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Mind the Chatter By Annika Anderson: What comes to mind for you when you think about Mindfulness ? You might envision a guided meditation practice, a tech-free walk outside, the fragrance of your favorite candle as you end the day with a journal entry, or intentionally relaxing your jaw when you notice it’s tense

Q&A: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Pediatric Epilepsy & Primary Dystonia By David Hersh, MD: If your child’s epilepsy or dystonia isn’t responding to medication or other treatments, what comes next? Connecticut Children’s, in partnership with UConn Health, offers deep brain stimulation (DBS) as an option for pediatric patients — and for many families, a reason for hope

A Life-Changing Screen: Jonah’s Story By Gyula Acsadi, MD: When Jonah Ferace was born in December 2023, he appeared to be a healthy, happy baby. At over 10 pounds, he was strong and alert, and his parents, Jaime and Marc, were thrilled to welcome their third child. Aside from a challenging first week as Jonah was treated for jaundice

Beyond Extreme Prematurity: Mikayla’s Story By Nicole Murray, MD: Delivered barely halfway through a typical pregnancy — at just 25 weeks and 6 days — she weighed less than a pound. Her lungs were severely underdeveloped. At the hospital where she was born, the doctors weren’t sure she’d survive the night. But Mikayla had other plans. Today

Discussing Racial Inequality and Social Justice With Children By Robert D. Keder, MD: Parents are constantly deciding how to talk to their children about racial inequality and social justice. To help families navigate these important conversations, developmental pediatrician Robert D. Keder, MD, shares tips.

Back-to-School Mental Health Tips for Parents, Teachers & School Staff By Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH: As the school year kicks off across Connecticut, families and educators alike are facing more than supply lists and bus schedules. Today’s students are managing emotions, navigating social pressures, and adjusting to academic demands — all while recovering from the disruptions of

Mastermind Advisor Spotlight: Scott Orsey 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 the social

8 Childhood Symptoms Not to Ignore By Emily Vistica Sampino, MD: Knowing any early warning signs can help you rule out certain conditions, and get the early diagnosis and treatment your child needs. While many symptoms can be part of common childhood illnesses, look for anything persistent and unusual. Emily Vistica-Sampino, MD, pediatric

Mouth Breathing in Kids: When to Worry and What You Can Do By Amy Hughes, MD: If you've seen your child sleeping with their mouth open night after night, or even breathing through their mouth during the day, you might be wondering: Is this normal? Should I be worried? Occasional mouth breathing is common in children, especially during a cold or allergy

E-Bike Injuries Are Rising Fast—Here’s What Parents Need to Know By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: This article was published in July 2025 and was updated on August 11, 2025 to remove outdated timeframe references. Over the past few years, electric bikes (e-bikes) have exploded in popularity among kids and teens. But with that rise has come a sharp increase in serious injuries

Pediatric Celiac Disease: A Parent’s Guide to Food and Nutrition By Beth Chatfield, MS, RD: Learning your child has celiac disease can feel overwhelming at first. We think about how food choices, social situations and proper nutrition will come into play. But with the right tools, knowledge, and support, families can manage and enjoy a gluten-free lifestyle. Here’s a

Is Vaping Safe? No. Here’s Why. By Melanie Sue Collins, MD: The FDA recently ordered all Juul e-cigarette products off the shelves, a decision that has been in the works for two years following the rapid rise of underage vaping. Parents are concerned that their kids may look for other products or turn to actual cigarettes—both strong

Help Your School-Aged Kid Plan for Next Year- Now By Bradley S. Jerson, PhD: Before we know it, school will be in session again. It's not too early to start thinking about ways to help your child make the most of the move to a new school year this fall. Below are some tips for talking to your kids AND their school teams about what may be most helpful for

FAQs: The COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids 6 Months And Older By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: The FDA authorized Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years, and experts for the CDC unanimously approved the use of both vaccines – a moment that parents, pediatricians and health leaders are celebrating. Connecticut Children’s

Celebrating 60 Years of Medicaid: 60 Reasons It Still Matters By Christian Petersen: For six decades, Medicaid has served as a critical lifeline for millions of children and families, offering access to essential health services, protecting vulnerable populations, and strengthening communities across the nation. To honor this milestone, we’ve compiled 60 reasons