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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

CDC Updates Childhood Vaccine Schedule: What Parents Need to Know By Ian C. Michelow, MD, FCPaed: This update recommends fewer routine vaccines (11) for some children than in past years (17). News like this can raise questions and worries for parents and caregivers. Pediatric infectious diseases expert, Ian C. Michelow, MD, explains what the change means, what has not changed

Measles is Highly Contagious: What Parents Should Know By Ian C. Michelow, MD, FCPaed: We’ve all heard of measles, but many of us might not fully understand it. In recent years, cases have surged in areas where vaccination rates have declined. And as of December 2025, Connecticut has its first case of measles in more than four years, according to the Department of

Albuterol Shortage Continues: What Parents of Asthmatic Kids Should Know By Melanie Sue Collins, MD: 71,900 children in Connecticut have asthma and there has been a shortage of albuterol sulfate inhalation solution since October. Albuterol is a fast-acting medication used to treat asthma and other breathing issues. What do parents need to know about the continued albuterol

Are Your Child’s Symptoms From RSV or Something Else? What to Know About This Common Illness By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: Did you know it’s peak season for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV? On one hand, RSV is nothing new. If your child is over the age of 2, they’ve probably had it at least once. As an adult, you might get sick with it every few years. On the other hand, RSV can be serious for

Returning to Sports After a Break? Here's What to Know This article was last updated in December 2023. Getting back on the field (or rink, track, court or wherever) after months off comes with a risk of injury. Overuse injuries can occur in any sport – from “Little League Elbow” to back issues to ACL tears and ankle sprains. "

High-Risk Pregnancy: What to Do and How to Cope By Jennifer Humphrey, MSN, RN: If your pregnancy is high risk, it’s natural to have a mix of emotions ranging from joy and anticipation—to fear and even sorrow. Even though every woman’s high risk pregnancy is different, you’re not alone. As a trained, certified fetal care coordinator for women with high-risk

E-Bike Injuries Are Rising Fast—Here’s What Parents Need to Know By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: This article was published in July 2025 and was updated on August 11, 2025 to remove outdated timeframe references. Over the past few years, electric bikes (e-bikes) have exploded in popularity among kids and teens. But with that rise has come a sharp increase in serious injuries

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

Omicron FAQs: Is the New Variant More of a Risk to Infants and Toddlers? What About Vaccinated Kids? By John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH: This post was last updated January 19, 2022. Right around the time your family was celebrating Thanksgiving, you probably heard news about a new variant in the COVID-19 pandemic. The Omicron variant is now surging around the world, including in the U.S. Scientists are racing to

Pediatric Neurosurgery Explained: What’s a Pediatric Neurosurgeon? By Bethany Simonetti MSN, APRN, FNP-BC: Pediatric neurosurgeons at Connecticut Children’s are specially trained to care for children with conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system. Their expertise goes beyond surgery—they evaluate and manage a wide range of issues, sometimes even starting care before

Essential Water Safety Guide for Parents: What You Need to Know As the weather warms up and families flock to pools, beaches, and lakes to beat the heat, it's crucial for parents to be vigilant about water safety. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children aged 1-4 years old, and it ranks as the third leading cause

From Crib to Bed: When, How, Why and What If? By Haviva Veler, MD, FAASM: It’s 3 am and you caught your toddler trying to climb out of the crib! Or, maybe you’re just wondering when, how or why you should make the switch to a bed. We turned to Dr. Haviva Veler, Division Head of Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine team, for

How, and When, to Talk to Your Child About Drugs By Melissa Santos, PhD: Families in Connecticut are mourning the death of a 13-year-old who overdosed on the painkiller fentanyl while at his Hartford school. It’s a tragic reminder of the dangers of drugs around kids. If you’re a parent or caregiver, it can be hard to know how to talk to your child

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Heart Ultrasound (Echocardiogram) By Brooke Davey, MD: If your child has been scheduled for their first heart ultrasound—called an echocardiogram—you probably have questions. That’s completely normal! An echocardiogram is a safe, gentle test that shows pictures of your child’s heart using sound waves. There are no needles, and it