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FAQs: The COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Ages 5 to 11 By John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH: This post was last updated May 18, 2022 Children aged 5 to 11 can get the Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine because experts for the CDC unanimously approved its use. Connecticut Children’s infectious disease expert John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH , answers common questions about the

Keeping Kids Safe from Ticks in Connecticut: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents By Andrew Carlson, MD: This article was last updated in April 2025 for accuracy. Getting kids outdoors is one of the best things you can do for their health. But time outside comes with risks—including ticks, which are more active than ever and spreading across Connecticut in new ways. Ticks can carry

Essential Water Safety Guide for Parents: What You Need to Know As the weather warms up and families flock to pools, beaches, and lakes to beat the heat, it's crucial for parents to be vigilant about water safety. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children aged 1-4 years old, and it ranks as the third leading cause

The Best Way to Prevent Youth Suicide? Talk About It By Steven C. Rogers, MD, MS: This article was originally published in September 2020 and last updated in December 2023. Youth suicide has been on the rise for the past decade, so prevention is more important than ever. Dr. Steven Rogers, medical director of Emergency Behavioral Health services at Connecticut

The Layers of Optimal Health, Development and Well-being When it comes to promoting the optimal health, development and well-being of children, there are many layers to consider that go beyond the parameters of traditional medical care. Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health embraces an approach that takes into

Backpack Wearing: Do’s and Don’ts By Philip W. Mack, MD: Backpacks are customizable, come in all shapes, sizes and colors and are the ultimate in self-expression. But—when not worn properly, they can cause short- or long-term problems in kids’ muscles, joints and—well—back. So what’s the right way to wear and carry a backpack? What

Kids in the Kitchen: Essential Cooking Skills for the Whole Family 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 – and any

Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health Strengthens Clinical Care Delivery By Paul Dworkin, MD: Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health (the Office) is a national leader in developing and supporting innovations to strengthen families and community programs to promote healthy development and help children reach their full potential. However, our work is also

Beyond Hydronephrosis: Gjovana’s Story In 2019, a very pregnant Kristina Gisonde studied two dots on her latest ultrasound. The dots represented her baby’s kidneys, and they were different sizes – not a good sign. Her doctor recommended that, soon after birth, they see a specialist at Connecticut Children's. Kristina

Healthy Food, Healthy Kids: The SCOR Initiative Against Food Insecurity By Nancy Trout, MD: "You are what you eat" is a saying that reflects the deep connection between food, nutrition, and health. Unfortunately, the rise of diet-related diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, is driven by diets that are high in unhealthy

Remembering Joanna: The “Heart” of Help Me Grow By Paul Dworkin, MD: By: Paul Dworkin, MD With great sadness, I share my reflections on the passing of our dear friend and beloved colleague, Joanna Bogin. Joanna was the first manager of the Help Me Grow (HMG) National Center, leading our HMG dissemination efforts even prior to our evolution to an

Meet Sarah: Using the Power of Connection in Caring for Patients Sarah Orlando, PA-C, has had a passion for medicine since the tender age of 10 when she attempted to suture her brother’s finger. She didn’t know it at the time, but she would find her niche as a Physician Assistant in the Emergency Department. Once Sarah discovered the non-stop

Recognize the Signs of Heat-Related Illness By John Brancato, MD: This article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated in June 2025. Heat-related illness like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can oftentimes send kids to the emergency room in the summer months. What should you look for and what should you do if your child is showing

Pathways to Action: Driving Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Workplace By Lauren Dominique, MA: Driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace is a key focus of Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health’s Equity Committee. After working on numerous initiatives over the past three years, our members are excited to debut a new Subcommittee

The Power of Practice Change By Jacquelyn Rose, MPH: How many of us have participated in a training only to forget what we learned shortly thereafter? It’s not just you—we all have a mountain of knowledge collecting dust somewhere in our brains. Childhood Prosperity Lab (the Lab) leverages the science of adult learning theory to