DHS Starts Countdown to a Healthy School Year

DHS Starts Countdown to a Healthy School Year

Parents and caregivers encouraged to include children's physical and mental well-being in back-to-school planning

As summer winds down and back-to-school 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. This may be especially true for children with special health needs or those who are struggling with mental health," said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. "Now is the time to book those medical and dental checkups and talk to children about going back to school. 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 DHS has tips to get you 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 your child is up to date on vaccines on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or by contacting your health care provider or local health department. If your child is uninsured or underinsured, the Vaccines for Children program provides free or low-cost vaccines to eligible children under 19.

Test for lead poisoning

Parents and caregivers should talk with their child's health care provider to schedule a blood lead test. All children should receive a blood lead test at ages 1 and 2, as should any child between ages 3 and 5 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. Get more information about pediatric lead testing and reporting and view the DHS universal blood lead testing recommendation on our website.

Come up with an asthma action plan

In Wisconsin, 1 in 2 children with asthma miss school due to their illness. This can directly affect their academic success. DHS recommends keeping an asthma action plan on file in the school nurse's office to support your 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. Find more information about asthma management on the DHS Asthma webpages and 10 Things Teachers Should Know About Asthma fact sheet.

Know the signs of self-harm

Wisconsin emergency department data shows young people experience large increases in self-harm 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 can take the following actions:

• Don't ignore the problem or treat it like a passing fad.
• Listen to them without judgement. Don't try to problem solve or put things in a more positive light for them; instead focus on confirming what you are hearing them tell you.
• Recognize when the help of a professional is needed. Find information about the signs of a mental health crisis, including situations that require an immediate call for professional help on the Crisis Services: Identifying a Crisis page.

Get more information about self-harm and strategies to build resilience at dhs.wiscosnin.gov/injury-prevention/self-harm.htm and Self-Harm and Wisconsin's Youth fact sheet.

Talk to your kids about vaping and nicotine

Around 70% 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 and guardians can help protect teens' physical and mental health by recognizing new tobacco products and talking to kids about the damage these products can do. DHS also recommends:

• Learning about the serious health effects of youth tobacco use.
• Talking to your kids about tobacco and its dangers. Get tips and resources to start conversations about nicotine and its dangers, as well as other substances, at SmallTalksWI.org.
• Keeping an eye out for tobacco products in your home.
• Setting an example by living tobacco-free. If you need support to quit, call the Wisconsin Tobacco Quitline at 800-QUIT-NOW or 800-784-8669.
• Asking your teen about their feelings and listening carefully. Encouraging young people to talk about stressful situations can help them gain perspective and find solutions.

Wisconsin's Live Vape Free program offers a free text-based program for young people who vape and a companion program for parents and other adults who support them. Text VAPEFREE to 873373 or visit livevapefree.com. Get more information and resources on the Tobacco is Changing: Take Action webpage.

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. But parents and caregivers don't need a big speech to help kids understand the dangers of underage drinking. Have many small talks - short, casual conversations - at the store, in the drive-through, between video games, or anytime and anywhere that feels right. Start around age 8 to prepare kids to make a lifetime of good decisions about alcohol use. Get talk tips, facts, and more at SmallTalksWI.org.

Schedule routine checkups

DHS encourages parents and guardians to make appointments for medical and dental checkups as soon as possible. Be sure to ask health care providers about ways to stay healthy throughout the school year and beyond.