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Preparing Emotionally for the School Year

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As summer draws to a close, the anticipation of a new school year begins. This period can be both exciting and stressful for families.

Mary Breen, LCSW, founder and clinical director of Repose, a therapy practice in Pleasantville, offers valuable tips to prepare for a successful school year.

One effective way to prepare for school is to establish consistent routines well before the first day. “Creating a predictable routine can help ease the transition,” Breen advises. This means setting consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, establishing regular meal and homework schedules. Having a set schedule can reduce anxiety and help children adjust better.

Open communication is key to addressing your children’s concerns. Breen emphasizes the importance of listening to your child’s feelings and validating their emotions. “Allow your children to express their feelings about going back to school and provide reassurance,” she suggests. This approach helps children feel understood and supported, making the transition less daunting.

Suggested Discussion Topics:

  • Daily Schedule: “Reviewing the daily schedule can help children know what to expect,” says Breen. Talk about their activities to create a sense of predictability.
  • Classmates and Friends: Breen suggests discussing their existing friends and new classmates they might meet. “Talking about social aspects of school helps children feel more comfortable and excited about reconnecting with peers,” she notes.
  • School Supplies: Involve your child in choosing their school supplies. “Allowing children to pick out their supplies allows them to feel more prepared and enthusiastic,” says Breen. This is also an opportunity to discuss organization.
  • New Subjects and Learning Opportunities: Encourage your child to share their thoughts on new subjects. “Discussing what they are excited about can shift the focus from anxiety to anticipation,” Breen advises.
  • Transportation and Safety: Review how they will get to and from school. “Discussing this can alleviate worries about getting to school on time,” Breen says.

Setting realistic expectations for both academic performance and extracurricular activities can prevent burnout and promote a healthy balance. Celebrate small achievements to build confidence in your child.

A well-organized study area can significantly enhance a child’s focus and productivity. “Designate a quiet, organized space for homework,” Breen recommends. Ensure this space is equipped with necessary supplies and free from distractions, creating an optimal environment for learning.

Structuring time before and after school is crucial for maintaining a balanced and stress-free routine. Breen suggests incorporating time for relaxation, activities, and bonding into your child’s day:

  • Morning Routine: Start the day with a calm and organized morning routine. A smooth morning sets a positive tone for the day.
  • After-School Downtime: Allow some downtime for your child to relax. Children need time to decompress after a busy school day.
  • Screen Time Management: Manage screen time by setting clear limits. It’s important to enforce balance with other activities.
  • Bonding Time: Schedule regular bonding time that is not related to tasks or other stress-inducing activities. Spending quality time together strengthens your relationship and provides emotional support.
  • Evening Routine: Establish a calming and consistent routine to help your child wind down. This can improve sleep quality and reduce bedtime struggles.

Encouraging organizational habits can reduce daily stress. From where shoes go to putting dirty clothes in the laundry, these small habits make a big difference. “Helping to pack snacks and lay out clothes can instill responsibility and accomplishment,”

Monitoring stress and anxiety in your child is essential. If these signs persist, consider seeking professional support. “Look for changes in behavior, sleep patterns, or appetite, as these can be indicators of stress,” advises Breen.

Repose offers several support strategies for families navigating these challenges. Teaching children mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help them manage stress and anxiety. This could include simple breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation sessions to help children harness the tools they need to stay calm and focused. Providing extra help for organizational strategies can boost your child’s confidence and improve their performance.

Family counseling can improve communication and resolve conflicts. “Family counseling provides a safe space to discuss and address family dynamics and conflicts,” Breen explains. “Regular check-ins with your child can also be beneficial and show your child that you are interested in their well-being.”

Breen shares a personal strategy to foster connection and reflection. “At the end of the day, whether during dinner or bedtime, we each share one challenge, two positive things, and something we look forward to,” she says. This practice helps process the day, connect, and encourages a positive outlook.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit byrepose.com. Repose
offers in-network mental health services with Aetna and out-of-network solutions for other insurance types. They are committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care to support families through life’s challenges.

Willowbrook Swim & Tennis Club: A Fun-Filled, Memory-Making Place for Families

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Mount Kisco, NY — Looking for plenty of summertime fun for the whole family? You’ve come to the right place when you enter Willowbrook Swim & Tennis Club. With its deep connection to the community at large, the club offers a wide range of compelling summer recreation programming to its members.

Willowbrook opened in 1965 as a solution for a community lacking a public pool. At the time, a vote was conducted to build a public pool in town but the decision was not approved. As a result, multiple swim and tennis clubs were constructed and put into operation around the Chappaqua area — including Willowbrook Swim & Tennis.     

Since 1965, Willowbrook has offered a family-friendly place where kids of all ages can disconnect from their devices, kick back, play, swim and engage outdoors.

