Pediatric Healthcare Associates, PHA, CT

01/19/2026

Today we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who taught us to be kind, fair, and caring to everyone.

Let’s keep his dream alive by helping others and spreading kindness.

01/17/2026

RSV can cause serious illness in infants, especially those under 6 months. This season, families have extra protection available with the RSV immunization.

Babies can receive the RSV monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab), which helps reduce the risk of severe disease. Pregnant mothers may also receive a maternal RSV vaccine, which protects the baby after birth.

These RSV antibodies work much like the natural antibodies a mother passes to her baby during pregnancy offering protection before your baby’s own immune system is mature enough to fight infections on its own.

01/16/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Amanda Rodriguez-Murphy, MD! 🎉

We're proud to share that Dr. Rodriguez-Murphy, one of our pediatricians at Pediatric Healthcare Associates (PHA), has been honored by the Greater Bridgeport Medical Association with the 2026 Distinguished Medical Leadership Award in Pediatrics.

This prestigious award recognizes her exceptional dedication to children's health, clinical excellence, and leadership in the pediatric community. Dr. Rodriguez-Murphy received the award on January 14, 2026, and is also a valued member of the Fairfield County Medical Association

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Rodriguez-Murphy on this well-deserved honor!

01/13/2026

Living on campus can increase your risk of catching colds and the flu due to close contact with other students.

Protect yourself by washing your hands regularly, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, and avoiding sharing drinks or utensils. Flu vaccines are also recommended each year. Staying proactive helps you stay healthy and focused on your studies.

We recommend college students get familiar with the student health center for acute illnesses. Please feel free to call our office (203) 452-8322 if you have any questions about vaccines, prevention strategies, or managing symptoms while at college.

01/12/2026

01/11/2026

Happy National Milk Day!

Calcium matters for strong and healthy growth at every age, but balance is key.

How much milk is recommended?
▪️ Toddlers (1-3): cups/day
▪️ Kids (4-8): 2-2.5 cups/day
▪️ Older kids/teens: 3 cups/day
More isn’t better!

Drinking too much milk can fill kids up, cause constipation, or lead to low iron levels. Aim for no more than 2-3 cups per day, depending on age.

Non-dairy options count too such as fortified plant milks, yogurt alternatives, leafy greens, cheese, and tofu.

Not sure if your child is getting the right amount of calcium or milk? Ask us at your next visit!

01/10/2026

January is National Bath Safety Month - perfect time to make sure your home’s water heater is set to a safe temperature. Hot tap water can cause burns in seconds, especially for young children.

✔️ What temperature should it be?
Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) to help prevent scalds.

How to check your water heater setting:
🔸 Look at your water heater’s temperature dial - many have a clear temperature marking or a “hot/warm” range.
🔸 To double-check, run hot water from a faucet for one minute and use a kitchen thermometer to test the water temperature.

How to adjust it:
🔸Turn the temperature dial down to 120°F (or the “warm” setting if temperatures aren’t labeled).
🔸 Give the heater a few hours to reset, then recheck the tap temperature.
🔸 If your heater is older or unmarked, or you’re unsure how to adjust it safely, contact your maintenance team, landlord, or a licensed professional.

A quick check can make bathroom time much safer for little ones.

01/08/2026

When your child is feeling under the weather, you need quick answers. 🤧 We offer same-day sick visits to get your child the expert care they need and back on the road to recovery fast!

Don't delay - use our easy self-scheduling tool on our website to book a same-day sick visit for your child quickly and conveniently.
https://www.pha4kids.com/

01/07/2026

Winter blues?

Shorter winter days can affect kids’ (and adults’) mood and energy levels, and a little grumpiness or lower motivation this time of year is normal. But parents should watch for red flags like withdrawal, sudden school struggles, big changes in sleep or appetite, or any mention of hopelessness.

If something feels “off,” trust your instincts.

Reach out to us because we’re here to help support your child’s emotional health.

01/05/2026

Hello 2026! January brings an abundance of winter produce that makes healthy eating both simple and budget-friendly. Think bright citrus like oranges, mandarins, and grapefruit, along with sweet potatoes, winter squash, kale, pears, and pomegranates.

Choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables this time of year means better flavor, more nutrients, and easy ways to refresh meals after the holidays.

01/04/2026

It’s National Trivia Day! Let’s test your pediatric knowledge.

Drop your answers in the comments ⬇️

1️⃣ What age do most babies start sitting without support?

2️⃣ True or false: Toddlers get more colds than older kids.

3️⃣ What vitamin helps prevent rickets?

4️⃣ What’s the recommended daily screen time for 2-5 year olds?

Answers coming soon in the comments.

01/03/2026

Baby it’s cold outside.

Cold winter air can make kids’ skin dry and itchy, and thicker creams usually work better than lotions because they seal in moisture longer.

Apply moisturizer right after baths, choose fragrance-free products, and keep soaps gentle on sensitive skin.

Our clinicians love products such as Cerave Healing Ointment, Eucerin Cream, and Aquaphor for dry skin.

If you notice cracking, worsening eczema, or rashes that don’t improve within a few days, give us a call (203) 452-8322. We’re here to help with next steps.