By Jean YaegerBefore they can pump weights in the school gym or march with the band this summer, teens in Texas need to complete a form that aims to catch any underlying health concerns.The annual UIL pre-participation physical evaluation form applie...
Listen to Episode 38 of the Raising Joy podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. The podcast is part of the JOY Campaign, which launched in April 2021 as a suicide prevention communication initiative, and aims to reach parents through ...
Cook Children’s pediatricians, including the Urgent Care Centers, are overwhelmed with parent requests for doctor’s notes to submit for school absences. We want to remind Fort Worth ISD parents and families of the district’s absentee policy: If your ...
Listen to Episode 33 of the Raising Joy podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. The podcast is part of the JOY Campaign, which launched in April 2021 as a suicide prevention communication initiative, and aims to reach parents through ...
By Jean YaegerSchool nurse Lori Hamman provides first aid and comfort to the students at Wedgwood 6th Grade Center who arrive at her office with assorted injuries and illnesses on any given day.She treats nosebleeds, headaches and vomiting. She helps...
By Brittany Kirk, Cook Children's Family TherapistAs we settle into a new school year, many parents and caregivers may find themselves unsettled about the need for increased security measures in our schools. Given recent gun violence events in Texas ...
By Jean YaegerNutrition experts at Cook Children’s want parents to know that lunch in the school cafeteria presents unique challenges and opportunities for students to form healthy eating habits.First, the challenges …. Foods that some kids don’t li...
By Heather DugeWhen it comes to life-threatening food allergies at school, teachers make all the difference. “It is about prevention,” said Ankita Singh, D.O., pediatrician at Cook Children’s Pediatrics Walsh Ranch. “Teachers need to be involved from...
Listen to Episode 19 of the Raising Joy podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. The podcast is part of the JOY Campaign, which launched in April 2021 as a suicide prevention communication initiative, and aims to reach parents through ...
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...