Volunteers Mary Dempsey (left) and Verena Dunniganat at a June Ice Cream Social at Willowbrook Swim and Tennis     Inside Press Photo

And the adults love it too. Harriet Engel, President of the Board of Directors at Willowbrook, described the varied offerings, from monthly ice cream socials, regular wine and beer tastings to board games and bingo days. There’s even a book club!

At a post 4th of July event on July 6, members can enjoy a bounce house, a waterslide with treats like popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy.

Along with its pool, Har-tru tennis courts, and the addition of two new pickleball courts, Willowbrook members also have access to Somers National Golf Club due to a reciprocity agreement between the two clubs.

Perhaps the most exciting feature of Willowbrook is its very successful swim team: every child has an opportunity to participate.  Engel mentioned, “Our swim team is the ‘winningest’ swim team in Northern Westchester.  A lot of the competitive swimmers around town got their start here; this was their very first swim team.”

Engel’s own three children started swimming at Willowbrook. “This was their very first swim team and now they all swim in college; that’s the case for many competitive swimmers in the area.”

In fact, the Horace Greeley High School Swim team was featured in this very press last year to acknowledge their achievement of being the first Horace Greeley team to win state championships three years in a row. Engel said, “Several of those boys got their start swimming here and still swim on the team here.”

The swimming success stories might well be attributed to the great staff and swim coaching Willowbrook offers.

One coach who has become positively legendary is Kelly Blacker. Blacker is the head coach at Willowbrook and a year-round USA Swimming Team swim coach with Storm Aquatics. Engel added, “Of the Chappaqua pool clubs, we’re the only one that has a USA Swimming swim coach who expertly teaches the strokes to the kids.”

Kelly Blacker, head coach at Willowbrook Swim and Tennis, and year-round USA Swimming Team Coach with Storm Aquatics   Inside Press Photo

Several kids, as young as five years old, got their start in the kiddie pool. They joined the swim team, and grew to be competitive college swimmers like Eric Engel, Oliver Engel, and Connor McHugh. Willowbrook members can take advantage of certified swim instruction lessons, tennis camps and clinics with coaches and staff  who are experienced and care deeply about the people and community.

Ultimately, Willowbrook is about family bonding and memory making. Engel said,” My family has been a member here for 20 years; my kids have grown up here, I think it’s a great family environment.”

Visit willowbrookswimtennis.com for more info.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advancing Stroke Care in Our Community

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Saving brainpower in stroke patients demands medical insight and quick thinking. At White Plains Hospital, the standard of care includes the most advanced technology and services.

Dr. Paul Lleva, Director of Stroke Services, White Plains Hospital

Each year, approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer strokes – 17% of which are fatal. With one of the most comprehensive stroke programs in the region, providing immediate and lifesaving stroke care is an area where White Plains Hospital and its newly appointed Director of Stroke Services, Dr. Paul Lleva, is proud to excel.

Board-certified in neurology, vascular neurology, neurosonology (or brain imaging), and internal medicine, Dr. Lleva currently sees patients at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in Somers and is working to further enhance the Hospital’s robust stroke care program. “White Plains Hospital has been building a world-class stroke program, bringing in top specialists and the latest technology and treatments,” Dr. Lleva says. “As we look to the future, our program aims to be the top advanced stroke care provider in our region and beyond.”

Recent notable advances in stroke care at the Hospital include:

Quicker Clot Busters. “For every minute elapsed after a stroke, a patient may lose 1.9 million neurons,” or nerve cells in the brain, says Dr. Lleva. The team at White Plains Hospital relies on the newest medicine, called Tenecteplase, to rapidly dissolve the clots obstructing blood flow. “This drug works very specifically against the clot, destroying it more quickly and more effectively than previous medications,” he says.

The Gold Standard Of Care. The highest-quality acute care currently available for strokes, a procedure called a mechanical thrombectomy, is currently being performed at White Plains Hospital. During this minimally invasive procedure, specially designed instruments are inserted into a large blood vessel in the groin through a small port and threaded through thin catheters to reach – and remove – blood clots in the brain within 24 hours from symptom onset.

To assist in these procedures, the Stroke Team at the Hospital also uses advanced imaging, called perfusion imaging, to differentiate salvageable brain tissue from irreversibly damaged brain tissue to pinpoint cases where mechanical thrombectomies will be most effective.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Software. This modern technology guides radiologists and neurologists toward the correct intervention within seconds. “Our team uses software that will detect the amount and location of salvageable brain tissue, as well as damaged tissue,” Dr. Lleva says. “As a tool for our care team, it provides a more uniform and consistent diagnosis in rapid time.”

24/7 Emergency Consultations. At White Plains Hospital, a neurologist is always available for an emergency consultation at the bedside, either in-person or remotely. “With telestroke services, a vascular neurologist can expeditiously see the patients within minutes of arrival, allowing us to quickly diagnose patients and get them appropriate care immediately,” Dr. Lleva says.

