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Strengthening Families: Insights from Jeanika Browne-Springer of Hartbeat Ensemble By Annika Anderson: This is the third blog in a three-blog series regarding North Hartford Ascend’s Inaugural Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework Community of Practice facilitated by Childhood Prosperity Lab . Jeanika Browne-Springer, Director of LifeLong Learning at HartBeat

Is Caffeine Safe for Teens? A Doctor Explains By Andrew Carlson, MD: Coffee and other tasty caffeinated drinks are part of our culture. But pediatric health professionals are asking parents to be aware of new 2025 guidelines from Healthy Eating Research that clarify what kids should and shouldn’t be drinking, and that teenagers especially should

Are You Doing Tummy Time Correctly With Your Baby? By Kim Hrapchak, PT, MSPT: Do you dread tummy time? If your baby starts fussing the moment they’re belly-down, you might be tempted to cut it short, or skip it altogether. Stay strong! Tummy time is a really important exercise for your baby. Connecticut Children’s pediatric physical therapist Kim Hrapchak

Meet Rachelle Wareham, MD, Pediatric Otolaryngologist By Rachelle Wareham, MD: Rachelle Wareham, MD, recently joined Connecticut Children’s as Clinical Director of Otolaryngology, Fairfield County. She is 100% dedicated to serving families in the Westport Specialty Care Center and thrilled to share more about herself and her expertise in this interview.

Beyond Congenital Heart Defects: Carter’s Story By Dennis Mello, MD: Greg was at home, doing a frantic final prep of the house, when his phone buzzed. His wife, Anneliz, was calling from the hospital, where she’d just given birth to their first child. Her voice sounded shaky. The doctors know what’s causing Carter’s heart murmur, she said. He has

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Infusion: A Parent’s Guide When your child’s doctor tells you they need an infusion, it can feel overwhelming. This guide from pediatric infusion expert Katie Ruane, RN, Nurse Manager, will walk you through the process so you know what to expect and how to support your child.

Caring for the Caregiver By Jacquelyn M. Rose, MPH: At Connecticut Children’s Childhood Prosperity Lab, we believe improving child, youth, and family health requires a comprehensive approach. Recently, I was reminded just how critical this approach is in our ongoing work. Childhood Prosperity Lab, a program of the Office for

Kids' Bones Are Different: The Importance of Pediatric Orthopedic Care By Donna M. Pacicca, MD: As kids grow, their bones, joints, and muscles go through many changes. Sometimes, parents wonder if their child’s growth patterns, pain, or injuries need special attention from a pediatric orthopedic specialist. Donna Pacicca, MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, discusses when it

10 Healthy Holiday Traditions to Start With Your Family Holidays go hand in hand with a big meal, several kinds of dessert, and an afternoon nap. We get it! No need to give up all your usual traditions – but how about sneaking some healthy ones into the mix? These ideas will keep your child entertained and engaged all day, and might

Newborn Screening: The Importance of Collaboration Across Healthcare Sectors By Debra Ellis, NBS, RN: Each year, approximately four million newborns in the United States are screened for a variety of rare but serious conditions shortly after birth. This quiet yet powerful public health achievement helps identify around 12,000 babies annually who have conditions that, if detected

Pitcher’s Elbow: What to Know About this Overuse Injury By Matthew Brown, MD: Baseball or softball season is ripe for overuse injuries, especially for pitchers. You’ve probably heard of “pitcher’s elbow, or Little Leaguer’s Elbow,” a common injury in athletes who throw overhand —not just baseball players. Matt Brown, MD, sports medicine physician and

Keeping Young Drivers Safe: The Fight Against Distracted Driving By Anna Stern, MPH: April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to reflect on how we can all make safer choices behind the wheel. The Injury Prevention Center (IPC), a program of Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health , is committed to promoting road

8 Ways to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month With Kids November is National Native American Heritage Month, a chance to honor the history and continuing culture of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Get your kids involved! Here are family-friendly ideas to celebrate and learn about Indigenous peoples of the

How to Prepare Younger Kids for the COVID-19 Vaccine This post was last updated November 4, 2021. Parents and caregivers, this is an exciting time: A COVID-19 vaccine is now available for ages 5 to 11. Since kids in this age group might be a little more nervous about needles or doctor’s visits, Connecticut Children’s Child Life

Spring Cleaning Tips for a Healthier Home By Chris Corcoran: Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting your house in order—it’s about protecting your family’s health. As the weather warms up and we throw open the windows, it’s the perfect time to tackle the dust, clutter, and grime that have built up over the winter. But there’s more to