When it’s time to see the doctor for a checkup or vaccinations, many children feel anxious and scared of the unknown. It’s hard to see your children in distress and to figure out the best way to help them. Try these tips to guide your children through doctor visits and vaccinations and ease their—and your—anxiety. Tell them what to expect. Don’t be vague. Children may not understand words like checkup or vaccinations. Explain unknown words and give specific details about what will happen when they get to the office. Have them pick out a favorite book or toy to bring with them to keep them occupied. Be honest. Be open about what you do and don’t know. Otherwise, your child may feel betrayed and lose trust in you. Use kid-friendly explanations. You might say, “The shot may sting, but it will go away,” or, “Nobody likes getting shots, but they keep us healthy.” Allow them to express themselves. Don’t ignore your children when they speak up about their fears. Rather, helping them articulate their specific fears and feelings can go a long way to help children feel less worried. Validate their feelings. Never scold your child for being afraid or say it’s no big deal. Instead, say something like, “I get it, because I sometimes get worried before I go to the doctor. But the doctor helps keep us healthy and strong.” Be aware of your own anxiety. If you’re feeling anxious, manage your fears to help calm your child. If necessary, arrange to ask the doctor delicate questions when your child isn’t in the room or before or after the appointment. During vaccination visits, hold and comfort your child, remain calm, look at them, and smile. Take deep breaths with them. By taking these soothing steps, you can help your children be less fearful during the next doctor visit. New partnership for CMH and Bolivar Schools Citizens Memorial Hospital and Bolivar Schools are partnering to provide telehealth services for Bolivar R-1 students and staff while they are at school. The newly formed Bolivar Schools Navigator program began with the 2022–23 school year. The program is for students and staff who become ill with acute conditions while at school. They can stay at school while conducting a virtual appointment with a provider at the CMH Pediatric Clinic or Butterfield Park Medical Center. An on-site health navigator affiliated with CMH will communicate with parents and coordinate appointment scheduling. “The navigator is the link between the school nurse, student, parents and medical provider,” says Michelle Boehne, administrative director of clinics at CMH. “We are excited to collaborate with Bolivar Schools to benefit students, employees and their families.” CMH and Bolivar Schools also are continuing a partnership started last spring to provide in-person appointments or virtual visits for school employees and their dependents between 7 and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. The early-morning appointments help reduce the need for substitute teachers. FOR MORE INFORMATION about the health navigator program, call 417-516-4262 or go to cmhbolivar.info/BolivarR1Health. 6 VITALITY Winter 2022 CHILDREN’S HEALTH Easing your child’s fear of the doctor These simple steps can comfort your child
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