A personal mission of pediatric cancer research Ching Lau, Ph.D., M.D., never thought he would want to be a doctor. He remembers hating going to the doctors in his youth and finding the atmosphere unacceptable. Because of his early experiences, he set out to find a solution, which led to his clinical career. Lau joined […]

Paulanne Jushkevich joined Connecticut Children’s Foundation (the Foundation) in September of 2023 with over 25 years of experience in professional fundraising–15 years at the executive level– where she led teams of hospital/health science fundraisers through substantial change and significant evolution. Get to know Paulanne. 1. Why did you want to come to Connecticut Children’s? So, […]

From September 15 to October 15, the U.S. celebrates the cultures and contributions of Americans who identify as Hispanic or Latinx. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to teach kids about the histories and traditions behind these cultures, try new traditions, and reflect on the important role they play in our nation today. […]

By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA is the Associate Director of Connecticut Children’s Injury Prevention Center Everyone deserves a memorable, spooky- and safe- Halloween. Here are some Halloween safety rules of the road for all ages, to help make sure that happens.  1. Go together: Plan on accompanying your child if they are trick-or-treating, especially […]

Last time 6-year-old Gracyn-Rose was staying at Connecticut Children’s, she turned to her long-time nurse Meaghan Schneider. “You’re my second mom,” she told Meaghan. “You’re my hospital mom.” In her young life, Gracyn has been hospitalized more than 20 times for a rare gastrointestinal disorder. By now, nurses like Meaghan are practically family. And the […]

By Amy Watkins, MPH and Kristen Levesque, Transportation Engineer When school is in session, we can expect buses, crowded drop-offs and bicycling or walking along busy roads. Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, so it’s important to talk to your child now about being safe around […]

Debra Ellis, NBS, RN, Program Manager, Newborn Screening  Every year, about 4 million babies are born in the U.S. Most, if not all, of these babies have had newborn screening, and since they began 50 years ago, newborn screening has been helping babies each year. This means that about 200 million people went through newborn […]

Every year, one to three percent of children are hospitalized for RSV, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In a turn of events, the FDA has just approved a monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab or Beyfortus), which is a synthetic injectable protein produced by AstraZeneca, that fights respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a very common […]

Connecticut Children’s DEI Team Social acceptance of the LGBTQIA community has progressed in recent years, but those old stereotypes and misconceptions can still greatly affect the mental health of members of this community. So how can we as their loved ones make them feel comfortable during times of transition or heard during times of hardship? […]

Mary M. Lussier, BSN, IBCLC, Lactation Services Coordinator Many of us have heard or seen the phrase, #normalizebreastfeeding, but what does it mean, exactly, to “normalize” something that’s seemingly so… normal? It starts with being an advocate for the breastfeeding community—regardless of your personal journey.   Connecticut Children’s Lactation Nurse, Mary Lussier, shares 5 ways […]

July Is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. This month brings awareness to the unique mental health needs these groups face. Connecticut Children’s Dr. Melissa Santos, Division Head of Pediatric Psychology and Associate Chair for […]

Ever worry about your child’s desire to learn? Are you concerned that they do not feel as smart as other kids, but do not know how to change this outlook? A positive attitude can help them reshape their perspective on learning and what it means to achieve a goal. For years, researchers have looked into […]

Minutes after Marcus was placed in his mother’s arms for the first time, the nurses gently lifted him away again. They’d heard something alarming in his cry. An X-ray confirmed it: esophageal atresia, a problem with the connection between his esophagus and stomach. He’d just been born, and he needed intensive care. “I was in […]

Babies come in different shapes and sizes, but what’s the deal with babies’ head shapes? Many parents know newborn heads are soft and pliable, therefore it’s crucial to support the baby’s head until it fully forms. But why do some babies have rounded heads, while others have more of a cone, asymmetrical or flat shape? […]

It’s stressful enough when your child is sick or injured. It’s even more stressful if you’re not sure where to take them – the emergency room, urgent care center or pediatrician. Here’s a list to break it down.     Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our newsletter. […]

Jadiel Vasquez spent two and a half months as an inpatient at Connecticut Children’s and much longer as an outpatient recovering from a gunshot wound. He was just 15 years old when he was unintentionally shot inside his Hartford home in March 2021. Now, at age 17, Vasquez is sharing his story of determination and […]

The Juneteenth commemoration celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The term combines June with nineteenth, which is the day in 1865 that Union Army General Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in that state. The date came two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed […]

In New England, summer sneaks up after a long winter. However, when the sun comes out, it’s out full force. Before you and the family head outside and “take back” summer, check out some summer sun safety tips to protect yourself and those you love against the sun’s harmful rays. Connecticut Children’s pediatrician Dr. Keri […]

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a new warning over social media and youth mental health. Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Psychologist Bradley S. Jerson, PhD, answers popular questions from parents about this advisory… Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our newsletter. Subscribe How concerned should […]