Connecticut Children's Blog

In our first edition of What’s the Risk?, our pediatric experts covered everything from playdates to amusement parks during the coronavirus pandemic. Now that the weather is getting cooler and favorite autumn activities are opening up, Connecticut Children’s infectious disease pediatrician Melissa Held, MD, returns with advice. For any activity, do your research. Make sure […]

One day last October, 15-year-old Lauren Riley was climbing the stairs to class at her West Hartford high school and felt it again: out of breath, dizzy and like she might faint. This was the third time in recent weeks she’d nearly fainted from a flight of stairs. Soon after, she started having belly pain, […]

Youth suicide has been on the rise for the past decade – and with the added stress of the coronavirus pandemic, suicide prevention is more important than ever. Dr. Steven Rogers, medical director of Emergency Behavioral Health services at Connecticut Children’s, shares important tips and resources for parents. Help and support is available. First, every […]

At Connecticut Children’s, we have a special place in our hearts for Halloween. It’s fun for the sake of fun, and a chance for kids (and adults) to let their imaginations run wild. We all need that to look forward to, especially during this pandemic. Yes, Halloween this year will be different. But even if […]

We’re all concerned about getting sick right now. But if your child has an intense fear of germs, and trouble functioning at school or at home because of it, they may be dealing with some degree of germ phobia (aka “germaphobia”). During this coronavirus pandemic when we’re all feeling afraid of germs, how can you […]

If your child is an athlete, it’s important to talk to them about concussions. Pediatric Sports Medicine expert Imran Hafeez, MD, shares what you need to know. 1. Concussions are common in sports. Falls and collisions during sports can cause concussions, a kind of brain injury that can be mild to more significant. Football and […]

Here’s a familiar scene: Your pediatrician’s office just closed for the day when you discover your child has a mysterious rash, twisted ankle, fever or another health surprise. This doesn’t quite call for a trip to the hospital, but your child needs care. What do you do? Now, you can visit the pediatric experts you […]

Kids need help calming down sometimes. But if you’re a teacher or daycare provider during the coronavirus pandemic, or a parent looking after kids as part of an at-home learning cohort, COVID-19 social distancing rules have taken away one powerful calming method: appropriate physical contact. Until hugs are back on the table, developmental pediatrician Robert D. […]

When 5-year-old Sofia Cortese hears she won’t be going into school today – whether from a doctor’s appointment, school holiday or because classes will be online this week – she has a predictable reaction. “She’ll say, ‘But my friends are going to miss me!’” says mom Renata. And she’s right. Everyone in Sofia’s school building […]

Norma Moreira was returning home from work when she received the phone call: Her 6-year-old son, Fernando, was hit by a car while crossing the street in their East Hartford neighborhood. The car had been going very fast. Fernando might not survive. Fernando was raced to Connecticut Children’s, where the trauma, critical care, general surgery […]