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Beyond Esophageal Atresia: Marcus’ Story Minutes after Marcus was placed in his mother’s arms for the first time, the nurses gently lifted him away again. They’d heard something alarming in his cry. An X-ray confirmed it: esophageal atresia, a problem with the connection between his esophagus and stomach. He’d just been

Fitness Challenges to Keep Kids, Teens and Athletes Active By Allison E. Crepeau, MD: This article was last revised in April 2025 to reflect current times. It’s important for all kids to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for their heart health – and it’s important for athletes to stay active in order to prevent injury . So how about a fitness

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

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

Keeping Kids Safe from Ticks in Connecticut: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents By Andrew Carlson, MD: This article was last updated in April 2025 for accuracy. Getting kids outdoors is one of the best things you can do for their health. But time outside comes with risks—including ticks, which are more active than ever and spreading across Connecticut in new ways. Ticks can carry

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

Ask a Pediatrician: When Is it Safe for Kids to Start Wearing Deodorant or Antiperspirant? By Todd Palker, MD: Puberty comes with all sorts of changes to your child’s body, and sooner or later, that probably includes some new odors. If you and your child are thinking about trying a deodorant or antiperspirant, there are a dizzying array of products to choose from. To add to the confusion

How to Help Teens Stay Motivated During the Summer Months By Preeti Sandhu, PsyD: Summertime is often seen as a time for teenagers to relax and have fun, but boredom and lack of motivation can also set in. As a result, teens may find themselves feeling restless and uninspired. Connecticut Children’s mental health expert Preeti Sandhu, PsyD, shares 6 ways to

Beyond Repeat Ear Infections: Avery’s Healthy Ear Journey By Christopher Grindle, MD: When 4-year-old Avery started preschool, her mom Stacey, and her dad Eric noticed something wasn’t right. Avery kept getting ear infections, one after another, always in her left ear. There are many reasons this can happen in kids, which is why these children should be evaluated

Don’t Try This Trend: Keeping Kids Safe with Electronics and Social Media By John Brancato, MD: Many students use laptops like Chromebooks for homework, class projects, and even talking with teachers. But lately, a dangerous TikTok trend has been going around. It encourages kids to blow up or damage their school-issued or personal laptops—and it’s causing real harm

Promote Safe Riding: Tips for Talking to Kids About Bike Safety By Anna Stern, MPH: As the weather warms up, families are heading outside to enjoy bike rides together. This is an ideal time to start or continue conversations with children about how to stay safe while riding. A few simple reminders and regular check-ins can make every ride safer. The Injury

Celebrating Diversity: Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month With Kids May marks the celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to highlight and honor the rich contributions of these communities throughout American history. At Connecticut Children’s, we embrace this opportunity to educate our

Observing Jewish American Heritage Month With Kids Jewish American Heritage Month offers a valuable opportunity to educate children about the extensive 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. At Connecticut Children’s, we embrace Jewish American Heritage Month alongside other cultural celebrations, aiming to

Need Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids This Winter? Try Two Takes on Dip By Haley Duscha, RDN, CDN: This article was originally published in 2020. Updated in January 2025. No matter what you’ve got planned to entertain your kids all winter long, you’ll want to keep them fueled up with nutritious snacks. Bonus points for recipes that make it easy to get kids involved in the

Is it a Sprain or Broken Bone? Here’s How to Tell. By Allison E. Crepeau, MD: This blog was originally published in June 2024 and was last updated in March 2025. Sprains and broken bones can be painful and can look similar from the outside. It is important to know when to seek treatment. Connecticut Children’s sports medicine expert Allison Crepeau, MD