Returning to School During a Pandemic
August is normally a time when children and families wrap up summer activities and shift to thinking about returning to school. Unfortunately, much remains unknown about what the fall will bring in terms of the continued spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control reports that rates of COVID-19 in youth under age 17 were […]
Mini Webinar: Anxiety Disorder During COVID-19
Illinois DocAssist Consultant, Meghann Hennelly, MD reviews anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, the potential impact of the pandemic on anxiety disorders and tips for parents and caregivers during this time.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month
Research has established that Black, Indigenous and People of Color face barriers to receiving mental health treatment. July has been designated as a month to bring attention to the importance of ensuring children and families receive culturally sensitive mental health support and services. As primary care providers you can assist children and their families in […]
Mini Webinar: ADHD Management During COVID-19
Illinois DocAssist Consultant, Elizabeth Charney, MD discusses challenges and solutions to managing ADHD during COVID-19. In this 10 minute video you will: Learn how to adjust current ADHD medications to optimize response during home confinement Assess for emergence of anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use during pandemic Understand how to help adult caretakers create a […]
Talking to Children About Racism
As the topic of social injustice and racism in our country continues, engaging in informed and culturally competent conversations with children and their families can help address issues families are facing. Illinois DocAssist is available for consultation with providers seeing patients who may be experiencing increased difficulties related to the civil unrest. Our board-certified child and […]
Children at Risk During COVID-19
An increased risk of violence and child abuse during the pandemic is a real threat to children. Research from prior public health crises supports the evidence, as well as significantly increased use of crisis hotlines by young people in the last few months. Causes for the current situation are multiple. Steps taken to flatten the […]
Exercise While Practicing Social Distancing
While the benefits of physical activity are well established, following through is challenging for many families. Going outside in urban settings can be difficult. Once children are outside, many of their favorite places such as parks and playgrounds may be closed. Wearing masks, weather, and time commitment may be factors. So how can primary care […]
Responding to Community Violence
The events over the last week beginning in Minneapolis and spreading across the nation over the weekend have likely increased levels of stress and anxiety among children and families living in communities impacted by injustice, inequality, and violence. The stress of the pandemic and social distancing may also be increasing such feelings. Primary care providers […]
Sleep in the Time of COVID-19
So many of our collective routines, including sleep, have been disrupted by the pandemic. Worry, stress and social isolation may present as a sleep disturbance. Children and adolescents might have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up in the morning. Children may ask or attempt to sleep in their parents’ bed, wander during the […]
Free CME Web Based Training: Perinatal Depression for the Primary Care Provid...
Purpose: To educate clinicians regarding appropriate treatment of perinatal depression. Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to: • Describe the clinical presentation of perinatal depression • Identify methods of improving patient centered communication skills when discussing perinatal depression • Explain the risks and benefits of evidence based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic […]
