Notes from the Clinic - “Back to School” During a pandemic - Now What?
Notes From The Clinic
Back to School
Dr. Kathryn Hightower
I have been tasked with writing this year’s “Back to School” blog. What a daunting task! In King County, it is still unclear what “back to school” will even look like. Across the country, debate rages on, especially in localities where schools are scheduled to open (or have already done so!).
I am aware of my privilege in saying that writing a blog is “daunting.” I have no one returning to school, so I can only imagine how daunting it is for you parents and caretakers out there. You who might be facing nine more months of homeschooling in the middle of a pandemic, while trying to maintain a work schedule or find a new job, navigate your little one wearing a mask in public, staying virtually connected with friends and family, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera!
Here are some suggestions for whole-family health during this time:
1. Always start by re-evaluating Foundations of Health – eating healthy food, drinking plenty of water, moving your body daily, and sleeping restfully every night. Which of these areas needs the most work in your family’s life?
* Avoid judgment. Start by looking for one small change you can make to improve the health and well-being of your household. Some ideas: add veggies to your pizza, chose a fun new water bottle you'll be excited to drink from, read aloud a classic book with the whole family, make a walking chart to track your physical activities. Find ways to reward yourself and your family when you've accomplished these goals. Even adults need a gold star from time to time!
2. Remember to fill your own cup first as a parent – what do you need daily to re-charge your battery? Even a few minutes of mindfulness meditation every day helps you re-balance your nervous system. See our blog from Stress Awareness Month for a 5-minute meditation practice.
3. You can even practice mindfulness with your child. One great resource is Fablefy, with lots of great mindfulness training videos for children. It is never too early or too late to learn self-regulating strategies to balance the nervous system.
4. We at Emerald City Clinic are committed to primary care. We truly believe in the power of the Family Doctor, who can objectively and compassionately support the health of your family constellation. That means, we are open for annual check-ups for all ages. If your little one has not been seen for their yearly visit, now is the time to get scheduled – all pediatric appointments are 20% off this month.
5. As you continue adventuring through the summer and transition into an unprecedented autumn, your family may encounter bumps, bruises, allergies, and illnesses. If you don’t already have a homeopathic first aid kit on hand, now is the time to pick one up. Kits are 20% off this month. Homeopathic remedies work especially well on little ones and can quickly clear up life’s bumps, bruises, and more.
Every child grows up in a constellation of adults and other children. Everyone in that constellation has health needs. This has never been more apparent than during this era. We are here for your whole family.
Calendar
August 19th - IMT Scans from 8:30 to 4:00
September 7th - Clinic closed for Labor Day
September 23 - IMT Scans from 8:30 to noon