Cook Children's Pediatrics Clearfork

10/29/2026

Safety is the key to a fun and memorable Halloween!

Before trick-or-treating begins, experts from Cook Children’s are offering advice to help families prepare for an enjoyable night. Laura Romano, D.O., a pediatric hospitalist, Eric Gonzalez, program manager for injury prevention, and Sharon Evans trauma injury prevention manager, breakdown essential tips from visibility on dark streets to candy safety. Don’t be scared this Halloween, be prepared.

Swipe for some quick tips about how to keep your family safe and read more information here: https://shorturl.at/3zehg

10/28/2026

Twenty-one Cook Children's physicians were recognized on D Magazine's Best Doctors & Pediatric Specialists list for 2026. 🥳

Behind every recognition is a physician who has spent years earning the trust of children and families. The relationships they build, the moments they guide families through and the care they provide each day leave a lasting impact far beyond the exam room.

We're proud to celebrate these physicians and grateful for the difference they make across North Texas. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor and thank you for all you do for the children and families who count on Cook Children's!

10/27/2026

¿El miedo de su hijo a los fantasmas y monstruos es solo diversión de la temporada de terror o hay algo más? 🎃

A medida que se acerca Halloween, es normal que los niños experimenten sustos propios de la temporada. Pero, ¿cuándo los miedos cotidianos de la infancia cruzan la línea y se convierten en fobias clínicas? Y, ante esto, ¿cómo pueden los papás notar la diferencia?

La psicóloga clínica Amanda L. Moen, Ph.D., comparte consejos prácticos para ayudar a los más pequeños a manejar y superar la ansiedad intensa.

Lea la información completa aquí: https://shorturl.at/0pHzW

10/27/2026

Halloween is just around the corner, bringing costumes, spooky decorations and plenty of pretend monsters. But for some children and teenagers, the scariest things aren’t ghosts or spooky pumpkins. Something as small as a bug can trigger overwhelming fear and anxiety.

For 8-year-old Joseph Jones, an encounter with a bug could turn an ordinary day into a frightening experience.

“I noticed that he had a huge fear of bugs. He had very strong, loud, fearful reactions to any type of bug,” said his mother, Laura Jones. “He would scream, cry, throw himself on the ground or run away. There was a lot of fear and anxiety when it came to the bugs.”

Joseph loves playing outdoors, but his fear became so overwhelming that he avoided going outside, walking through the yard or entering certain rooms in his home alone. Seeking help, the family turned to Cook Children’s, where Dr. Moen helped Joseph and his mother develop strategies to manage his anxiety through gradual exposure and supportive language.

Instead of immediately removing an insect, Laura learned to acknowledge Joseph’s fear while encouraging him to face the situation. Within the first month, Joseph showed significant improvement when encountering bugs.

According to Amanda L. Moen, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist at Cook Children’s , fear is a normal part of childhood development.

“Fear is an emotion that basically tells us there is a potential threat in the environment that we should be aware of,” Dr. Moen said. However, when fear becomes intense, persistent or interferes with everyday activities, it may be a sign of a phobia.

To learn more about how to help your family face their fears, visit: https://shorturl.at/A79Kh

10/27/2026

In this episode of For Kids’ Sake, pediatrician Kim Mangham, M.D., introduces listeners to culinary medicine, an innovative approach that brings together physicians, dietitians and chefs to help families use food as a tool for better health.

The conversation explores picky eating, body image, meal planning, healthy family habits and simple ways caregivers can introduce more fruits and vegetables into everyday meals. Dr. Mangham also shares strategies for reducing stress around food and creating positive mealtime experiences. Learn more here: https://shorturl.at/n0fBQ

Parents and caregivers, what has you up late at night searching the internet? What do you want to ask a friend, or even a doctor, but you're too embarrassed to ask? Send us a DM with your question. Your submissions will be anonymous. Tune into our episodes every Tuesday, because you may hear your question featured on the podcast!

Listen wherever you get your podcasts and watch every episode on Cook Children’s YouTube channel. Subscribe to For Kids’ Sake for trusted parenting advice from Cook Children’s doctors, nurses and clinicians.

10/26/2026

Candy, costumes and care for the community! 💚

On Friday, the Cook Children’s Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center hosted a trunk-or-treat event, offering a variety of activities, games and resources. It was an opportunity for families to meet neighbors and connect with community partners.

Families enjoyed dancing to the music, picking out their favorite pumpkin from the patch, grabbing some sweet treats and taking family photos! Everyone left with new resources to learn from and core memories to kick off the Halloween festivities. 🎃

10/23/2026

Sleep is one of the most precious commodities for new parents, but ensuring an infant has a safe sleeping environment is key. October is National Safe Sleep Awareness Month, an initiative that encourages parents to focus on their child’s sleep safety.

During , Cook Children's encourages families to follow safe sleep recommendations after recording 76 infant deaths linked to unsafe sleep environments between 2022 and 2026.

Most of these tragedies are preventable through simple measures, including placing babies on their backs to sleep, keeping cribs free of blankets and toys, and avoiding bed sharing. Unsafe sleep-related deaths can occur when soft items are left in the crib or when an infant shares a bed with another person, also known as bedsharing. An infant can become wedged between the mattress and a bed frame or become entrapped under another person.

“Nationwide, we lose enough infants each week to fill three kindergarten classrooms,” said Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager at Cook Children’s Health Care System. “That’s 3,700 lives lost per year.”

It’s a tragedy that is preventable.

In the emergency room at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth, Rodrigo Interiano, M.D., trauma medical director, has delivered this devastating news to families. He said the experience is heartbreaking. As a father of three, Dr. Interiano understands the overwhelming reality of parental sleep deprivation.

