Registration: FREE

Join us for an informative series of presentations on topics related to children’s health and wellness given by a team of expert pediatric subspecialists from Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. Each program will include a Q&A session, offering attendees the opportunity to have their questions answered directly by a pediatric specialist.

This program aims to provide families, caregivers, and local healthcare providers in the Westport community with valuable, evidence-based information on key pediatric health topics, from general well-being to more specialized areas of care. This event is free and open to the public, making it accessible to all families in the community.

Session 1

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Tuesday, September 16 (Brooks Place)

Tiny Cells, Big Battles: From Iron Deficiency to Pediatric Cancer
From the everyday struggles of iron deficiency anemia to life-altering childhood cancer diagnoses, this session explores the full spectrum of pediatric hematology and oncology. Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital’s pediatric specialists in hematology and oncology discuss early signs, diagnostic dilemmas, and treatment advances that span benign and malignant conditions. In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, join Yale Medicine Drs. Vidya Puthenpura, Asher Marks, Michelle Foley, and Mary Jane Hogan for conversations that blend clinical insight with human stories as well as practical strategies to address the most common nutritional deficiency in children.

Session 2

Tuesday, October 21 (Brooks Place)

Restless Minds, Restless Nights: Understanding Anxiety and Sleep in Children and Teens

When anxious minds can’t rest, sleep becomes the first casualty for kids and their families alike. This session unpacks the complex relationship between anxiety and sleep disturbances in children and adolescents, exploring how stress, fear, and nighttime routines intersect. Join Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital pediatric specialists in adolescent medicine, sleep medicine and psychology to learn strategies, clinical insights, and real-world tools to help young patients (and their caregivers) reclaim restful nights and calmer days!

Session 3

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Wednesday, November 19 (Komansky Room)

Gut Feelings – Demystifying Constipation and Chronic Abdominal Pain in Kids

Belly pain and bathroom troubles are among the most common and frustrating complaints in pediatrics. This session takes a deep dive into the causes, misconceptions, and management of constipation and chronic abdominal pain in children. From functional GI disorders to red flags not to miss, Dr. Anthony Porto, Therese Gardere, APRN along with other pediatric specialists from Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital explore evidence-based approaches and offer practical tips to support kids and families navigating these often-overlooked issues.

Important Information About Verso University

• Classes are usually structured as a consecutive series.
• Class size is often limited.
• Each series has a one-time fee registration fee covering all classes in the series.
• Registration is mandatory.
• The Westport Library wants to ensure that all interested students are able to participate in Verso University courses. If the registration fee is a barrier to entry for you, please contact JConnon@westportlibrary.org.

Verso University is the Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative, serving up year-round offerings of classes, workshops, and lectures designed to further education and learning. Offerings run the gamut of educational opportunities, ranging from one-time lectures to ongoing courses to classes that meet weekly or perhaps monthly.

Verso University programs are made possible by the generous support of the Nancy J. Beard Lifelong Learning and Education Fund.