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Is Vaping Safe? No. Here’s Why. By Melanie Sue Collins, MD: The FDA recently ordered all Juul e-cigarette products off the shelves, a decision that has been in the works for two years following the rapid rise of underage vaping. Parents are concerned that their kids may look for other products or turn to actual cigarettes—both strong

Understanding Celiac Disease: Facts vs. Fiction By Sarita Singhal, MD: Many of us are familiar with the phrase “gluten-free” and choose to follow a gluten-free diet for health reasons or based on what we see on social media. But did you know that not everyone who chooses to go gluten-free has celiac disease? At Connecticut Children’s, our pediatric

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

Advancing Equity: Black Maternal Health Week and the Drive for Change By Sarah Gedeon, LMSW: Black Maternal Health Week is observed annually from April 11th to 17th, highlighting significant disparities in maternal health outcomes among Black women in the United States. Established by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), this initiative aims to address systemic

Women in Surgery Podcast: Operating Through Opportunities and Challenges By Christine Finck, MD, FACS: By: Christine Finck, MD, FACS The number of women surgeons in the United States is growing; however, it remains a field heavily dominated by men. In an effort to discuss and work to eliminate barriers, our Women in Surgery group at Connecticut Children’s has launched a new

Reducing School Absences for Children with Asthma By Jessica Hollenbach, PhD: By: Jessica Hollenbach, PhD Asthma is the most common chronic pediatric disease, which affects nearly six million children in the United States. Children from minority groups who live in low socioeconomic urban areas experience the highest rates of asthma and associated concerns

Sports Training: Answers to Popular Questions By Nicholas Giampetruzzi, PT, MPT: This blog was originally published in July 2024 and was last updated in March 2025. Training is always part of the game, whether it's pre-season, mid-season or off-season. Turn to Connecticut Children's Nick Giampetruzzi, PT, MPT, Sports Physical Therapist, to get the scoop on

8 Skiing & Snowboarding Injury Prevention Tips | Winter Sports Safety for Kids & Teens By Katelyn Colosi, PA-C: This article was originally published in February 2024 and was updated in February 2026. Skiing and snowboarding are exciting winter sports that help kids and teens stay active during the colder months. But without proper preparation, these activities can lead to injuries

Defining Innovations to Foster Success By Jacquelyn Rose, MPH: By: Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH One of the top recommendations we offer to changemakers is about the importance of clearly defining innovations. We find that such definition is critical to success; however, we find that changemakers often overlook this step. A blog authored by my

Cardiac Arrest and Sports Injuries: What Parents Should Know By Donna M. Pacicca, MD: All parents of aspiring athletes think about their child’s safety—it’s only natural. But when events like what happened to Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin take over the headlines, we can’t help but ask questions. Why did this football player’s heart stop on the field at just 24 years

3 Steps for Teens to Master Time Management By Vanessa R. Laurent, PhD: This article was originally published in 2022 and was last updated in June of 2025. Grades, friends, sports, extracurricular interests – teens have a lot on their plates. All of these obligations can quickly go from fulfilling to overwhelming, especially during times of

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

When Should Your Child See a Pediatric Sports Medicine or Physical Therapy Specialist? By Nicholas Giampetruzzi, PT, MPT: For young athletes to get the full physical, social and emotional benefits of their sport, they need support – at minimum, from their coach, teammates and family. But sometimes, kids could also benefit from a pediatric sports medicine expert, from doctors to physical therapists

Advancing Equity through Advocacy By: Paul Dworkin, MD and Marcus Smith Encouraging our public officials to address the needs of children, in contrast to prioritizing their voting constituents, is a daunting challenge. Despite the often-cited truth that “children are our future,” support for children’s issues is

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