Connecticut Children's Blog

Days are longer, temperatures are warmer, and COVID-19 vaccinations are steadily increasing in the U.S. It’s a hopeful season for Passover (this year, March 27 – April 4), Holi (March 28-29), Easter (April 4), Ramadan (April 12 – May 12) – or whichever spring holidays are circled on your kitchen calendar. But the risk of […]

By: Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN The challenge: Preparing nutritious meals that your kids will actually eat… even if your pantry is looking a little empty. Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN, a pediatric dietitian in Connecticut Children’s Division of Obesity & Weight Management, shares tips to use up those last random items – plus stocking your pantry well […]

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the accomplishments of women in health care – including Christine Finck, MD, FACS, Connecticut Children’s first woman surgeon-in-chief and one of six women surgeon-in-chiefs at 45 children’s hospitals across the country. What inspired you to become a surgeon? Dr. Finck: I was inspired to become a surgeon […]

By: Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN Cooking can be an important part of eating healthy and finding variety in your meals, so it’s a good idea to get your child involved in the kitchen at an early age. But cooking skills aren’t just about how you mix ingredients. They also include how set up your kitchen […]

By: Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN A pediatric dietitian – also known as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) – can be a great resource for your child and family. These experts take time to learn about food’s impact on your child, and can be a guiding hand in any nutrition concerns. Here’s why you may want […]

By: Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN Do you plan your child’s meals and snacks in advance, or wait till it’s almost time to eat? A little bit of planning can help your whole family choose healthy options, save money, have more home-cooked meals… and not spend all day in the kitchen. Here are a few tips […]

By: Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN March is National Nutrition Month, and Connecticut Children’s pediatric dietitians are bringing your family the advice you need to eat well! Scroll to the bottom for more healthy eating resources. Here, we share three mealtime habits that are key to good nutrition. 1. Include foods from all five food groups […]

A good warm-up prior to exercise is one of the best ways for young athletes to prevent sports injury and perform at their best, when done properly. Plus, if a child learns how to properly stretch and warm up for sports at a young age, there is a greater chance that they’ll carry that habit […]

For young athletes to get the full physical, social and emotional benefits of their sport, they need support – at minimum, from their coach, teammates and family. But sometimes, kids could also benefit from a pediatric sports medicine expert, from doctors to physical therapists. Nicholas Giampetruzzi, PT, MSPT, Connecticut Children’s lead sports physical therapist, explains […]

If your child is an athlete, they’re probably excited to resume the sports activities they love this fall. But returning to play after time off comes with the risk of injury. It’s important to catch injuries early, before they turn serious. What should you and your young athlete watch for, now and every sports season? Connecticut Children’s […]