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Beyond a Rare Blood Cancer: Elijah’s Story By Natasha N. Frederick, MD, MPH: But after weeks and then months, it didn’t heal. When Elijah’s doctors ordered imaging and a biopsy, the results were so devastating, everyone hoped it was a lab error. It wasn’t. Elijah was diagnosed with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) — a rare and

What is Kindness in Healthcare? 8 Questions with Chief Kindness Officer, Bob Duncan Look up the word “kindness” in the dictionary and you’ll likely see, “the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.” But kindness is so much more than its textbook definition. Here at Connecticut Children’s, we go beyond imagination to cultivate a culture of kindness

Responding to Violence in the Home During COVID-19 By: Amy Hunter, PhD, MPH, Susan DiVietro, PhD, and Rebecca Beebe, PhD The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new level of concern to those of us who work to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment. Since the pandemic hit, the Connecticut Coalition Against

Beyond a Rash: When to Worry About Skin Changes By Jessica Fennell, MD: Rashes are a normal part of childhood, though at times they can worry and confuse parents. For example, many children will have flushing that causes the face to turn red or pink when they are active or warm, such as when they come out of the shower. This is a normal reaction

Are You Disinfecting Your Baby’s Gear Correctly? By Patricia Garcia, MD, MPH: This article was originally published in March 2020. Updated in November 2023. As parents who dread peak illness season, we're all trying to do a better job disinfecting items and surfaces that get a lot of contact. That goes for baby gear, too. Of course, cleaning baby gear is

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

Explaining Anesthesia to Younger Kids By Sarah Malvezzi: At Connecticut Children’s, we know how to make kids feel comfortable and special, including explaining medical procedures in a way that doesn’t feel intimidating. If your child has a surgery or procedure scheduled, you’ll probably want to talk to them about it at home too. To get

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

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

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

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