Updates from the Clinic - Back to School Strategies

Time for a Breath

Dr. Molly tells us that Anxiety is fear and avoidance. And right now it all seems unavoidable. And yet now is also the time to expand. To expand your breath. To expand your vision of what is and what can be. And by doing so prepare yourself for Fall and for children returning to school and many adults returning to work spaces. The foundation of your health remains the same and your concerns can be discussed with your naturopathic physician.

Below is good information from Dr. Hightower for families that have children returning to school

Back-to-School

By Dr. Kathryn Hightower

Back-to-school may look more three-dimensional this year! Most children are excited to see their friends in person every day. And many are also nervous about COVID.  It is more important than ever to think preventively about your child’s health, not only physically but mentally/emotionally as well.
Here are some reminders and suggestions:

Foundations of Health are like the soil where you plant the garden of your child’s health.
Hydration: 1/3 your child’s body weight in ounces.
Nutrition: eat the rainbow, eat regular meals.
Physical movement: daily.
Sleep: children need more sleep and at different times than adults, but schools often start very early. Think about helping your child gently transition into a school sleeping schedule now. Consider how you might seek change within your school or district to make start times match pediatric science!

Fill your own cup first as a parent.
What do you need daily to re-charge your battery?
Have you had your own annual wellness check this year?
Consider biofeedback, a personalized stress management program that Dr. Hightower offers at ECC.

Preventive stress management strategies teach long-term resilience.
Mindfulness, breath work, and other stress management strategies physiologically “re-wire” the nervous system to be more resilient in the face of stress.
These practices are best done twice per day when your child already feels relatively calm.
Fablefy is an awesome resource for mindfulness videos geared toward children.

Reminders
Masks are required at Emerald City Clinic
Austin Air Filters are 20% off

BLOOD DRAWS
Blood draws are $28 at Emerald City Clinic and payment is due at the time of service.  
Blood draws are scheduled for thirty minutes to allow for any difficulties with the draw and to allow the doctor time for processing - they are NOT scheduled to account for late arriving patients.  If you are more than 15 minutes late your doctor may chose to send you to a Labcorp or Quest facility.

Keep in Mind
Parking can be challenging at Emerald City Clinic.
Traffic is back to pre-pandemic levels.  Plan your travel accordingly.

IMTs on Wednesday, August 18th - 2:00 to 4:30 pm
September 6th - Closed for Labor Day