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EPA head says he'll roll back dozens of environmental regulations, including rules on climate change; Environmental groups sue over permit for West Virginia valley fills; Doubling down on care: Ohio's push for caregiver tax relief; Uncertain future of Y-12 complex under Trump administration threatens jobs, economy.

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Senate Democrats refuse to support GOP budget bill. The EU and Canada respond to steel and aluminum tariffs and some groups work to counter Christian Nationalism, which they call a threat to democracy.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

NJ parents reminded to schedule back-to-school checkups

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Thursday, August 15, 2024   

As summer comes to a close, New Jersey educators and health professionals are encouraging parents to get students an annual health checkup.

In addition to a wellness check and physicals for sports, annual checkups should include vision and hearing screenings, as undiagnosed issues in these areas can significantly affect a child's ability to learn.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said with more than 1 million kids getting ready to head back to school in New Jersey, health professionals are looking at more than physical wellness.

"When you have that well child visit with your pediatrician or your family physician, they're not only looking at physical health," Randall explained. "They're also checking in on emotional and behavioral health needs and setting them up for success for the rest of the school year. "

Checkups also help keep students on track with the state's immunization requirements.

As with other states, New Jersey has seen a rise in chronic absenteeism in the wake of COVID. The state saw a 17% rate of chronic absenteeism last year, much lower than the national average but higher than the 11% rate in the state in 2019.

With studies showing a connection between sleep habits and absenteeism, Randall recommended during the transition back to school, parents should promote good habits.

"Setting a good sleep schedule," Randall advised. "What time is lights out? So that you're decreasing exposure to light from screen time and getting a good night's sleep. All of those things around consistency help your child feel more confident and secure and stable, and also promote their health."

She also encouraged parents to prioritize routines around having regular family dinners.

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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