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Fresh Check Day Joins Connecticut Children’s to Expand Youth Mental Health Movement By Isabella Baldino: As youth mental health continues to demand urgent national attention, Connecticut Children’s Youth Suicide Prevention Center (the Center) is taking a major step forward by assuming management of Fresh Check Day —a nationally recognized, evidence-informed mental health promotion

From the Sidelines: How Involved Should Parents Be in Sports? By Kelly Ann Maynes, PsyD: Whether your child is preparing for their first-ever game or for a high school championship, one thing is true—your support matters. As parents, the way we show up on the sidelines and in life shapes not just how our athletes play, but also how they grow. Connecticut Children’s

5 Tips for Parents of Kids With Hearing Loss By Christopher Grindle, MD: This article was originally published in July 2022 and last updated for accuracy in December 2023. If your child falls into the 15% of kids between 6 and 10 years old who experience hearing loss (according to the CDC), you may be wondering what you can do to help them overcome

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Heart Ultrasound (Echocardiogram) By Brooke Davey, MD: If your child has been scheduled for their first heart ultrasound—called an echocardiogram—you probably have questions. That’s completely normal! An echocardiogram is a safe, gentle test that shows pictures of your child’s heart using sound waves. There are no needles, and it

Nico’s Brain Cancer Fight: A Journey of Strength, Love, and Survival By Jonathan Martin, MD: “Grade IV aggressive tumor,” are four words no parent ever expects to hear. For Michelle, this is a reality for her 5-year-old son, Nico. In her own words, she courageously shares the family’s past and current experience, documented as of June 2, 2025. Her message to parents

Before the First Beat: The Vital Role of Cardiology in Fetal Surgery By James Enos, MD: Behind many complex fetal interventions is a fetal cardiologist helping chart the safest path forward—before a baby even takes their first breath. This interview with Dr. James Enos, fetal cardiologist at Connecticut Children’s, dives into this critical role.

The Pressure to Win: Sports and Your Child’s Mental Health By Kelly Ann Maynes, PsyD: This article was originally published in July 2022 and was last updated in April 2025. In recent years, athletes have come forward to talk about the importance of mental health, along with the impact of sports and competition. Lots of young athletes can relate. A sport can all

Youth Voices Power Hartford Afterschool Program By Annika Anderson, MPH: At Connecticut Children’s Childhood Prosperity Lab (The Lab), we believe the best ideas come directly from the people they’re meant to serve. Since 2015, we’ve partnered with communities to create programs and services that reflect their strengths, interests, and priorities. This

Blood Clots in Kids: What Parents Should Know By Laura McKay, MD: While blood clots are rare in children, they can still happen. Knowing what to look for can help you get the right care quickly. A blood clot can become serious if left untreated, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Laura McKay, MD, pediatric hematologist

Why Sleep Might Be the Most Important Part of Your Athlete's Training By Nicholas Giampetruzzi, PT, MPT: When we think about what helps athletes thrive, our minds often go straight to hours of practice, skilled coaching, and proper nutrition. But sleep, a powerful tool, is often overlooked. Sleep is one of the most effective ways to help your child stay healthy, recover quickly, and

8 Tips for Your Soccer Player to Avoid Injury By Adel Lolic, MS: Goal! Soccer is a popular sport for school-aged kids and teens! Soccer can also be tough on the body. As with any sport, soccer can lead to overuse injuries—or injuries that come from doing too much of the same activity over time. (Think: shin splints with running or elbow

Keep Kids Safe in Cars All Summer Long By Amy Watkins, MPH: It might feel like a mild day outside, just 75 degrees, but the inside of a parked car can heat up quickly. In as little as 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 109°F, creating a dangerous oven-like environment for a child. No child can withstand this kind of heat. Most hot car

Why Your Child Might Need a Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist: 10 Expert Reasons By Emily Vistica Sampino, MD: When your child is referred to a specialist, naturally you have questions. This is especially true if the specialist has a title you may not hear every day, like a “pediatric hematologist/oncologist.” But a referral doesn’t necessarily mean something serious. In many cases, it’s

Beyond Celiac Disease: William’s Story By Jeffrey Hyams, MD: William had just gotten home from school when his dad, Matt, sat him down. “Your doctor thinks you might have something called celiac disease,” Matt told him. William, then 14, was skeptical. Didn’t celiac disease have something to do with eating gluten? He ate everything and, as

A Visit to the Pediatric Neurosurgeon: What to Expect By Bethany Simonetti MSN, APRN, FNP-BC: If your child has been referred to a pediatric neurosurgeon, you may be feeling nervous or unsure about what to expect. That is totally normal. The idea of seeing a “ brain and spine doctor” can feel scary. But this visit doesn’t always mean your child will need surgery. It