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Get back-to-school ready with free or low-cost health care
(StatePoint) It’s back to school time and there is so much for families to do to get ready for the school year ahead, from getting school supplies to signing up for after school programs. Making sure kids have health care needs covered should be a part of those preparations.
Free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can help children be prepared for the school year. When enrolled, kids up to age 19 have access to a comprehensive range of health services, including well-child and sick visits, emergency visits, dental and vision care, behavioral health care and more.
If a kid needs a physical for afterschool activities, it’s covered. If a child has a fever, the doctor’s visit and prescriptions to get them back to school are covered. If a child has an accident, the emergency care they need to get back on their feet is covered.
When kids have health insurance, they are less likely to miss school due to sick days, less likely to be distracted by pain or vision problems, and more likely to be able to focus on learning. This leads to more participation in the classroom and a better chance of finishing high school.
Medicaid and CHIP support students
Whether a child is learning their ABCs or getting ready to earn their high school diploma, access to health care services at any stage of schooling keeps them healthy. Having health insurance can help connect families with a consistent health care provider, which means having a doctor or practice to call for preventive treatment, annual physicals or sick visits. It can also reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Medicaid and CHIP cover more than 37 million children and teens across the United States.
The ABCs of getting insured with Medicaid and CHIP
Enrollment is open year-round, meaning families don’t have to wait for a
special time of the year to get covered. Medicaid and CHIP eligibility varies by state, depending on family income and household size. In most states, children up to age 19 with a family income of up to $80,000 per year (for a family of four) may qualify. Families can apply online, over the phone, by mail, or in-person with their state’s
Medicaid office or visit the “Find Coverage for Your Family” section on InsureKidsNow.gov. Coverage must be renewed each year, and it’s important for families to make sure their address, email, and phone number stay up to date with their state Medicaid office so they can receive communications about important renewal information. For
call
Communities can work together to make sure children get the health care they need to succeed this school year.
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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri launch AdvanceHER Leadership Program
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is taking bold strides to prepare the next generation of leaders with the launch of its new AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program. Unveiled in 2024, the initiative represents a transformative approach to leadership development—one that combines academic enrichment, social support, and real-world skill-building to ensure girls are equipped to succeed in college, careers and beyond.
With a clear focus on post-secondary success, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is actively forging partnerships with higher education and technical institutions. These collaborations will provide Girl Scouts and their families with vital resources for college planning, financial aid guidance and career exploration.
Current college partners for the program include Missouri State University, Saint Louis University, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, St. Louis Community College and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
At the heart of AdvanceHER™ is a holistic model that prioritizes socio-emotional well-being alongside academic and professional development. Through hands-on workshops, college tours, mentorship and immersive learning experiences, participants build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of purpose.
“The historic launch of the AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program signifies our deliberate effort to elim-
inate barriers that can impede programs for all girls interested in seeking a post-secondary degree,” said Dr. Natissia Small, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri CEO. “Our unwavering commitment to cultivating future leaders, both today and tomorrow, remains strong.”
The initiative reflects the organization’s enduring commitment to developing changemakers, innovators and community leaders. By investing in girls today, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is shaping the future of tomorrow.
The AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program is open to all Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri members.. To join Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri this fall, visit girlscoutsem.org/join. At Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, we believe every
girl deserves the chance to explore her potential, try new things and be part of a strong, supportive community—no matter her circumstances. We’re committed to making the full Girl Scout experience accessible to all families, and offer support for membership, programs, uniforms and camp. We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and all requests for assistance are handled with care, respect and complete confidentiality. No matter the need, we’re here to ensure every girl can shine.
To learn more about the AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program, scholarship opportunities, and a growing list of college partners, visit girlscoutsem.org/advanceher
Trend report: Back to school
(StatePoint) Sharpen those pencils and pack those book bags, back-to-school season is upon us. Before the first day, study up on this shoe style study guide for the hottest looks to hit the hallway this year.
1. Mocha Mousse: Earthy hues just became the next big thing. This sumptuously soft look feels like a well-deserved treat from PUMA, adidas and Nike.
2. Y2K 2.0: Take a course in Just Do It-osophy with the Nike V5 to truly embrace the early 2000s distinctive chunky silhouettes and an innovative mix of materials.
3. Color Theory: Look to adidas to find every 3-stripe in the rainbow. Let
your toddlers, teens and in-betweens play with every crayon in their box to help them stand out this year.
