skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Government shutdown looms after Trump-backed bill fails; Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits; NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings; Need a mental health boost? Talking hot dog is here.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

President-elect Trump repeats his threats to jail Jan. 6th committee members, while also putting a stop-gap spending plan in jeopardy. A court removes Fani Willis from Trump's Georgia election interference case. The FAA restricts drones in New Jersey, and a Federal Reserve rate cut shakes markets.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

Getting your kiddo in tip-top shape for school

play audio
Play

Friday, August 16, 2024   

Wisconsin children will soon head back to school and experts have a few tips to get them back into a routine and make sure they're in good shape, physically and mentally.

After relaxing over summer break, voices in the world of health care say activities like family bike rides or walks can help your child build up their physical stamina so they will not be as exhausted during the first week of school.

Nichole Marty, a nurse practitioner at Oakleaf Pediatrics in Eau Claire, said if your child is anxious about attending a new school, there are some things you can do, like making an informal visit to the building to ease their nerves.

"Visiting the playground and playing on the playground, you know, in the weeks before school starts," Marty suggested. "Just so that they can get used to that and it's not such an abrupt start for them. That can be really helpful."

She recommended practicing breathing exercises in the final days of vacation as another relaxation tool. Parents are urged to get each child's annual medical or sports physical, immunizations, eye exam and mental health assessment on the books as soon as possible.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said it is important to establish a regular routine, including dinner with the family as often as possible.

"Putting age-appropriate limits on screen time and access to social media, setting a good sleep schedule," Randall outlined. "All of those things around consistency help your child feel more confident, and secure and stable and also promote their health."

Randall also suggested parents foster independence in younger kids, encouraging them to dress themselves and learn to use the bathroom, blow their nose, wash their hands and put on shoes without assistance. Children also need to feel confident enough to ask an adult for help when needed.

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.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
Rocky Casillas Aguirre adds a pop of color to 'Twitch the Flame,' a main character in his comic series which focuses on mental health for kids. (Photo courtesy of Casillas Aguirre)

Health and Wellness

play sound

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collabo…


Health and Wellness

play sound

With Christmas less than a week away, experts are giving advice on how seniors and the community can fight against social isolation. A United Health …

Environment

play sound

When the Champlain Towers South collapsed in Surfside in 2021 taking 98 lives, it sent shock waves across South Florida. The tragedy has left …


Environment

play sound

Three environmental nonprofits filed suit Wednesday against the California Air Resources Board to oppose the expansion of a program allowing oil and g…

Ithaca, New York, is the first city in the world to commit to electrifying all its buildings. The city is aiming to accomplish the goal by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

New York lawmakers are focusing on electrifying municipal buildings. Buildings statewide make up 32% of New York's greenhouse gas emissions and …

Social Issues

play sound

North Dakota is expected to rejoin the debate over whether all school children, regardless of their family income, should have access to no-cost …

Social Issues

play sound

This month, an Arizona grand jury indicted two out-of-state residents for cheating the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account program out of more …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021