Last call for summer

I hope everyone has had a nice summer and a chance to relax and enjoy the fun activities that only the season can bring. It is hard to believe that the new school year is already upon us. As the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 spreads throughout the United States, especially in unvaccinated populations, it is important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. This variant has significant potential to determine the protective protocols that need to be in place so that children can safely return to school this fall.

This month’s journal is a special back-to-school issue focusing on “What will the new school year look like?” It includes:

• An interview with Sally Bode, MD, of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on School Health, who discusses its recommendations for a safe return to in-person learning.
• A must-read article on how remote learning has affected children over the past 18 months, with necessary steps for helping students catch up from remote learning challenges that have significantly impeded academic and social progress.
• An article that examines the emotional fallout in children after 18 months of COVID-19 isolation and the impact that this has had on their mental wellbeing.
• The respiratory report—“bronchitis in children”—is a practical article that provides tips on diagnosing a cough due to bronchitis, and how to distinguish from a COVID-19 cough.
• The dermatology section report is a comprehensive review of everything you need to know about acne vulgaris including the latest treatment regimens.
• The nutrition section reviews a recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that showed children have a lower quality diet between ages of 1 and 3 years.
As always, thank you for providing outstanding care to your patients

As always, thank you for providing outstanding care to your patients during these challenging times. Please make time to take care of yourselves. As Jon Bon Jovi stated, “Miracles happen everyday. Change your perception of what a miracle is and you will see them all around you”.

Please stay safe and well. And, as always, I welcome your suggestions, comments, and questions.

With warmest regards,

Tina

Tina Q. Tan