time for families! At Pediatric Associates at Northwoods, we want to help you plan ahead for your child’s care. While we hope you're enjoying time with family and friends, we know that kids' illnesses and accidents don’t always follow the holiday schedule. To allow our team to enjoy the holidays, we’ll be operating under special hours.
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!
Our office hours for the holiday: Wednesday, November 26: Closing early at 2:00 PM. Thursday-Friday, November 27-28: 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. 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 .
🎃 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?
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
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.
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: