Begin the countdown to the start of a healthy school year
As summer winds down and back-toschool planning gears up, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reminds Wisconsinites, that now is the time to book appointments, communicate special health concerns with schools, and talk to children about issues that may impact their mental and emotional health.
“While school can be an exciting time for many, it can also be a stressful experience for children,” said DHS state health officer Paula Tran. “This may be especially true for children with special health needs or those who are struggling with mental health. When kids are healthy and supported, they can stay in school and keep doing the things they love.”
It’s easy to overlook some steps in the hustle and bustle with getting back to school, and the DHS has tips to get families started.
Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date – Preparing to go back to school, is a great time to make sure kids are up-to-date on their CDC-recommended vaccines. Vaccines are a safe, well-studied and effective way to protect kids, and everyone around them, from harmful diseases like whooping cough (pertussis), measles and meningitis.
Check to see if a child is up-to-date on vaccines on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry, or by contacting a healthcare provider or local health department. If a child is uninsured or underinsured, the Vaccines for Children program provides free or lowcost vaccines to eligible children under 19.
Test for lead poisoning – Parents and caregivers should talk with their child’s healthcare provider to schedule a blood lead test. All children should receive a blood lead test at ages one and two, as should any child between ages three and five, who has not had a previous test. Children living in communities or housing where they are at higher risk of lead poisoning, may be recommended to have additional testing.
Childhood lead poisoning remains a serious public health threat, and early detection is key in preventing the long-term impacts on a child’s physical and mental health.
Come up with an asthma action plan – In Wisconsin, one in two children with asthma miss school, because of their illness. This can directly affect their academic success. The DHS recommends keeping an asthma action plan on file in the school nurse’s office to support a child’s learning and safety at school.
An asthma action plan is a document created between a doctor and patient, with directions about actions to take based on asthma symptoms or peak flow readings. Other ways to manage asthma symptoms include carrying a rescue inhaler, bringing medications to the school nurse and staying up-to-date on vaccinations.
Know the signs of self-harm – Wisconsin emergency department data shows young people experience large increases in selfharm when school resumes after the summer break. Signs that a young person may be self-harming include increased secrecy; emotional withdrawal, or changes in mood and behavior; reduced time with peers or family members; unexplained cuts, burns or bruises typically occurring on the arms, legs and stomach; finding razors, sharps, knives or other items that may be used to self-injure; and keeping arms and legs covered, even when it is inconvenient to do so. Parents or guardians, and others looking to help a young person who is self-harming, shouldn’t ignore the problem or treat it like a passing fad.
Listen to them without judgment. Don’t try to problem solve or put things in a more positive light for them; instead, focus on confirming they are being heard. Recognize when the help of a professional is needed.
Talk to kids about vaping and nicotine – Around 70 percent of teens say mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, are a major problem for young people their age. They’re struggling to cope, and often turn to vapes and other addictive nicotine products that pretend to be “stress relievers” for help.
That’s a real problem, because studies show nicotine can actually make anxiety and depression worse. When teens vape, they stress more, so they vape more. It’s a dangerous loop that damages their mental health and can leave kids with a lifelong addiction.
Parents can help protect teens’ physical and mental health, by recognizing new tobacco products and talking to kids about the damage these products can do.
Have small talks about underage drinking – School-aged kids are going through a critical period of physical and emotional growth. Drinking alcohol during this time can have a lifelong impact on their health and wellness. Have many short, casual conversations at the store, in the drivethru, between video games, or anytime and anywhere that feels right. Start around age eight, to prepare kids to make a lifetime of good decisions about alcohol use.
The DHS encourages parents to make appointments for medical and dental checkups, as soon as possible. Be sure to ask healthcare providers about ways to stay healthy throughout the school year and beyond.
