The new school year is fast approaching and figuring out how to best meet the needs of students, staff and your community, while adhering to state and national guidelines, may feel challenging. One common recommendation: screening can help ensure students and families have the support they need. Mental health screening...
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Whether schools in your community are going back in person or virtually this fall, one thing is certain: parents need support. One of the best ways you can support parents is by giving them tools to communicate with their teens to build strong relationships (instead of breaking down) during...
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For as much time as professionals spend screening and addressing risk factors in youth, the same is not always given to identifying youth protective factors, with one of the most important being identifying a trusted adult. These two factors—risk and protective—play major roles in the health and wellbeing of...
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Talking with youth about topics like racism and discrimination can be difficult, especially when we as adults are still working on our own knowledge and understanding. But these conversations are critical. Part of being a medical professional is being an ally to youth, and that means understanding the social...
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With routines upended around the world, everyone’s mental health could use some extra care right now, especially that of our youth. One in five youth will have a serious mental health disorder at some point in their life, and half of all mental...
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As Americans continue to focus on health and safety in light of COVID-19, adolescent health needs a spotlight. While the virus does not seem to be impacting the world’s teens nearly as much, the concurrent vaping epidemic could be putting many at higher risk. “People with underlying health issues,...
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Today marks the start of National Public Health Week (#NPHW) in the US (April 6-12). In the wake of the current health crisis with COVID-19, public health is even more in the spotlight. Professionals are working tirelessly to care for their communities, but that care extends far beyond the...
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A common theme among teens (not dealing with a crisis) is the intense levels of stress in their daily lives. It may be surprising to think that teens often experience higher levels of stress than adults, but a study of more than 1,000 teens revealed an average stress score...
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Through TV, social media and their peers, teens are exposed every day to risks like substance use, sex, violence and more. Data shows that children as young as 11 years old are engaging in risky behaviors, often without an adult ever knowing. Asking about these behaviors through routine risk...
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The thought of discussing serious topics, like mental health, substance use, or sex with pediatric patients can make anyone start to sweat. If you agree, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Comprehensive risk screening can feel overwhelming, even scary. But it’s time to face your fears! Read more on Op-Med
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