World-Class Team. The increasing complexity of stroke cases seen at White Plains Hospital has driven the recruitment of experts in neurocritical care and neuroendovascular surgery with decades of experience in treating and managing advanced stroke cases.

Smoother Recovery. After stroke, some patients will develop arm and leg spasticity, language difficulty, pain, inability to walk, and limited ability to care for themselves. These complications are addressed in our outpatient stroke center in collaboration with Burke Rehabilitation to improve patients’ mobility, lessen discomfort, and restore quality of life.

To make an appointment with Dr. Lleva at 325 Route 100, Somers, NY, call 914-849-5300.

This article originally appeared in Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.

Conventional Wisdom About Your Teeth

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All You Need to Know (and More) About Wisdom Teeth Removal

As parents, guiding our children through significant milestones in their journey towards optimal oral health is paramount. One such milestone often encountered during the transition to adulthood is wisdom teeth removal. While this procedure is commonly perceived as routine, its implications should not be underestimated. Delaying or disregarding the decision to remove wisdom teeth can have considerable consequences for oral health. As an oral surgeon, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of postponing or neglecting this essential procedure on patients’ oral health. In this guide, I aim to provide parents with valuable insights and answers to frequently asked questions regarding wisdom teeth removal, empowering you to make informed decisions for your child’s dental health.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, the last to emerge, typically surface between the late teens and early twenties. Despite their association with wisdom, these molars can bring about significant oral health challenges.

Necessity of Removal: While many wait for symptoms to arise before considering removal, proactive extraction can prevent potential complications such as pain, infection, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth or orthodontic work. Early removal ensures optimal oral health and reduces long-term risks.

Timing is Key: The recommended age range for removal is between 15 and 25 when roots are not fully developed, leading to a smoother procedure and quicker recovery. Summer or holiday breaks offer convenient timing, minimizing disruption to daily routines.

Surgical Procedure: On the day of surgery, our team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and straightforward experience for our patients, prioritizing both their comfort and safety. To begin, a member of our proficient team will escort you to a designated room, where we will carefully review anesthesia options to optimize your comfort during the procedure, which typically spans 20 to 60 minutes. Utilizing innovative techniques and advancements, patients experience rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort, typically lasting three to five days.

Pain Management: With skilled professionals, the procedure is quick and virtually painless. Post-operation soreness is managed through tailored pain control methods and prescriptions, ensuring comfort during recovery.

Ready For Removal? If your child is nearing the age for wisdom teeth evaluation or experiencing oral health issues, our team is here to help. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child’s oral health journey is smooth and successful.

White Plains Hospital Ranks Among the Top 5% Nationally for Safety

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White Plains Hospital announced today that it has been awarded the Patient Safety Excellence Award™ and Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ from Healthgrades. The Hospital is one of only two in New York and 79 across the nation to receive top honors in both categories. With these awards, White Plains Hospital ranks among the top 5% in the nation for patient safety and among the top 15% for patient experience.

Healthgrades analyzed more than 4,500 institutions, with safety honors given to those who scored highly in 13 quality measures determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Patient experience scores were based on patients’ perceptions of their hospital care, from cleanliness and noise levels to medication explanations and staff responsiveness. This is the 9th time White Plains Hospital has received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award.

“We are honored to continue to be consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation for quality care,” said Dr. Rafael E. Torres, Chief Quality Officer at White Plains Hospital. “Quality, safety, and the patient experience are at the center of everything we do and to receive these awards from Healthgrades highlights the efforts of our entire staff to deliver exceptional patient care.”

“We commend White Plains Hospital for going above and beyond to provide a best-in-class care experience for patients during their hospital stay,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer and head of data sciences at Healthgrades. “White Plains Hospital’s dedication to superior patient care is particularly impressive given recent declines in patient satisfaction scores across the country. We look forward to their continued leadership and commitment to ensuring the health and wellness of all patients.”

In addition to the Patient Safety Excellence Award and Outstanding Patient Experience Award, earlier this year Healthgrades named White Plains Hospital one of “America’s Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention.” A full list of White Plains Hospital’s accreditations and awards can be found here.

About White Plains Hospital  

White Plains Hospital is a proud member of the Montefiore Health System, serving as its tertiary hub of advanced care in the Hudson Valley. The Hospital is a 292-bed not-for-profit health care organization with the primary mission of providing exceptional acute and preventive medical care to all people who live in, work in or visit Westchester County and its surrounding areas. White Plains Hospital has outpatient medical facilities across Westchester, including multispecialty practices in Armonk, Hawthorne, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Rye Brook, Somers, Yonkers and Yorktown Heights; and Scarsdale Medical Group locations in Harrison and Scarsdale.

The Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and in 2023, White Plains Hospital received another 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – the highest distinction offered by that federal agency for the second consecutive year. In addition, the Hospital received its third Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a distinction held by only two percent of hospitals in the country. In 2023, White Plains Hospital was awarded an “A” Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group for the 10th consecutive time.

https://www.wphospital.org/