Ontario doctors preparing for students to return to school
Posted August 24, 2023 5:41 pm.
Ontario doctors are preparing for another start to the school year and are hoping the province will be returning to an even greater sense of normalcy than last year.
Experts from the Ontario Medical Association say this school year will be similar to pre-pandemic times but add there will still be a prevalence of Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.
They are touting the importance of vaccinations as a way to keep trending in the right direction.
“We know that the Influenza strain that circulated were a good match with the vaccine [last year]. Parents can add to their list get their vaccine in the fall and get their children vaccine. COVID is still here, and it will be with us and we can expect new variants. Getting that fall booster will help boost out immunity,” said Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vinita Dubey.
The OMA also highlighted Thursday that there has been a rise in mental health issues, among other issues, because of the unpredictability of the last few years with COVID restrictions, keeping students’ home.
“Things to think about is for parents in the new year is to meet the kids where they are … create a predictable routine that is consistent in all environments, so your child has a sense of security, and then lastly a healthy relationship between you and your child is important for their development,” said Dr. Richa Agnihotri, a pediatrician in the Niagara Region.
With school back in session, it also means more screen time for students working on computers. Something the OMA says could be problematic in the long run”
Dr. Katherine Matheson, a child psychiatrist at Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, said this could be a problematic in the long run.
“Too much screen time could lead to kids becoming overweight, learning challenges and while the effects of screen time can be alarming. There are four evidence-based processes to limit these issues: minimize, mitigate, using mindfully and model healthy screen habits,”
For more advice and to watch the full conference, you can find it OMA’s Youtube.
