Forest Park Balloon Race Program 2018

12 The Great Forest Park Balloon Race • Presented by PNC Bank At Children’s Hospital Colorful Balloons Are Just ‘What the Doctor Ordered” If the wind is just right when the balloons take off, they’ll be in perfect view for children at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, located at the eastern border of Forest Park. A colorful and uplifting distraction – such as dozens of hot air balloons - is often just what the doctor ordered. While Children’s Hospital provides all kinds of creative distractions for kids during their stay – including art, music and pet therapy - the ultimate goal is to send them home from the hospital – back to school, the playground and to the very important business of being kids! Pediatric sports medicine physician, Dr. Terra Blatnik agrees. “I love being on the sidelines to take care of young athletes, and help them get back to their sports.” Blatnik, a former athlete and mother of three, is a featured writer for the hospital’s “MomDocs” blog, a blog that provides everyday advice and tips for moms, from moms who are also pediatric doctors. “It’s nice to talk mom- to-mom. I think people appreciate medical advice coming from a mom,” explains Blatnik. “Hopefully we offer a personal touch that goes beyond medicine, and draws from our own personal experiences.” The MomDocs blog includes anecdotes and advice about all topics ranging from bullying to bedtime, social media to schoolwork. No topics are off limits, and all advice promises medical or parenting expertise delivered through the lens of a mom. “It happens all the time at one of my kids’ games. If somebody gets injured, the parents know to come ask me to take a look. I get text messages from friends asking about injuries.” The team of St. Louis Children’s Hospital MomDocs includes physicians who specialize in sports medicine, child psychology, adolescent medicine, dermatology, emergency medicine and general pediatrics. You can visit the MomDocs blog at www. childrensmomdocs.org . Dr. Terra Blatnik and her family.