The Sconi

As summer winds down and back-to-school planning gears up, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reminds Wisconsinites that now is the time to book appointments, communicate special health concerns with schools, and talk to children about issues that may impact their mental and emotional health.

"While school can be an exciting time for many, it can also be a stressful experience for children. This may be especially true for children with special health needs or those who are struggling with mental health," said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. "Now is the time to book those medical and dental checkups and talk to children about going back to school. When kids are healthy and supported, they can stay in school and keep doing the things they love."

Preparing to go back to school is a great time to ensure kids are up-to-date on their CDC-recommended vaccines. Vaccines are a safe, well-studied, and effective way to protect kids from harmful diseases like whooping cough (pertussis), measles, and meningitis. Parents can check if their child is up-to-date on vaccines via the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or by contacting their healthcare provider or local health department. The Vaccines for Children program provides free or low-cost vaccines to eligible uninsured or underinsured children under 19.

Parents should also schedule blood lead tests for their children at ages 1 and 2, as well as any child between ages 3 and 5 who has not had a previous test. Early detection of childhood lead poisoning is key in preventing long-term impacts on physical and mental health.

In Wisconsin, one in two children with asthma miss school due to illness. DHS recommends keeping an asthma action plan on file in the school nurse's office. This document includes directions based on asthma symptoms or peak flow readings. Other ways to manage asthma symptoms include carrying a rescue inhaler, bringing medications to the school nurse, and staying up-to-date on vaccinations.

Wisconsin emergency department data shows young people experience large increases in self-harm when school resumes after summer break. Signs of self-harm include increased secrecy; emotional withdrawal; unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises; finding items used for self-injury; and keeping arms and legs covered even when inconvenient.

Around 70% of teens report that mental health issues like anxiety and depression are major problems among their peers. Many turn to vapes as stress relievers; however, studies show nicotine exacerbates anxiety and depression. Parents can help by recognizing new tobacco products and discussing their dangers with teens.

Wisconsin's Live Vape Free program offers a free text-based service for young people who vape along with support for parents through livevapefree.com.

School-aged kids are undergoing critical physical and emotional growth periods where alcohol consumption can have lifelong impacts on health. Parents should engage in multiple small talks about underage drinking starting around age eight.

DHS encourages parents to make medical and dental checkup appointments promptly while asking healthcare providers about ways to maintain health throughout the school year.

Members of the media can send questions to: DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov