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 spring – at least, as much as COVID-19 restrictions allow. But returning to play after time off comes with the risk of injury. What should you and your young athlete watch for, now and every sports season? Connecticut […]

The longer an athlete is inactive, the longer it takes for them to come back to full activity — and during the COVID-19 pandemic, kids have been inactive for months and months. So with many sports now starting back up, our pediatric sports medicine experts have been hearing one question a lot: How can youth […]

Overuse injuries can occur at all ages. But because kids are still growing, they’re at a greater risk for these types of injuries, and may need a pediatric expert to ensure they heal properly. Leanne Kidd, MSPT, a Connecticut Children’s sports physical therapist, explains what parents and young athletes should know. What is a sports […]

For eight years, every time Jordan DeMatteo stepped onto the soccer field or basketball court, she didn’t just brace herself for competition. She braced for pain. At any moment, her right kneecap could shift out of alignment, an issue she’d dealt with since age 8. It was excruciating, and it happened almost every time she […]

Recently, an 11-year-old girl in Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department was asked screening questions by her doctor, including one that seemed unrelated to why she was there: In the past few weeks, had she thought about killing herself? To her mother’s shock, the child said yes. She admitted that she had been thinking about suicide for […]

Connecticut Children’s Heart Center is with patients for life, starting from before they’re even born and continuing into adulthood. We’re also right around the corner, with six convenient locations throughout the state, and a team made up of leaders in pediatric heart care. That now includes pediatric cardiologist James Enos, MD – who joins the Growing […]

When our electronics act up, we can usually just unplug to reset them. If only our emotions were so simple. But during moments of stress, there are still some trusty methods for kids and teens – and parents – to calm themselves down. (With months still to go in the COVID-19 pandemic, we could all […]

Some youth sports are returning to schools and the community, which is good news for athletes. But getting back on the field (or rink, track, court or wherever) after months off comes with a risk of injury. Overuse injuries can occur in any sport – from “Little League Elbow” to back issues to ACL tears […]

Cold weather, social distancing from friends, and changes to sports mean kids, teens and athletes might not feel motivated to stay active this winter. But it’s important for all kids to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for their heart health – and it’s important for athletes to stay active in […]

Three out of four kids will have a heart murmur at some point in childhood, but in most cases, it’s nothing to worry about. To explain more, Connecticut Children’s pediatric cardiologist (and American Heart Association leader!) Seth Lapuk, MD, joins the blog. 1. Most heart murmurs are normal and caused by normal blood flow through […]

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently reported a significant increase in COVID-19 infections in children across the country. The overall infection rate among kids is still relatively low. But we know that this news has raised questions – and concerns – for families. Connecticut Children’s Physician-in-Chief Juan Salazar, MD, MPH, shares what parents need to know. […]

This post was last updated March 8, 2021.  The FDA has granted emergency use authorization to three COVID-19 vaccines, and millions of individuals across the U.S. – including our Connecticut Children’s healthcare heroes – have already received their doses. This is a huge step in our fight to end the pandemic.  We know that many […]

In addition to all the news about the COVID-19 vaccine, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about new strains of COVID-19. Researchers are still gathering information about these new variants. Connecticut Children’s Physician-in-Chief Juan Salazar, MD, MPH, shares what we know so far. What does it mean when there’s a new “strain” or “variant” of COVID-19? […]

Haresh Surti may be young at heart, but at 62 years old, he is no kid. So at first, it might seem unusual that he receives heart care at Connecticut Children’s – known far and wide as the state’s only health system 100% dedicated to children. The truth is, lots of adults receive care from […]

When Cameron Soto had a life-threatening injury three years ago, a highly specialized team saved his life. Surgical innovation transformed his future. And compassionate care got him through it all. But if you met Cameron today, you couldn’t know any of that. You’d just see a sweet, chatty 4-year-old with bubbling-over enthusiasm, who has a […]

Your family is already stir-crazy this winter, and by spring break you’ll all be ready for a change of scenery. But typical travel is off the table due to COVID-19. How can you get your child excited for something different… without leaving home? Try a virtual vacation. Connecticut Children’s developmental pediatrician Robert D. Keder, MD, explains […]

Bethany Ty expected a problem when she was pregnant with her second daughter, Jordyn. Her older daughter had been born with a heart issue and is a patient of pediatric cardiologist Olga Toro-Salazar, MD. Care at Connecticut Children’s Heart Center begins before birth – so her pediatric cardiology team recommended screening Jordyn in utero in […]