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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

A holistic approach to get WV kids on right back-to-school track

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Monday, August 12, 2024   

More than 263,000 West Virginia kids will soon return to school, and experts said it is crucial for parents to stay up-to-date with doctors' visits and set healthy habits for success in the new academic year.

Kelli Caseman, executive director of the group Think Kids West Virginia, said it is important to ensure children get enough sleep, which can be challenging when families have to be at bus stops early in the morning. She added parents should be aware the start of school can be a time of excitement for kids but also a source of stress and anxiety.

"One of the most important things that we can give them is our attention," Caseman recommended. "And to help kind of dismantle their concerns and promote resilience and self-confidence."

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found four in 10 parents with children younger than 18 said they are either "extremely or very worried" they might struggle with anxiety or depression. Parents are now more concerned about their child's mental health than physical threats or the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said annual well-child visits, often required for participation in school sports, offer a chance to discuss mental health with a pediatrician or family physician.

"They're also checking in on emotional and behavioral health needs and setting them up for success for the rest of the school year," Randall explained.

Caseman added good physical health starts at home. She encouraged parents to go over ways to reduce the spread of colds and flu with their child.

"The correct way to sneeze, washing your hands, the importance of not spreading germs," Caseman outlined. "Because, as we well know, that's when you see a lot of sickness in rural communities."

One recent study found spread of the flu during peak seasons caused around 9,000 school closures, affecting 4 million students nationwide between 2011 and 2022.

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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