4. Classic Culture Studies: New Balance has earned its place as the home for truly classic styles over decades and across generations.
Find the perfect pair for everyone by visiting rackroomshoes.com. For one-stop shopping, visit Rack Room Shoes in your area for more fun and exclusive accessories only available in-store.
Heading back to classes is a fresh start, and the right shoes can help students of all ages confidently step into the new school year with comfort and style.
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BACK TO SCHOOL
Preparing to head back to the classroom includes immunizations
(StatePoint) Young people ages 7 to 18 are busy checking off their backto-school or college lists. Visiting their pediatrician or family doctor to get up to date on immunizations should be part of that list. Immunizations will prepare their immune systems to recognize and resist viruses that spread quickly once classes begin. These are viruses that can lead to health issues like infertility, muscle paralysis, brain damage, blindness, deafness and cancer.
The recommended immunization schedule approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is based on ongoing review of the most recent scientific data and relies on two main factors: when the vaccine works best with your child’s immune system, and when they need protection most.
“Seeing your pediatrician to catch up on vaccinations helps keep classmates, teachers and others in the school community healthy, too.” says Rebekah Fenton, MD, FAAP, an adolescent medicine physician at a community health center in Chicago.
The AAP is sharing this information about recommended vaccines and the diseases they prevent:
Meningococcal Disease
At 11 or 12, your pre-teen should get their first dose of meningococcal vaccine to protect against meningococcal disease, a fast-acting disease that is life-threatening if not caught and treated within a few hours. Caused by bacteria that can infect the bloodstream, brain and spinal cord, anyone can get meningococcal disease. Among young people, it’s most common in babies and 16 to 20-year-olds. Infections are spread through close contact like coughing or kissing and lengthy contact in spaces like college dorms.
Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine protects against four bacterial strains, labeled A, C, W and Y.
Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine protects against another bacterial strain and is recommended for kids with cer-
tain chronic health conditions that make them more vulnerable or anyone 16-18 whose pediatrician recommends it.
Meningococcal ABCWY (MenABCWY) combines protection from MenACWY and MenB. If both vaccines are recommended at the same visit, it can be used instead of separate injections.
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
At 11 or 12, pediatricians give the Tdap booster to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). It’s a slightly different version of a vaccine your child received as a baby
(DTaP), with lower doses of the diphtheria and pertussis vaccines. After this, they’ll need additional boosters every 10 years.
Tetanus is caused by exposure to naturally occurring bacteria in soil or dust through a break in the skin. Tetanus produces a toxin that causes painful muscle contractions. Also known as lockjaw, it can cause neck and jaw muscles to lock, making it hard to open the mouth or swallow.
Diphtheria causes serious throat infection, breathing problems and heart failure. The vaccine is a lifesaver. Before it existed, diphtheria killed 1 of every 5 kids
infected.
Pertussis can cause a cough that won’t go away and sometimes vomiting or trouble breathing. The protection your teen got from their childhood vaccine starts to wear off around age 11, making the booster essential. Teens can easily spread the disease, including to infants, who are at even more risk.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
The HPV vaccine prevents genital warts and works well to protect against
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Immunizations
Continued from D5
strains of the virus that cause more than 90% of six types of cancer, including cervical cancer, penile and anal cancers, and cancers of the mouth and throat. Vaccinating kids ages 9-12 allows them to build strong immunity against the virus before exposure. If they don’t get the first dose until age 15, they’ll need three doses.
Influenza
The flu is unpredictable and there is no way to know if your child will have mild illness and miss just a few days of school or if they will get seriously ill and need hospital care. But be wary. U.S. flu deaths in children broke records during the 2024-25 season, with at least 216 deaths. The AAP recommends flu shots annually for everyone 6 months and older to prevent severe illness.
COVID-19
Millions globally, including teenagers and
children, have received the COVID-19 vaccine. If your child has never had this vaccine, their immune system won’t be ready to recognize and resist the virus that can lead to long-term problems associated with COVID.
Behind on Other Vaccines?
Delaying vaccines leaves your child vulnerable to preventable diseases. The AAP vaccine schedule is designed to prepare their body to resist contagious diseases as early and fully as possible. This keeps them healthy and active, instead of missing out while they’re sick.
Learn more about vaccines at www. HealthyChildren.org and catch up on those your child missed. Most vaccines can be given at the same time as others.
