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Shifting the Paradigm: Elevating Assets and Strengthening Families’ Protective Factors By Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH: As the parent of two tiny humans, ages 2.5 and 4.5, and a public health practitioner focused on supporting children’s well-being, I (Jacquelyn) regularly read about the science, practice, and art of rearing children into socially, emotionally, and physically healthy adults. I’ve
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Responding to Tragedy: Taking Action Against Gun Violence in the Wake of Recent Shootings By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: Events like the shootings at the Kansas City Parade can leave us feeling vulnerable and helpless. While we all hope for the speedy recovery of the injured and mourn the loss of life, we must recognize that the Kansas City shooting serves to renew fears for folks around the
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AI is Here to Stay. 4 Things Parents of Teens Should Know By Preeti Sandhu, PsyD: This blog was originally published in February 2024 and has been updated as of February 4, 2025. In today's digital age, teenagers are growing up in a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is part of everyday life. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to
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Connecticut Children’s to Pioneer Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Gene Therapy in Connecticut Connecticut Children’s made medical history this week as it became the first health system in the state to administer gene therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The groundbreaking procedure will be conducted by renowned pediatric neurologist, Dr. Gyula Acsadi. Article
My Child Has a Hemangioma. What Should I Know? By Emily Vistica Sampino, MD: You’ve likely seen them before on infants: bright, red or purple birthmarks that look a little lumpy like a strawberry. These are called hemangiomas, common growths that happen when blood cells don’t form properly—or get tangled. This sounds scarier than it usually is
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Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Combating Teen Dating Violence By Susie DiVietro, PhD: The Scope of the Problem February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge and raise awareness of this pervasive public health crisis and work to break the cycles of violence in our communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines
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8 Kidney Health Tips for Kids of All Ages By Robyn Matloff, MD, MPH: Kidneys—those bean-shaped organs in the abdomen—are superheroes! Did you know they act as filters to protect the bloodstream from waste and extra fluid? They also keep blood pressure and electrolyte balance in check. Dr. Robyn Matloff, Pediatric Nephrologist, shares eight fun
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“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
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Personal Hygiene Milestones: A Guide for Parents By Andrew Carlson, MD: Good hygiene habits start young. As kids develop, they reach important milestones and one of the most noticeable ones is personal hygiene. Proper hygiene is your child’s foundation for good health, confidence and a solid social life—and it’s so much more than learning about
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When Is a Fever an Emergency in Children? Signs, Symptoms & Next Steps By Andrew Carlson, MD: While most fevers are not emergencies, some signs in children demand immediate care. This article by Andrew Carlson, MD, Division Head of Primary Care, outlines red flags, age-specific concerns, and what steps to take.
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Ask a Pediatrician: What Should I Do When My Child Has a Common Cold During COVID-19? By John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH: You ask, we answer. In each edition of “Ask a Pediatrician,” Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts respond to a question from our community. This week, infectious disease pediatrician John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH, tackles a popular topic this cold and flu season, especially with Article
Beyond Brain Surgery: Josh's Story By Jonathan Martin, MD: When Josh Hollm was 6 years old, an eye doctor dilated his eyes, took one look, and sent him to Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department. The diagnosis: a brain tumor, noncancerous. It was putting dangerous pressure on his brain. Josh’s parents, Ruth and Bob, had known
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OCCH Recognizes Media and Technology as Key Factors Shaping Child Development By Annika Anderson, MPH: At Connecticut Children's Office for Community Child Health (OCCH), we know that improving child health and well-being requires a comprehensive approach. The newly updated "flower diagram," which now includes Media & Technology, seamlessly represents this evolving reality. By
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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
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Recommended by Pediatricians! Connecticut Children’s Top 25 Books for Infants to Young Adults As the state’s only pediatric health system 100% dedicated to kids, Connecticut Children’s understands just how important reading is – and the positive impact it can have on a child’s physical and mental health. With our 25th Anniversary and the summer season upon us, we’re