Search Results

Medicaid Matters for Kids: Part 1 - What is Medicaid? By Jane Baird: Welcome to the first of a three-part blog series about a critical health care issue for children: Medicaid. As Senior Director of Government Relations and External Affairs, I spend a lot of time thinking about the Medicaid program because it plays a huge role at Connecticut

How Social Media Impacts Mental Health and Changes Brain Activity, and What to Do By Melissa Santos, PhD: This article was originally written in January 2023 and has been updated as of February 4, 2025. Studies have shown that there is a possible link between social media and brain changes in young adolescents. MRI brain scans showed that teens who frequently check social media had

AI is Here to Stay. 4 Things Parents of Teens Should Know By Preeti Sandhu, PsyD: This blog was originally published in February 2024 and has been updated as of February 4, 2025. In today's digital age, teenagers are growing up in a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is part of everyday life. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to

Giving a Teen the Freedom to Laugh: Our Life-Changing Partnership with Kids In Crisis By James Healy, MD, MHS, Pediatric Surgeon: We’d like to thank our valued partners at Kids in Crisis for this story. Published with permission. For most teenagers, laughter is spontaneous and free. But for one 17-year-old who came to Connecticut Children’s, every laugh meant choosing between joy and pain – until we

Is Your Child Online? Follow 6 Steps for Social Media Safety By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: Children turn to social media to stay connected with friends – through messaging and video chats, sharing photos and videos, and playing video games. For many, this is happening at a younger age than their parents originally planned. That can be okay, since it’s important for

Medicaid Matters for Kids: Part 2 - Supporting the Financial Health of Pediatric Care By Bridgett Feagin, MBA: As Chief Financial Officer at Connecticut Children’s, part of my role is ensuring that our independent children’s health system has the necessary resources to meet the needs of our patients and their families. Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100%

Beyond Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Emily’s Story By Shailendra Upadhyay, MD, CEPS, FHRS: A few years ago, they got a double dose: On her final day of recovery from open heart surgery, lifelong patient Emily Glass donned face paint to match Valentine’s, and they made the rounds together. Emily, who is 34 years old, actually has a lot of experience in this area. Since

My Tween Wants a Smart Phone. Now What? By Kevin Borrup, DrPH, JD, MPA: Your preteen wants their own phone. You’re torn—and worried for their safety. As they explore the digital world, they’re well on their way to independence. 91% of kids will have a smartphone by the time they turn 14, according to Common Sense Media. If you’re on the fence about