Connecticut Children's Blog

Costumes, community, fresh air – there are lots of reasons to love trick-or-treating at Halloween. But during the coronavirus pandemic, traditional trick-or-treating is considered a higher risk activity because of the typically large groups of children, and potential for face-to-face and high-touch moments (like grabbing candy). This may be a good year to skip trick-or-treating […]

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 […]

By Ashley Starr Frechette and Susan DiVietro, PhD Back to school season brings many new challenges this year, especially given the stress and isolation associated with COVID-19. For families experiencing domestic violence, these challenges can be devastating. In support of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Ashley Starr Frechette, the director of health professional outreach […]

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, […]

By Aimee Monroy Smith, Connecticut Children’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations and External Affairs Lawn signs, nonstop political ads on television, social media, and the radio can only mean one thing — it’s election season! And today is National Register to Vote Day. It is time to get involved and share your voice. Find […]

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 […]

You ask, we answer. In each edition of “Ask a Pediatrician,” Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts respond to a question from our community. This week, infectious disease pediatrician John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH, tackles a popular topic for this back-to-school season. My child has a runny nose but no fever, and I’m sure it’s just a […]