Story by Kathryn Carley, New York News Connection
New York children may still have plenty of summer vacation ahead, but health care experts say now is a good time to schedule annual wellness visits to ensure they are ready for school.
Medical checkups not only help ensure children are up to date on immunizations and growing as expected, but also allow doctors to assess their emotional well-being and offer resources to families.
James Norton, government and community affairs manager for the mental health advocacy organization National Alliance on Mental Illness-New York State, recommends a practice called “10 Questions Tuesday,” a dedicated time for parents to learn what is really on their child’s mind.
“Do you feel like you have too many responsibilities? What’s something new that you really enjoy? Those kinds of questions can help bring up the conversation to a point where it’s about feelings, not just about explaining the events of the day,” Norton said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five children ages 3 to 17 has a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder. Norton said the transition back to school can be difficult for some children, making it important for parents to show that it is OK to discuss mental health.
Despite the warm weather, some children may spend much of the summer online and in front of screens. Research has linked social media use with anxiety and depression among teenagers and found that high engagement with artificial intelligence can also negatively affect emotional health. Wellness visits can provide an opportunity to reset those habits.
Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said conversations with a doctor about mood, sleep and friendships can help.
“This is a really good time to also discuss healthy lifestyle habits with your child and think about what you’re modeling in your family,” Randall said. “Healthy eating habits and physical activity are so important when we’re now very technology-forward.”
Randall also advised families not to overlook dental and vision exams before school begins. More than 600,000 children and teenagers in the United States experience some form of vision loss.
While school-based vision screenings are important, Randall said an annual comprehensive eye examination can detect more complex problems and help ensure children are prepared to learn.
