Dr. Greg Carnevale is the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of Delaware.
Kids across the country are returning to classrooms. While many families may be trying to squeeze in their last summer activities, gather supplies and begin routines, it’s also a great time to check on children’s mental and physical well-being.
A child’s health can influence their growth, development and academic performance. To set children and teens up for success this academic year, it’s important to stay current with wellness appointments, including annual physicals, dental checkups, comprehensive eye exams and mental health assessments.
Here are a few things parents can consider to support their kids’ well-being:
It’s OK to talk about mental health
Mental health challenges are on the rise among young people, driven by factors like academic pressures, relationships, social media and broader cultural and economic inequalities. Age, race and gender also shape how these issues manifest and affect young people.
While it’s beneficial for parents to discuss such matters with their children throughout the year, an opportune time arises during the annual back-to-school exam, also known as a well-child visit. This scheduled checkup can serve as a timely platform for addressing various health concerns, including mental wellness, ensuring that kids are supported holistically as they prepare to return to learning.
Data from UnitedHealthcare found that 60% of college students reported encountering behavioral or mental health worries in the past year. So, even as children grow older and head to college, be sure to check on them emotionally, encourage open conversations and remind them that help is available.
No matter the age, checking in on your child’s mental health before the school year begins, and throughout, can help lay a foundation for a more successful and balanced academic session.
Brush up on dental care for healthy smiles
Cavities are preventable, yet they are the most common chronic disease among youth in the United States If left untreated, cavities can cause pain that leads to problems learning and speaking, as well as contribute to other long-term health issues. Cavities can also make eating uncomfortable and affect nutrition and development.
Individuals of all ages should visit a dentist every six months for routine preventive care. Dental insurance plans usually cover such appointments, which means you may pay $0 out of pocket for certain services, if you go to a network provider.
It’s important to know that about 1 in 3 Americans fear dental treatments. If you believe your child may experience this anxiety, speak with his or her dentist or primary care doctor for support.
Comprehensive eye exams can help kids see better
More than 1 in 3 school-age kids in the U.S. are nearsighted. Also known as myopia, nearsightedness can cause difficulty seeing things in the distance, like the front of a classroom, which may contribute to problems learning. Possible signs of vision issues in children include frequent eye rubbing or blinking, headaches or struggling to remember what they have read.
It’s recommended that kids get annual comprehensive eye exams throughout their school years. Yet only 38.3% of Delaware children have recently seen an eye doctor. School-based vision screenings are valuable, but they’re not a replacement for broad eye exams that can detect more complex conditions.
Vision insurance plans usually cover preventive care, including comprehensive exams. They may also provide allowances to purchase glasses or contacts.
Consider talking with your children’s doctor and scheduling any care visits before school starts. Also, check with your health plan for the benefits available to your family. For information about UnitedHealthcare, visit uhc.com.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
