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Teaching Empathy in Action: The Meaning Behind Pajama Day As you settle into the new school year—organizing supplies, marking sports schedules, and syncing calendars—there’s one date worth circling now: the second Friday of December. That’s when students, teachers, and communities across Connecticut, and the region, come together for PJ

What’s Next? Helping Your Teen Decide What to Do After High School By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD: For most of their lives, kids and teens are told exactly where they’ll be and what they’ll be doing in the year to come. Their teachers and families prepare them for the transition from one grade to the next, and for the move from elementary to middle to high school. Then, at the

Grow Competitive: Jordan’s Story 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

Walk to Work Program Connects Hartford Residents to Jobs By Luis Rivera: By: Luis Rivera, MSW How did you learn about the SINA Walk to Work program? Jessica Rios : I learned about the SINA Walk to Work Program through friends on social media who connected me with Elsa Huertas, the Career Navigator who manages the program. Esther Figueroa : Luis, I’m

White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health By Nancy Trout, MD: By: Nancy Trout, MD, MPH For the first time in over 50 years, the White House convened a conference of stakeholders with a goal of ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity in the U.S. by 2030 – the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health

How to Help Your Child Use Crutches Safely By Nicholas Giampetruzzi, PT, MPT: When your child gets hurt and needs crutches, it can feel a little scary—for them and for you. The good news? It’s easy for kids to learn how to use crutches safely and comfortably. With a little practice and support, most kids get the hang of it quickly. Let’s dive into why

Not So Novel: COVID-19 Exposes Inequities in Vulnerable Communities By Lenora Codrington, DO: By: Lenora Codrington, DO COVID-19 is called the great equalizer with the ability to affect the young, old, rich and poor. However, COVID-19 has exposed concerning inequities, as preliminary studies have shown that it disproportionately affects people of color with higher

Tackle Toddler Tantrums Like a Champ By Laura Caneira, DNP, APRN, FNP-C: We all know that tantrums are normal behavior for toddlers, but that doesn’t change how upsetting they may feel for everyone in the household. That’s why it’s helpful to have strategies ready to keep your cool – and, of course, calm your child. For help with toddler tantrums

Is Your Child Scared to Get Their Vaccine? 13 Tips to Prevent Fear of Needles While vaccines keep us healthy, they’re linked to a genuine fear for one out of five people: “needlephobia.” And that can present some unique challenges when it’s time for annual immunizations. To help your child overcome any fear of needles — or better yet, prevent them from

7 Ways to Reduce Screen Time By Robert D. Keder, MD: 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

4 Kid-Friendly Spring Recipes and Tips from a Pediatric Nutritionist By Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN: It doesn't have to be an uphill battle to get children to try new things or step out of their comfort zone when it comes to food. Making food a positive experience can go a long way and making new recipes that are exciting and fun can be a great place to start- even for the

Oral Health Equals Overall Health By Laura Marin-Ruiz: By: Laura Marin-Ruiz, DDS, MHA The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health Optimal oral health is essential for overall health and well-being. Poor dental health can have negative effects on a child’s physical, emotional, and social development and has been linked to a range

Pediatric Residents Address Health Needs of Refugee Children They are among the most vulnerable children we see as patients. They are refugees who have been displaced from their countries due to violence and political unrest. They are seeking to rebuild their lives with their families here in Connecticut, a world away from the countries

The Office’s Three Roles By Scott Orsey: By: Scott Orsey Promoting the optimal healthy development of children. That’s what we do here at the Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health (the Office). It sounds fairly straightforward, right? Getting kids programs and services to help them achieve their best

Tricks, Treats & Safety: Your Go-To Halloween Tips Halloween is a thrilling time for kids, filled with costumes, candy, and spooky fun. However, it’s essential to keep safety in mind to ensure that the festivities are enjoyable for everyone. Here are some important tips from Safe Kids CT and our Injury Prevention Center for