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Why Your Child Needs Their Flu Shot ASAP (and Maybe a Second Shot, Too): A Note From Our Physician-in-Chief By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: This is a hectic back-to-school season for many families – but don’t be tempted to put off your child’s flu shot. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it’s important to get kids vaccinated for the flu as soon as possible. Physician-in-Chief Juan Salazar, MD, MPH shares why you Article
Breaking the Cycle of Violence Shot While Playing Outside Renee Beavers is a licensed master social worker who works as an HVIP Specialist with the IPC. Among the cases she took on during the HVIP’s first year involved an 8-year-old boy who was shot while playing outside in his neighborhood. “I was able to
REACH Resident Education in Advocacy and Community Health (REACH) is an opportunity available to residents of the University of Connecticut Pediatric Residency Program. Our Mission To foster the development of pediatricians who are committed to improving children’s health and well
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The Innovative Role of Comics in Child Health Education By Annika Anderson, MPH: By: Annika Anderson, MPH Do you remember what your favorite thing to read was when you were a child? Perhaps it was a picture book, like Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, or Click, Clack, Moo by Doreen Cronin. It might have even been the Peanuts comic strips by Charles Schulz from
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Support Beyond Imagination: JJ’s Story Connecticut Children’s new Westport Specialty Care Center already has a happy family. John B. Jr. — “JJ” to his family — is a giggly, boisterous 16-month-old from Stratford. Every couple months, he’ll visit the Neurosurgery team at the new Westport center, which opened its doors
Child Life Child Life specialists facilitate coping and use a variety of interventions to support the emotional needs of hospitalized children, as well as their siblings. Child Life specialists prepare children for medical procedures in an age-appropriate way and provide children with
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A Coordinated Approach to Childhood Asthma in the North Hartford Promise Zone In Hartford’s Promise Zone, programs like Easy Breathing for Schools and North Hartford Ascend are transforming how asthma care and child development support are delivered to students across the community. These initiatives show how targeted, school- and community-based efforts
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Melatonin Poisoning in Kids: What Parents Should Know By John Brancato, MD: All parents can agree—a good night’s sleep is one of the most amazing feelings—and even more so when our children sleep well. It’s not always easy, though, and sometimes kids need a little help getting into a healthy sleeping routine. Melatonin has become a popular, over-the
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Prevention Is Powerful: Supporting Youth Before Crisis Hits By Cara During: When we talk about suicide prevention, the conversation usually focuses on intervention when someone is already in a crisis. But at Connecticut Children’s, we believe in building a safety net that helps young people before a crisis arises. This is called Primary Prevention. Think
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Mastermind Advisor Spotlight: Paul Dworkin, MD Research shows 90% of children’s health is driven by the complex interplay between social, behavioral, environmental, and genetic/epigenetic factors. Connecticut Children’s Childhood Prosperity Lab (the Lab) incubates and accelerates social innovations that address social
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Advancing Equity Through Anti-Racism in Children's Hospitals and Family-Centered Care By Susie DiVietro, PhD: In the latest installment of the Pathways to Action Subcommittee Spotlight Series, members of Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health reflect on their participation in an anti-racism training organized by the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences)
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Back-to-School, Backed by Community By Madhura Sawant-Suryawanshi: It’s back-to-school season! The start of a new school year is an exciting transition filled with new opportunities and growth. It's also a time for families to step into new routines. When caregivers help kids feel prepared for school , we tend to see improved attendance
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Food is Medicine: The Essential Connection Between Food Security and Health By Nancy Trout, MD: By: Nancy Trout, MD, MPH For more than two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought devastating loss along with political, economic and social disruption to our nation. While we no longer see televised images of snaking lines of cars containing food insecure families lined up for
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4 Warning Signs to Recognize Teen Dating Violence By Susan DiVietro, PhD: Teen dating should be a time of growth and joy, but for some, it becomes a source of fear and harm. Recognizing the warning signs is crucial in protecting teens from unhealthy relationships. Connecticut Children's Office for Community Child Health, home to the Injury Prevention
Top 10 Ways to Make Sure You’re Ready to Vote This Year 1. Register to vote. Not sure if you are registered to vote in Connecticut? You can check your voter registration status and register to vote online. It is quick and easy! 2. Think about what issues matter most to you. With all that is going on in our state, nation, and world