Healthy Living Blog

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. Although the name sounds scary, it’s so common that most children have been infected with the virus by … Read More

We do occasionally see patients with tongue-ties. Together with your pediatrician, it is important to make an informed decision about how to proceed. Below you will find two links to … Read More

By Dr. Kristen Powell We believe that mental well-being should be taken just as seriously as physical well-being. It is vital, as parents, to take time to care for yourself … Read More

By Dr. Chris Smeltzer  No one likes to talk about weight or change. I offer no guilt slinging here. Studies of healthy habits in kids show that following these habits … Read More

By Dr. Jennifer Ragsdale   Springtime in Middle Tennessee brings beautiful weather, blooming trees, and suddenly the hillsides are bursting with green!  Although it is such a pretty season, not … Read More

By Dr. James Keffer In 2003, I was a resident at the University of Cincinnati (UC) up in Ohio, not long after the 9/11 attacks a year and a half … Read More

We are here to serve all of your children’s primary care needs, including evaluation and testing of flu, strep, and COVID if your child is experiencing symptoms. We are also … Read More

Our physicians at OHPA recommend that our patients receive the standard vaccine schedule. Dr. Keffer is here with a quick reminder on the importance of being vaccinated. JAMA on the … Read More

Dr. James Keffer When my oldest child was born, I was overwhelmed with all the things my wife and I would need to do to raise him. Most urgent was … Read More

By Sarah Grayce, MD and Emily Hardcastle, LCSW  Child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at the Nashville Child and Family Wellness Center In uncertain times like these, many kids (and parents) are … Read More

Due to coronavirus concerns, Vanderbilt has asked community physicians to refrain from rounding in their newborn nursery. If you deliver your baby at Vanderbilt, your baby will now see a … Read More

During this season of colds and RSV, we see plenty of wheezing around our offices. Often this will require a prescription for an inhaler, spacer, nebulizer, or a combination thereof. … Read More

During seasons of cold and wintery forecasts, please know that we work hard to keep both of our offices open. However, we also have to keep our staff’s safety in … Read More

We are proud to be open 7 days a week, 363 days a year! We also offer an after-hours night clinic that rotates between our two locations. Weekend clinic is … Read More

 That’s a Wrap: An Old Harding Nurse Embraces Change and Heads to the Farm By Sloan Lowe One of the great things about living in the state of Tennessee are … Read More

By Dr. Jon Betts Back To Sleep is a term coined to help reduce SIDS in infants, but as we send our kids back to school it is something that … Read More

Injuries and When to Be Seen by Your Pediatrician By Dr. Jennifer Ragsdale Even though school is starting, we still have plenty of warm weather left to enjoy! When the … Read More

Summertime is a wonderful time to reset your family, consider reinforcing good habits, or to add healthier habits. The kids have been in school since last August. Between early morning … Read More

In February I travelled to Liberia to provide medical care in orphanages and facilitate international adoptions.  The trip there involved five flights, touching down in five countries, with an overnight … Read More

Words From A Recovering Picky Eater   You would never know this now, but when I was a little girl, I was an extremely picky eater.  I come from a … Read More

For at least 3000 years, humans have used hot stones, boiling water, and other methods to make fumes or vapors from different plants and substances – think of the hookah … Read More

“AAAAHHHHHHHH CHOOOOOOO.” “Sniffle.” “I’m Cold.” It’s just another day here at Old Harding Pediatrics! As we walk the halls we are greeted by sad faces and chattering teeth. ITS OFFICIALLY … Read More

With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. … Read More

Happy Nurse’s Week to all the nurses out there! I hope each one of you finds yourself on the end of something very chocolatey and delicious! May your scrubs remain free of stains this week, may you eat your lunches sitting down, and may each patient you encounter have excellent veins. Hooray!… Read More

Have questions about HPV ? Listen to our very own Dr. Keffer give you a little info on this very important vaccine! But as always feel free to ask your pediatrician here at OHPA about any questions or concerns you have!… Read More

Although not as obvious as physical ailments, issues with one’s mental health can be just as detrimental to a person’s well-being. The reality is that 20% of children between the ages of 13 and 18 will have a mental health issue that needs to be addressed.… Read More

When I think of germs I picture the round, green blob on the Mucinex commercials. GROSS! Germs are not something that I want in my house, on my body, or the body of my sweet toddler. My little one attends daycare full time and loves to play in the dirt, pick her nose, and constantly has her hands in her mouth. Seriously… it’s gross!… Read More

As school begins, so do Fall sports. While Friday nights on the football field are mostly fun evenings filled with plenty of school spirit, it’s important to recognize the risks associated with football, soccer, wrestling and any other sport where physical contact is a factor.… Read More

Have you scheduled your child’s appointment for their flu vaccine? We at Old Harding want you to understand the importance of all children, 6 months and older, receiving their annual flu shot. Watch this quick video from Dr. Keffer for more information!… Read More

I grew up at the beach and have played and worked in aquatics my entire life. During this time, I have seen, experienced and heard a lot. In the 15 years I have taught swimming, I have heard more than a few heart-wrenching stories of accidents in and around the water. It wasn’t until I became a parent that I truly understood the burden of worry for my own children’s safety in those situations.… Read More

I was asked to offer some tips to help kids develop habits to maintain a healthy weight. Studies of healthy habits in kids show that the following habits are significantly associated with individuals who have and maintain a healthy weight. These healthy habits in kids can only begin with consistent modeling by their parents. Start with small changes to work toward these goals. Have fun. Persevere.… Read More