“Kids and teen’s bodies can handle multiple vaccines in a short time because their immune system is in constant learning mode. Vaccines help kids stay healthy by keeping them ahead of serious, preventable diseases,” says Dr. Fenton.
Things doctors wish families knew this back-to-school season
(StatePoint) As you prepare children to return to the classroom this fall, the American Medical Association (AMA) has seven tips to help your family have a healthy school year.
“As you purchase school supplies and prepare the students in your family for academic success, you can take concrete steps that prioritize physical and mental health, too,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “A healthy start can set the tone for a strong, successful year ahead.”
n Consuming ultra-processed foods regularly increases the risk of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
1. Ultra-processed foods are associated with health risks. Many busy families rely on ultra-processed foods due to their convenience. However, consuming these foods regularly increases the risk of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Read nutrition labels carefully with attention to sodium, saturated fat and added sugar, shop the perimeter of the grocery store where fresh, whole foods tend to be located, and prepare meals that prioritize whole foods, including fruits and vegetables, for growing children and adults.
2. Eating disorders are misunderstood. This silent epidemic affects people of all ages and backgrounds, striking at the core of their physical and mental well-being. Despite its widespread impact, the gravity of eating disorders often remains private, leaving many to battle the condition silently. If you believe your child or teenager has an eating disorder, their physician can direct you to helpful resources.
3. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations help protect you and your family against severe disease and disability, and save millions of lives each year. Check with your physician during the back-to-school season to
ensure everyone in the family is up to date on vaccinations. When respiratory virus season starts later in the fall, get up to date on the influenza vaccine to help reduce time away from school or work.
4. Norovirus is very contagious, but preventable. It seems everyone has experienced the sudden turn of the stomach, causing a mad rush to the bathroom
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Protecting kids’ mental health this school year
(StatePoint) From schoolwork and homework to friendships and extracurriculars to potentially dealing with difficult situations like bullying, there is a lot for kids to navigate during the school year. Fortunately, efforts are being made to provide tools that help protect kids’ mental health—and parents and teachers can be proactive about getting involved.
Preventing bullying
Bullying is a direct cause of mental health issues and can be one of the major stressors kids face both at school and after hours due to the rise in cyberbullying. It’s important that children treat each other with compassion, as unkind words and actions can have devastating effects on the long-term wellbeing of classmates. Celebrating 10 years, Pilot Pen’s “Erase Bullying for Good” initiative helps students, parents and teachers understand and stop bullying. Sales from Pilot’s FriXion Clicker erasable gel pens support STOMP Out Bullying, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to this issue. In fact, Pilot’s contributions to anti-bullying organizations between 2015-2025 will equal over $650,000, helping fund a variety of initiatives that are making communities a safer place for students.
The campaign recommends these tips to help erase bullying before it starts at your child’s school:
• Advocate for the adoption of bullying prevention programs. This might include special teacher and faculty training, peer mentoring and “Bullying Boxes,” where students can file anonymous reports of bullying.
• Institute wellness rooms, which are safe spaces where students experiencing distress can retreat and relax.
• Ensure your school actively celebrates both diversity and differences, and that all students are respected and valued. Establish programs that teach empathy, tolerance, kindness, acceptance and conflict resolution.
• Ask your school to establish internet use guidelines to educate students and help stop after-hours cyberbullying.
• Teach kids about the difference between being a bystander – someone who watches bullying happen – and being an upstander – someone who intervenes when bullying is taking place. Encourage them to be an upstander when it feels safe to do so and to report bullying when they witness it.
If you’re experiencing bullying, or if you have a friend, child or student who
is, lean on resources designed to help.
Pilot’s “Erase Bullying for Good” campaign and STOMP Out Bullying provide tools to help you react effectively to bullying when it happens and learn what to do next. To access these resources, visit powertothepen.com/erase-bullying.
Navigating emotions
It’s easy for students to get overwhelmed by the demands of their classes. Be sure that kids have the time and space outside of schoolwork to have fun, cultivate friendships and practice self-care. Encourage hobbies like exercise, meditation, team sports and outlets for their
creative expression like journaling, drawing and music. These activities can help kids build self-confidence and manage relationships; skills they need to be resilient in the face of stressful situations.
Parents can help by establishing open lines of communication and equipping kids with tools that can encourage them to express themselves more freely and help eliminate some homework-related frustration.
Cultivating kindness and compassion in communities and giving kids the tools they need to build their self-confidence helps protect students’ mental health and helps ensure everyone has a safe, healthy and successful school year.
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