Search Results

So Much for Effectively Managing My Travel Schedule! By Paul Dworkin, MD: I typically find the time between early fall and the winter holidays to be an incredibly busy travel period. I suspect that this is due to a combination of returning to full activity after the summer vacation lull and organizers attempting to schedule meetings prior to the

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

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for My Teen? By Nichole Buswell, APRN: Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast tissue and skin to make the breasts smaller. You might associate this type of surgery mainly with the adult population, but in fact, many teens and adolescents can benefit from it

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

Portion Sizes for Kids: How Much Food Is Healthy for My Child’s Age? By Jennifer Zarrilli, MS, RD: Some days, figuring out what to feed your child is hard enough. Figuring out how much can seem downright impossible. The recommended portions for a child depend on their age and even gender – and unfortunately, the serving size listed on grocery store labels doesn’t have much to

“My Stomach Hurts!” Anxiety, or Something Else? By Bradley S. Jerson, PhD: This article was originally published in July 2022 and updated in February 2024. Oh, tummy troubles! Abdominal pain is among the most common reasons kids visit their pediatrician or obtain a referral to a gastroenterologist. What’s a parent to do when they hear, “My tummy hurts—I

Meet the Local Artist Behind North Hartford Ascend’s New Brand Introducing Our New Look The North Hartford Ascend initiative is dedicated to guiding children from infancy to adulthood, ensuring that those residing within the North Hartford Promise Zone – which includes the Clay Arsenal, Northeast, and Upper Albany neighborhoods – receive the

"My Friend Has Cancer:" Helping Adolescents and Young Adults Cope By Mary Laliberte: Normally, adolescents and young adults first experience cancer from older relatives who have been diagnosed. But what happens when a peer gets diagnosed with cancer? Mary Laliberte, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Connecticut Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

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

Is My Child Experiencing Weight Stigma? By Vanessa R. Laurent, PhD: Kids come in different shapes, sizes and personalities! It is important to recognize, however, that there is an ongoing childhood obesity problem in this country—for many reasons. This means, unfortunately, children and adolescents with obesity struggle with teasing, bullying and

New Framework for Child Health Services By: Paul H. Dworkin, MD and Lisa Honigfeld, PhD While Connecticut has made much progress over the past decade in improving the delivery of child health services, much still needs to be done to reach our ultimate goal of ensuring the optimal health, development, and well-being of

Toy Trouble: Watch Out For Hidden Hazards By Amy Watkins, MPH: By: Amy Watkins, MPH Toys are a source of happiness and fun for children of all ages. Whether you’re shopping for the holiday season, looking for the perfect birthday gift, or searching for treasures at second-hand stores and tag sales, it is important to be mindful of potential

SparkDC: A Platform for Innovation By Annika Anderson, MPH: On September 19th, 2023 I had the honor of attending the Honorable Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 6th Annual Maternal and Infant Health Summit as a SparkDC Speaker. This year’s summit focused on timely topics including working women and best practices for employers of expectant mothers

My Tween Wants a Smart Phone. Now What? By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: Your preteen wants their own phone. You’re torn—and worried for their safety. As they explore the digital world, they’re well on their way to independence. 91% of kids will have a smartphone by the time they turn 14, according to Common Sense Media. If you’re on the fence about

How Do I Safely Clean My Child's Ears? By Rachelle Wareham, MD: This article was originally published in March 2025 and has been updated on June 23, 2025 with a video. Did you know there are right and “wrong” ways to clean your child’s ears? According to Rachelle Wareham, MD, pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT), it’s common to see kids with ear