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4 Quick Tips to Help Kids Sleep Better and Wake Up Energized By Lynelle Schneeberg, PsyD: This article was originally published in August 2021 and last updated in December 2023. Good sleep is essential for a good school year: during the day, a well-rested child has an easier time focusing and behaving. At night, quality sleep allows their brain to organize and store
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Changing How We Talk to Kids About COVID-19 When Someone Tests Positive By Emily Wakefield, PsyD: Media Contacts: The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a never-ending rollercoaster ride for kids and families. Lately, with the rise in infections due to Omicron, that’s included a sensitive subject: what to say to your child when they or someone they know tests positive. Connecticut
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An Ordinary Year in Review By Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH: By: Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH In an ordinary year, I develop a work plan to guide the strategic priorities and efforts of Childhood Prosperity Lab, which oversees the social innovation efforts of Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health (the Office). The plan enables
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When #StayHome Does Not Equal #StayHealthy By: Marcus Smith, MBA and Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH This is the first in a series of four blog posts that we plan to publish during Healthy Homes Month that explores how organizations can leverage housing innovations as a platform to help children to flourish, thrive, and succeed
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What’s the Risk? Which Activities Are Safe When Kids Aren’t Vaccinated Yet By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: In previous editions of What’s the Risk?, Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts have covered everything from playgrounds to farmers markets throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But things just got more complicated for families whose adults and adolescents are vaccinated but
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Full Circle – From Connecticut Children’s Patient to Team Member From the time he was an infant to the year he turned 21, John Hoffman could mark the months by visits with Jeffrey Hyams, MD . Dr. Hyams, an internationally-recognized researcher who heads Connecticut Children’s Division of Gastroenterology and the Center for Digestive Diseases
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10 Apps to Help Young Kids Deal With Their Emotions By Melissa Santos, PhD: When your young child has big feelings in their little body, they may not know what to do about it. To help, you can work with them on a coping toolbox, mindfulness exercises or quick resets . Or, if you’re into wellness apps, you can turn to your phone: There are a growing
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6 Ways to Teach Your Teen Financial Independence By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD: When your teen is nearing the end of high school, they’ll suddenly need to take control of lots of aspects of their lives, from meal planning to healthcare. That includes finances. As adults, we sometimes assume that once a teen is a certain age, they’ll naturally know how to
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A Step Closer to Health and Well-being Transformation: Pediatrics Supporting Parents By Scott Orsey: By: Scott Orsey Three years ago, I wondered how close we were to the technological convergence that would radically transform the approach we take to health and well-being. At the time , I observed the high rate at which we were gaining knowledge of and the ability to influence
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Beyond Crohn’s Disease: Madeline’s Story By Jeffrey Hyams, MD: If that expert happens to be a two-hour drive away, you thank your lucky stars and grab some road snacks. If the year is 2024, you also prepare to listen to a lot of Taylor Swift. That’s what 15-year-old Madeline often blasts on the drive from home in New York’s Hudson River
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Beyond Repeat Ear Infections: Avery’s Healthy Ear Journey By Christopher Grindle, MD: When 4-year-old Avery started preschool, her mom Stacey, and her dad Eric noticed something wasn’t right. Avery kept getting ear infections, one after another, always in her left ear. There are many reasons this can happen in kids, which is why these children should be evaluated
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Mask Up! Tips to Make Kids More Comfortable With Masks, Broken Down by Age By Kathryn Robbins: Masks are one of the best ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus . But even if your child knows they’re supposed to wear a mask out in public, it can take some practice – and positive reinforcement – to get them in the habit. Child Life specialist Kathryn Robbins, MS, CCLS
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GROW Thoughtful: Danny’s Story One day, when Danny Sullivan was 8 years old, he began to feel very tired. Everyone thought it was allergies, maybe, or a growth spurt. He’d always been a healthy kid, with nothing more than the occasional cold. But this time, it got worse. Suddenly, he could barely stand up. His
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Open Hearts Beyond Imagination: Ayla, Naomi & Daniel’s Story In September 2019, Ellen and Jon Lindblom traveled to China to bring home the newest member of their family — Ayla, then a shy 6-year-old. They carried a letter from Connecticut Children’s Felice Heller, MD, urging the agency to expedite the adoption so Ayla could get immediate
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Building a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace By: Nicole Capsolas; Danielle Chenard, MPH; and Lauren Dominique Connecticut Children’s kicked off its first annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Symposium with powerful presentations from Priya Phulwani, MD; Christine Finck, MD, FACS; and Rev. Carolyn Wilkins, MBA, BBA. In