World Suicide Prevention Month
September is designated as World Suicide Prevention Month. The Centers for Disease Control has noted that suicide rates across the country are on the rise, and suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth and young adults (ages 10 to 34).(1) According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the majority of […]
Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress
Research suggests that nearly 20% of children birth to 17 years of age in the United States have special health care needs (1). In Illinois, approximately 30% of children had a health condition that impacted their daily functioning (1). Regardless of whether they are acute or chronic, pediatric medical illnesses have a psychological component […]
Mental Health and Back to School: Setting children up for success
While summer is in full swing, it won’t be long before your waiting rooms and appointment calendars are filled with children getting ready for back to school. Pediatric and family providers are optimally positioned to ensure that children are either prepared for their first school experience or return to the classroom after summer break. Required […]
Marijuana and CBD Oil: What Illinois Practitioners Need to Know
Recreational Marijuana: On May 31, 2019 the Illinois House approved legalizing recreational marijuana in House Bill 1438 slated to take effect on January 1, 2020. Age of access is 21, making the availability to adolescents and children a potential problem. It is more crucial than ever that primary care providers screen, diagnosis, and provide treatment recommendations […]
Mental Health Awareness
Did you know that one third of children in the US receive mental health care solely from a primary care provider?* Pediatricians, Family Practitioners, and Advanced Practice Nurses are the first line and often the only resource for these patients.* However, identification of specific mental health disorders can be difficult and challenging to treat in […]
Clinical Pearl: Screening for Pediatric Trauma
April is National Child Abuse prevention month. The effects of child abuse and other traumatic events can follow children into adulthood and impact their mental and physical health. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) study exposed the heavy impact of these events, particularly child abuse, on well-being through the life span – from developing diseases to […]
Clinical Pearl: Sleep in Children and Adolescents
March is a time of change as the days become longer and the temperatures begin to rise. It is also daylight savings time, which can be hard for some children and families disrupting their routine and sleep cycles. Sleep is a key component of growth and development. So when children and adolescents have difficulty with […]
Clinical Pearl: Primary Care Interventions for Bullying and Cyberbullying
Children who are bullied are at higher risk for psychological maladjustment in adulthood including both internalizing and externalizing problems2. Twenty to forty percent of children experience bullying at least once during their school years with the majority of bullying occurring in middle school1. Addressing this issue requires a team effort consisting of parents, teachers and school […]
Clinical Pearl: Screening for Peripartum Depression
While pregnancy and having a new baby can be a joyful time, it can also be difficult and stressful. In fact, depression is one of the most common complications in pregnancy and postpartum, affecting roughly 12% of women. Peripartum depression involves a major depressive episode that occurs during pregnancy or up to 1 year postpartum. Not […]
Clinical Pearl: Holiday Stress
The holiday season brings joy and excitement for children and their families! However, it is important to remember that the holidays can also be a difficult time, triggering feelings of loss, frustration and anxiety. Schedules become hectic and parents often feel pressured meeting the demands of the season. Illinois DocAssist can assist you in providing care and […]
