Since he was a little kid, John Kostal dreamed of flying. At 21 years old, he was on the verge of achieving it as part of the United States Air Force. Then he got the bad news. After years of working toward a coveted pilot’s slot, his medical exams had detected a lingering heart problem… […]

It was Xavier Crane’s first soccer game after open heart surgery — but most of the people in the stands had no clue. Neither did the opposing team. He was playing better than ever. Xavier’s mom, Beth, was another story. She’d enlisted Xavier’s sister to come with her for moral support. Every time Xavier was […]

Every month, hundreds of new apps and digital games are released for kids — some beneficial, some harmless and some your child is definitely better off without. How do you choose? Connecticut Children’s Child Life Specialist Christine Tatem shares tips.  Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our newsletter. […]

By Connecticut Children’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Team Every February, we celebrate Black History Month which honors the contributions of Black people in the U.S. Many of us are familiar with Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman, George Washington Carver, and Barack Obama—all of whom had an extremely important role in Black culture and U.S. history […]

Many factors in life can disrupt routines, create stress – and make sleep more difficult.  How can you keep your child’s sleep on track? Connecticut Children’s behavioral sleep psychologist Lynelle Schneeberg, PsyD, joins the Growing Healthy blog with tips. Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our newsletter. Subscribe First, […]

A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed a possible link between social media and brain changes in young adolescents. MRI brain scans showed that teens who frequently check social media had increased activation in certain parts of their brain, which could lead to changes in impulse control and regulation. […]

Have you wondered if your child is spending too much time in front of screens? The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend the following: No screen time at all for kids under 2 except for video chatting One hour of screen time a day for kids 2-12 Two hours a day […]

Winter darkness and colder weather can cause your child’s mood and health habits to take a dive. To help, start with the basics! Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Melissa Santos, PhD, shares her top five tips. Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our newsletter. Subscribe   1. Eat right. […]

By Donna M. Pacicca, MD and Raymond P. Lorenzoni, III, MD All parents of aspiring athletes think about their child’s safety—it’s only natural. But when events like what happened to Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin take over the headlines, we can’t help but ask questions. Why did this football player’s heart stop on the field at […]