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Partnering for Family Support: Connecticut Newborn Screening Network and Alexion Charitable Foundation By Debra Ellis, NBS, RN: The Connecticut Newborn Screening Network (the Network), a program within the Office for Community Child Health , provides crucial support to families of infants who receive out-of-range newborn screening (NBS) results. Our goal is to ensure that every family—regardless of their
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Is Your Baby on Track for Motor Milestones? If They’re Under 6 Months Old, Here’s How to Help By Kim Hrapchak, PT, MSPT: Babies are changing by the day, and every new “motor milestone” is a thrill – like the first time they hold a toy, roll, sit up alone, and crawl. These milestones depend on lots of factors, including some that aren’t under anyone’s control. But there are a few ways to help your
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7 Strategies to Help Autistic and Special Needs Kids Prepare for a Doctor's Visit By Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP: Kids with autism and other special needs can have a tough time getting used to new routines, people and places. Doctor’s visits can be especially challenging, because these visits are rarely frequent enough for kids to remember what to expect. But a little preparation goes a long
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Raising a First-Time Voter? 9 Tips for Parents By Jane Baird: This is a major milestone for them. Talking about politics with your children is a great way to boost their critical thinking skills, teach them to appreciate different viewpoints, and help them figure out their own values. Plus, it gives them a chance to learn how to engage in
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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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10 Ways to Get Your Teen (and Family) to Try a Digital Detox Last year, with schools closed due to COVID-19 and quarantine in full swing, many teens became even more glued to their screens. In many ways, that was OK: Teens are wired to be social, and social media helped them stay connected to friends. Technology was essential for remote
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Preventing Eye Strain During Your Child’s Screen-Based Learning By Janine Collinge, MD: Whether from homework assignments on a computer or tablet, or remote instruction during COVID-19 quarantines, screens are probably a big part of “back to school” for your child. Connecticut Children’s pediatric ophthalmologist Janine Collinge, MD, shares tips.
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Parenting Through a Divorce or the End of a Relationship By Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH: Kids are resilient, and able to overcome a parental separation or divorce. But it’s a big transition. How can you support your child through these changes? Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH , shares advice.
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10 Steps to a Better Morning! Get Your Child Into a Back to School Routine Now After months of sleeping in, staying up late, and enjoying a lot less structure, it’s a big adjustment for kids and teens to head back to school. You can set them up for an easier transition with these tips for a great morning – right down to packing a backpack the night before.
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Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for My Teen? By Nichole Buswell, APRN: Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast tissue and skin to make the breasts smaller. You might associate this type of surgery mainly with the adult population, but in fact, many teens and adolescents can benefit from it
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20 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Mood During a COVID-19 Quarantine By Christine Chew, PhD: Everyone is feeling burnt out from pandemic restrictions, and kids are no exception. It’s hard to limit activities and stay away from friends! It’s even harder when it feels like you’re the only one. So if your child has to quarantine due to COVID-19, and is stuck home while
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Connecticut Children's Earns Top Rankings in U.S. News & World Report's Best Children's Hospitals 2024-2025 Hartford, CT – Connecticut Children's, the only health system in Connecticut solely dedicated to children's health, has once again been ranked among the nation's best children's hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. In its newly released 2024-2025 rankings, Connecticut Children
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Head Lice: Stop the Spread and Get Rid of it For Good By Andrew Carlson, MD: Head lice. These “nit-picking” words can send shivers down spines. It's a common childhood experience that can be stressful for everyone at home. But fear not! Head lice infestations are manageable with the right knowledge and approach. This guide will equip you with the tools to
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Breathing Emergency? How to Recognize and Respond to Respiratory Distress By John Brancato, MD: Respiratory illness season is here. While most childhood illnesses are minor, there are times when a child's breathing can become compromised. How can you recognize and respond to breathing emergencies in children? Our emergency medicine experts help you understand the signs of a
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Beyond Fetal Renal Failure: Josiah’s Story By Timothy Crombleholme, MD: When the pregnancy ultrasound showed fetal renal failure, Narina and Chris prayed for a miracle. They found it in the nation’s top fetal surgeon, and the innovative technology he’d created.