“Unfortunately, it becomes a perfect storm,” said Dr. Interiano. “All of a sudden, you fall into a deep sleep, and you have no concept that you've rolled over, or that there's a pillow that has fallen onto the baby.”

Visit https://shorturl.at/kYHvC to learn more about how to keep your family sleeping safely.

10/22/2026

Frank McGehee, M.D., a pediatrician at Cook Children's Pediatrics Magnolia, says he almost missed the best thing that has ever happened to him: becoming stepfather to Brigid Conders, who has Down syndrome.

He can’t imagine the past 24 years without watching Brigid and her grandfather as best buddies, enjoying the countless hugs, seeing her strong faith in Jesus, learning all the rules of baseball, grabbing Starbucks pink drinks every Friday and treasuring the many lessons she has taught him.

Dr. McGehee’s introduction to life with Brigid began with her mother, Pam. Initially hesitant about parenting a child with special needs, Dr. McGehee feels blessed every time he hears Brigid call him “Dad.”

Brigid experienced severe seizures as an infant and toddler. When Dr. McGehee became part of her life, she was sleeping in a big-girl bed, walking and potty training. Her progress came on her own timeline, supported by her pediatrician, Ann Natterer, M.D., who listened closely and spoke directly to Brigid. Dr. McGehee says Warren Marks, M.D. is one of his heroes. He helped manage Brigid’s seizures and fear of the unknown during her medical journey.

As a pediatrician at Cook Children’s for 33 years, Dr. McGehee has cared for more than 200 patients with Down syndrome, bringing a parent’s perspective to the families who walk through his office doors. Dr. McGehee hopes parents realize from the beginning that raising a child with Down syndrome is a blessing. He describes Brigid as hilarious, loving and deeply faithful.

During , visit: https://shorturl.at/JRGka to learn more about Dr. McGehee and Brigid’s impact on his life.

10/21/2026

Hiccups, checkups, growing up!

From middle-of-the-night questions to major milestones, your pediatrician is there for many of the moments that matter most. 💙

If your child’s doctor has been a trusted part of your family’s journey, we’d be honored to have your vote in DFWChild’s Mom-Approved Pediatricians survey.

To vote for your favorite Cook Children's pediatricians, visit: https://shorturl.at/MaDkL

10/20/2026

In this episode of For Kids’ Sake, Laura Romano, D.O., shares practical Halloween safety tips to help children have fun while staying safe. Learn more here: https://shorturl.at/VV4Qz

Listen wherever you get your podcasts and watch every episode on Cook Children’s YouTube channel. Subscribe to For Kids’ Sake for trusted parenting advice from Cook Children’s doctors, nurses and clinicians.

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09/23/2026

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body’s red blood cells to harden and become shaped like crescents or sickles, instead of resembling healthy round discs. These changes in cells can cause repeated episodes of severe pain, organ damage, serious infections or even stroke. To raise awareness of this disease we wanted to share four questions to test your knowledge and learn more about sickle cell disease.

09/22/2026

Flu Shots are here! Schedule now from the patient portal at mycookchildrens.org

09/21/2026

September is known for having the highest risk of asthma attacks.
Asthma triggers are things that cause asthma symptoms. Your child may have one or many triggers. Protect your child from asthma flare-up by:
• Using a quality air filter on your heating/cooling system and change it monthly.
• Taking off your shoes when you enter the house to reduce tracking in pollen.
• Closing doors and windows during peak pollen times, between 5-10 a.m.
• Washing your hands frequently.
• Avoiding sick people.

Get resources and learn more at

Empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to prevent asthma attacks and improve quality of life.

09/17/2026

North Texas Giving Day is TODAY! Every dollar raised on North Texas Giving Day will support the immediate needs of families seeking care for their children at our medical centers. Regardless of what's in their pocket or on their insurance card, families in our communities can count on us because we can count on you.
Donate today by visiting this link:
https://tinyurl.com/bdfa5t2e

09/09/2026

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month where we honor the kids who are living with different types of cancer. This month wear gold and if you know a family with a child with cancer, reach out to serve, support and encourage them.
To learn more about different types of childhood cancer and the Cook Children’s Oncology Program click this link:

Cook Children's Oncology Program in Fort Worth and Prosper offers expert care for children with cancer. From advanced treatments like I-131 MIBG therapy to clinical trials, our team provides hope and healing for young patients. Learn more today.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! Our office is closed, we hope you all are having an amazing long weekend!

09/04/2026

September is National Su***de Prevention Month. Growing up in today's world can be hard. Many children and teens experience moments that cause them to feel anxious, depressed or even suicidal. It can be hard to know when to ask for help or where to find support. Cook Children's has identified resources to assist you and your family:

Growing up in today's world can be hard. Many children and teens experience moments that cause them to feel anxious, depressed or even suicidal. It can be hard to know when to ask for help or where to find support. Below are resources that Cook Children's has identified to assist you and your family...

09/01/2026

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month where we honor the kids who are living with different types of cancer. This month, wear gold and if you know a family with a child with cancer, reach out to serve, support and encourage them. To learn more about different types of childhood cancer and the Cook Children’s Oncology Program, learn more here:

Cook Children's Oncology Program in Fort Worth and Prosper offers expert care for children with cancer. From advanced treatments like I-131 MIBG therapy to clinical trials, our team provides hope and healing for young patients. Learn more today.

08/28/2026

Whether your child has already returned to school or is still preparing for their first day, we are here to help! If your child still needs their wellness check or sports physical, please make an appointment with us by calling our office or scheduling online.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day to the pups who bring so much joy to our lives! Did you know that beyond being wonderful companions, interacting with dogs can boost wellness by reducing stress and anxiety? If you have a dog, make sure to give your loyal companion an extra treat today!