A new national “report card” gives Texas mixed grades statewide for school policies that support the mental health of students and teachers.Texas schools received a top score for efforts to promote engagement with families and community partners. The...
By Bianka Soria-Olmos, D.O.Mixed emotions including frustration, worry and anxiousness (to name a few) fill my being yet again on the eve of the day my kids return back to school. It is no longer a new experience for me or the many other parents who ...
By Diane Arnaout, M.D.Hey friends. Our phone lines are blowing up with exposure and quarantine questions. I love that you guys are calling – it’s the right thing to do! And we are here for ya.But just wanted to spell out some common scenarios so that...
By Justin Smith, M.D., aka The Doc SmittyOur kids are back to school!The beginning of a new school year has a ton of opportunity, some excitement and some nerves. And this year there’s probably a little extra floating around.And while we’re all think...
To the leadership at North Texas Regional Schools:We, the physicians at Cook Children’s Health Care System, are directly connected to the district or school either as concerned parents or as pediatricians who care for the children we mutually share w...
There are currently 16 patients being treated at Cook Children’s Medical Center for COVID-19, and medical professionals worry the new school year could drive hospitalizations up even further. Just weeks before students head back to class in person, C...
By Michelle Bailey, M.D. Getting ready to go back to school?Don’t forget to schedule your child’s well visit to make sure all concerns are addressed and all vaccines are up to date. Plus, your pediatrician can sign those sports physical forms at the ...
By Marc Mazade, M.D., medical director of Infection Control and Prevention at Cook Children’s Medical Center1. Make sure all children are up to date on the routine childhood vaccinations needed for school entry. Access to medical offices, fear of lea...
By Diane Arnaout, M.D. The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that all children over age 2 wear masks in school this fall. The internet rejoiced, everyone agreed it was a great plan, scientists and politicians shook hands, and no one had ...
By Michelle Bailey, M.D.Prepping for college starts far before senior year. You child needs to show years of volunteer/ community activities, sports participation, music/ arts, and special interests throughout their high school years. What makes them...
If your child has been exposed to COVID-19, you may be wondering what happens next.
All patients with exposure to COVID-19, regardless of symptoms, will need to quarantine for 14 days. This is required, regardless of test results, because COVID-1...
The number of patients admitted to Cook Children’s after attempting suicide continues to rise. In September, 37 children and teens were treated for suicide attempts, marking the worst month on record since at least 2015.“September of 2020 has been th...
Our School-Based Virtual Health program is bringing the expertise of Cook Children's pediatrics to schools throughout the area. It's fast, easy and convenient. The school nurse simply connects virtually to a Cook Children's board certified pediatrici...
We know questions about COVID-19 are at the top of every parent's mind. To provide the most up-to-date information regarding symptoms, testing and going back to school, we've compiled and answered some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQs).
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For parents who have a child starting school in person, it’s normal to have some anxiety about the entire process, staying informed and connected may reduce these feelings and can give you a way to express concerns that you have regarding practices a...
Did you know that schools consider French fries and ketchup as vegetable servings in their cafeteria served lunches?! In just a few minutes in the evenings, you can prepare a more nutritious lunch for your kiddos.
You can prepare these meals even ...
By Michelle Bailey, M.D.
Sleep, it’s important, right?!
Has your kid's new COVID-19 schedule got them going to bed after midnight and sleeping until noon?
Well it’s time NOW to start getting back into a normal sleep schedule for school, even...
Recently, I wrote a post titled, “Is Going Back to School or Online Learning Best for Your Child?” A Pediatrician Shares what Parents Should Consider?”
Following that initial article, we received a lot of questions from you all. I wanted to take t...
As Texas enters Phase 3 of Governor Gregg Abbott’s plans reopen the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic, bars, restaurants, amusement parks and sports venues are working to welcome back patrons.
But for many parents, their biggest concern remains wha...
By Megan Cole, Cook Children's Emergency Department Nurse
Food allergies are a frequently discussed topic among parents and medical professionals. If you are not a parent of a child with food allergies, chances are high that someone you love, or s...
You’re starting to see it everywhere …”Back to School!” I can’t believe that summer is almost over. The lazy, less structured days have flown by and my kids are beginning to ask all the questions: “Who is my teacher going to be?” “Will my friend be i...
Believe it or not, summer’s almost over and the new school year will begin before you know it.
Are you ready? Or are you like a certain dad I know who usually waits until the last minute? Last year, this dad forgot:
To book his child's ph...
You’re holding your child’s hand on your way to the first day of school. The squeeze on your hand is tighter than usual. Then suddenly your little one sees a friend, smiles, releases your grip and you watch them run to school together without a care ...
Today’s students have greater demands than ever before, with homework and a greater emphasis on scoring high on standardized tests like the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR).
Parents can help by making sure that children pla...
The summer's over and it's time to send your kids back to school. While parents have been busy buying backpacks and school supplies, teachers have been preparing to welcome new students into their classrooms. Here at Cook Children's, we wondered what...
Every child’s greatest advocate should be the parent. After all no one knows your child, better than you. So as the school year begins, I thought I would offer some tips for talking to your child’s teacher and hopefully making the school year as comf...
Collin County Health Care Services has confirmed a student at Schell Elementary School in Richardson has tested positive for measles.
A letter published by the department reports that they are “reviewing individual exposure status, although anyone...
For many children, walking or biking is a convenient and healthy way to get to school. However, it can be potentially unsafe and even deadly when not done correctly.
Last year, the Cook Children's Trauma team saw 22 children, either biking or walk...
It’s that time of year again, coaches are pressuring you for your child’s athletic forms and school nurses are sending out letters threatening that your children can’t start school until they have their shots.
School physical season is one of my f...
“Sit up straight!”
“Stop Slouching!”
Why is my kid’s posture so poor?
THE PROBLEM
Do you get sick and tired of telling your child to sit up straight? Do you ever wonder why so many kids these days have slouched posture and often complain ...