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Tips for Better Sleep for Mental Health in a Challenging World By Alyssa Nycz, MD: We all know sleep is a necessary part of life, especially at a younger age. Kids need sleep for healthy growth, development, behavior and overall success in society. But, did you know? Children 6 to 12 years old need between nine and twelve hours of sleep a day— naps and

We Fulfill our Commitment to Equity by Beginning the Crucial Conversation By Paul Dworkin, MD: By: Paul Dworkin, MD It is time for communities across the country to begin the crucial conversation – a dialogue about what it truly will take to bring about equity for all populations in health care and in society as a whole. We must eliminate racial disparities that date back

Ankle Sprains: A Common Challenge for Basketball Players Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in basketball athletes of all ages. And all too often, many players have to sit most of the season out depending on how severe the injury. This is a situation no athlete and their parents, understandably, want to face. >Related

Innovating with Purpose: A Tale of Two Healthcare Entities By: Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH and Joann Petrini, PhD, MPH This is the third in a series of articles describing Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health’s journey toward innovating with purpose by creating and nurturing a culture of innovation. In the previous blog

Beyond Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: One Year Later By Timothy Crombleholme, MD: It’s a typical morning at home with 1-year-old identical twins. Ben, who is older by a few seconds, is pulling silly faces and giggling. Renny is crying and clinging to mom Kaelyn — who is doing her best to prepare snacks with one arm, since Renny is occupying the other. “It’s

Gifting an E-Bike This Season? What Every Parent Needs to Know By Anna Stern, MPH: E-bikes are everywhere this holiday season. From social media videos to neighborhood rides, electric bikes have quickly become one of the most requested gifts for kids and teens. They’re fun, fast, and promise freedom and independence, while also getting kids outside and moving

Minimally Invasive Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Game-Changer for Babies By Bethany Simonetti MSN, APRN, FNP-BC: Are you worried about your baby’s head shape and what it could mean? Flat spots, or plagiocephaly, tend to improve on their own, but if your doctor suspects craniosynostosis, which may require surgical repair, you naturally have lots of questions. Our pediatric neurosurgery team

Making it Safe for All By Scott Orsey: By: Scott Orsey Change is hard, especially where structure creates imbalance in perspectives, power and impact. When years of good intentions yield underwhelming results, it is time to question the approach. In this four-part blog series, Scott Orsey explores the model used by

3 Things to Know About Treating Fetal Renal Failure By Timothy Crombleholme, MD: In the world of fetal care, fetal renal failure is one of the most misunderstood diagnoses. That’s because, for a long time, it was untreatable. But today, the nation’s top fetal care centers can and do offer options for treatment — a deeply personal decision for families. What

Is it a Sprain or Broken Bone? Here’s How to Tell. By Allison E. Crepeau, MD: This blog was originally published in June 2024 and was last updated in March 2025. Sprains and broken bones can be painful and can look similar from the outside. It is important to know when to seek treatment. Connecticut Children’s sports medicine expert Allison Crepeau, MD

Beyond Celiac Disease: William’s Story By Jeffrey Hyams, MD: William had just gotten home from school when his dad, Matt, sat him down. “Your doctor thinks you might have something called celiac disease,” Matt told him. William, then 14, was skeptical. Didn’t celiac disease have something to do with eating gluten? He ate everything and, as

Beyond Cardiac Critical Care: Joseph’s Story By Monika Gupta, MD: Every evening, when it was time to return home to their eight other children, parents Katie and Dan steeled themselves to say goodnight to their youngest. Their newborn son, Joseph, had been born with multiple heart defects, and was now in Connecticut Children’s pediatric

Advancing Outcomes for All Children By Steven C. Rogers, MD, MS: Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health is a national leader in promoting the optimal health, development and well-being of children in Connecticut and around the country. Launched in 2012, the Office is recognized as a pioneer in utilizing a cross-sector

8 Mental Health Tips for Parents By Bradley S. Jerson, PhD: How can parents and caregivers check on their own mental health so they can be there for their children? Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Bradley S. Jerson, PhD, joins the Growing Healthy blog with tips.

Is There a Best Way for Young Athletes to Warm Up for Sports? 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