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4 Things to Know About Ear Tube Surgery for Kids By Christopher Grindle, MD: This blog was originally published in 2021 and was updated in February 2025 and again in February 2026. Ear tube surgery is the most common surgery for children in the United States – in fact, about half a million kids have the procedure every year. Kids (and adults) can get ear
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Back-to-School Mental Health Tips for Parents, Teachers & School Staff By Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH: As the school year kicks off across Connecticut, families and educators alike are facing more than supply lists and bus schedules. Today’s students are managing emotions, navigating social pressures, and adjusting to academic demands — all while recovering from the disruptions of
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Need Fetal Care for a High-Risk Pregnancy? 6 Factors to Consider By Timothy Crombleholme, MD: If you’ve just been told that your developing baby has a fetal condition that may require special expertise to be managed, you’re likely feeling all kinds of emotions. Your first instinct may be to search the web for information about this diagnosis and find the best fetal care
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Record Year for Healthy Homes Program During COVID-19 By Chris Corcoran: By: Chris Corcoran Concerns over the possibility of children being exposed to unhealthy housing conditions during COVID-19-related stay-at-home orders helped fuel a record year for Connecticut Children’s Healthy Homes Program in 2020.
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Beyond Sickle Cell: Once a Patient, Now a Patient Advocate By Donna Boruchov, MD: 29-year-old Brandon Parris shows up to work not just motivated, but grateful. Every day, he feels lucky to set foot in Connecticut Children’s where he works as Patient Access Associate, Shift Lead, in the Emergency Department and Admitting. As a young child, Brandon spent a good
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5 Mental Health Tips for Kids This Winter By Melissa Santos, PhD: Winter darkness and colder weather can cause your child’s mood and health habits to take a dive. To help, start with the basics! Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Melissa Santos, PhD, shares her top five tips.
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Sports-Related Concussions: 5 Things for Athletes to Know By Imran Hafeez, MD: If your child, teen or young adult is an athlete, it’s important to talk to them about concussions. Pediatric Sports Medicine experts share five important things parents and athletes need to know…
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Advocacy for Children: The Time is Now By Emily Boushee: By: Emily Boushee In Connecticut and across the country, children are facing significant challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the additional crises the pandemic has brought to light, including escalating behavioral health concerns and inequities stemming from
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An Integrative Outlook on STEAM Education By Annika Anderson, MPH: By: Annika Anderson, MPH As summer winds down, you are likely preparing the children in your lives for the 2022-2023 academic school year. Experts at Connecticut Children’s are thinking about what back to school looks like, too. Professionals recommend fixing healthy snacks
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The 8 Golden Rules of Summer Safety for All Ages By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: “Trauma season” – that’s how emergency medicine providers and injury prevention experts often refer to the months of May through August. That’s because of the dramatic increase in the number of children injured during the warm spring and summer months. Favorite summer activities
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Adult Skincare Products are Not Safe for Kids. Here’s Why. No. It’s not safe for kids to use adult skincare products. But thanks to TikTok “skinfluencer” trends everywhere (#schoolgrwm, for one), kids are getting the wrong messages about what it means to keep skin healthy. Many preteens and children as young as 6 years old (!) have been
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Q&A: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Pediatric Epilepsy & Primary Dystonia By David Hersh, MD: If your child’s epilepsy or dystonia isn’t responding to medication or other treatments, what comes next? Connecticut Children’s, in partnership with UConn Health, offers deep brain stimulation (DBS) as an option for pediatric patients — and for many families, a reason for hope
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Transforming Mental Health Support for Your Child: Connecticut Children’s Commitment By Kristen Volz-Spessard, MS: Prioritizing the well-being of our youth is critical. At Connecticut Children’s, we are committed to supporting your child’s mental health. We offer a range of initiatives, resources, and support services designed to address these challenges. From counseling and therapeutic
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Make a DIY Calming Bottle for Your Child’s Coping Skills Toolbox By Melissa Santos, PhD: Want a fun craft project that will soothe your child during moments of stress? Make a calming bottle to add to their coping toolbox! Calm down bottles are great for kids who are in timeout, fidgety or struggling with sensory overload, or just feeling anxious. Pediatric