SUMMER TIME:
Hot sunny humid days are here! We hope everyone is enjoying the summer days. Please remember to pay attention to the weather. If the air quality is not good, and it is extremely hot, stay somewhere that is cooler with air conditioning. Many towns have cooling stations and places like libraries, and other public buildings are also air conditioned. It is important to keep hydrated also.
Extreme Heat: Keeping Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar - HealthyChildren.org
NEW HOTLINE NUMBER:
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use and other mental health crises. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.)
You can CALL and TEXT 988 for help. There is also a CHAT option on the website:
SUMMER PHYSICALS AND FORMS:
If your child’s camp requires a form, it is time to get those forms to us. Forms require 7-10 days for us to complete and there is a small fee. However, all forms are provided without charge at your child’s annual Well Child visit. Check with your camp if they will accept a copy of your “blue form.” Our receptionists will handle any urgent requests.
If your child is entering kindergarten, 6th grade or 10th grade, they will need a “blue form” mandated by the state. If your child is playing or considering playing a sport, especially a fall sport, a “blue form” will also be necessary. Forms for sports are good for 13 months from the date of the physical.
Medications administered at school will need an authorization form to be brought to school. Now is the time to get this paperwork together for the first day of school. Please call our office if you need help with these forms. We ask for 10 days to process your request.
GETTING BACK INTO THE SWING:
It is almost August. It is time to start thinking about the start of school. Summer time usually means sleeping in late and going to bed late too. We would recommend starting to get our children and teens into the morning and evening routine at least 1 to 2 weeks from the first day of school. It will make the transition much smoother.
It is not always easy for children and teens to go back to school. It is exciting for some and for others it can cause some anxiety. This is especially true for children starting a new school. Parents can help ease these feelings. First, make sure not to express your nervousness. Validate their feelings and then make plans to help them deal with specifics they are worried about.
If their anxiety does not go away, it can manifest as headaches and stomachaches. They may refuse to go all together. This then would be the time to seek help from a mental health professional.
Childmind.org: Back to School Anxiety