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Beyond Hydronephrosis: Gjovana’s Story In 2019, a very pregnant Kristina Gisonde studied two dots on her latest ultrasound. The dots represented her baby’s kidneys, and they were different sizes – not a good sign. Her doctor recommended that, soon after birth, they see a specialist at Connecticut Children's. Kristina

Overuse Injuries and Kids: A Sports Physical Therapist Answers Your Questions By Nicholas Giampetruzzi, PT, MPT: This article was last updated in March 2025. Overuse injuries can occur at all ages. But because kids are still growing, they’re at a greater risk for these types of injuries, and may need a pediatric expert to ensure they heal properly. Nick Giampetruzzi, PT, MPT, Connecticut

Grow Competitive: Jordan’s Story For eight years, every time Jordan DeMatteo stepped onto the soccer field or basketball court, she didn’t just brace herself for competition. She braced for pain. At any moment, her right kneecap could shift out of alignment, an issue she’d dealt with since age 8. It was

Beyond Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: Melina's Story When Melina, at age 10, felt a shooting pain in her leg and suddenly couldn’t put weight on it, her family assumed it would mean physical therapy at worst. They never imagined it would mean emergency surgery so she could play sports, dance, or possibly just walk normally again

What’s the Risk? Which Activities Are Safe When Kids Aren’t Vaccinated Yet By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: In previous editions of What’s the Risk?, Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts have covered everything from playgrounds to farmers markets throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But things just got more complicated for families whose adults and adolescents are vaccinated but

Personal Best: Alexandra’s Story Alexandra was the first baby born in Danbury Hospital, an event celebrated in the local newspaper. As she grew, there was more cause for celebration: She became a formidable athlete. Swimming was her love, but when she got to Danbury High School, they didn’t have a swim program

Happy 25th Anniversary, Connecticut Children’s! By Jim Shmerling, DHA, FACHE: Today, Connecticut Children’s celebrates 25 years! That’s 25 years of partnering with your family and community to help kids grow healthy. To mark the occasion, Connecticut Children’s President and CEO Jim Shmerling, DHA, FACHE, joins the Growing Healthy blog with a special

Meet Dr. Enos: “We Offer Hope” Connecticut Children’s Heart Center is with patients for life, starting from before they’re even born and continuing into adulthood. We’re also right around the corner, with six convenient locations throughout the state, and a team made up of leaders in pediatric heart care. That

Should Parents Be Worried About the Recent Increase in COVID-19 Cases in Kids? By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: The American Academy of Pediatrics recently reported a significant increase in COVID-19 infections in children across the country. The overall infection rate among kids is still relatively low. But we know that this news has raised questions – and concerns – for families

What Are the New COVID-19 Variants, and Do They Infect Kids More Easily? By Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP: In addition to all the news about the COVID-19 vaccine , you’ve probably been hearing a lot about new variants of COVID-19 . Connecticut Children’s Physician-in-Chief Juan Salazar, MD, MPH, shares what we know so far. What does it mean when there’s a new “variant” of COVID-19? A

First in the World: Haresh’s Story Haresh Surti may be young at heart, but at 62 years old, he is no kid. So at first, it might seem unusual that he receives heart care at Connecticut Children’s – known far and wide as the state’s only health system 100% dedicated to children. The truth is, lots of adults receive

Grow Unique: Youssef’s Story There is no one else quite like Youssef Shahine. Sure, when he’s blasting music on his headphones or glued to a video game, he’s a typical 14-year-old. But ask him a question about life, and he’s wise beyond his years. “I like to look at the good stuff,” says Youssef. “Yes, there

A New Normal: Lauren’s Story One day last October, 15-year-old Lauren Riley was climbing the stairs to class at her West Hartford high school and felt it again: out of breath, dizzy and like she might faint. This was the third time in recent weeks she’d nearly fainted from a flight of stairs. Soon after, she

The Best Way to Prevent Youth Suicide? Talk About It By Steven C. Rogers, MD, MS: This article was originally published in September 2020 and last updated in December 2023. Youth suicide has been on the rise for the past decade, so prevention is more important than ever. Dr. Steven Rogers, medical director of Emergency Behavioral Health services at Connecticut