Summer 2020Your quarterly maternal and child health newsletter on local programs, topics, and resources for families and the professionals who serve them.
In this issue...Pregnant and postpartum resources in light of COVID-19 Music therapy virtual sessions - June 22 is Fathers' Mental Health Day
- Caring for the caregivers - Mindfulness and meditation
- Prevent, Heal, and Seek Justice for Our Children - April ACEs Quarterly
- Introducing Maternal & Child Health Programs
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Featured Resource for FamiliesSnohomish County Music Project (SCMP)Music therapy supports parents and their young children in forming and maintaining healthy attachments. A board-certified music therapist will lead shared musical activities that support your child’s social-emotional development, as well as their growing relationship with you as their parent.
In music therapy, you will:- Learn songs and musical cues to help calm your child in times of stress
- Connect with your child through back-and-forth musical games and instrument play
- Pass positive messages to your child through personalized lullaby writing
- Practice musical responsiveness that helps your child feel heard, understood, and loved
- Create a personalized song to sing to your child
These parent-child sessions are offered via tele-health and are available at no cost for families with financial need.
SCMP also has a YouTube channel with playlists for preschoolers, families, and for relaxation, and we are doing music enrichment via Facebook live every Wednesday at 9:30 for preschoolers and elementary students.
425.258.1605
www.scMusicProject.org
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Maternal & Child Health MattersJune 22 is International Fathers' Mental Health DayYou may already be aware that maternal depression is common. About 1 in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression. But did you know that about 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression? And If the mother is depressed, then about half of fathers will experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can look different in fathers. They may turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their intrusive thoughts and may show anger and aggression. Fathers can also develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, when they witness a traumatic event like a difficult childbirth of their loved one. Watch Dr. David Levine explain his experience of postpartum depression. While Father's Day is a great time to celebrate dads, on June 22 let's take the opportunity to bring awareness to the emotional transformation that fathers experience as they welcome a new child into their lives. Ask a new father in your life how they are feeling. Sometimes being the rock of the family means having the courage to ask for help. More information about father's mental health can be found on Postpartum International. For help call or text the Perinatal Support Washington's Warm Line at 1-888-404-7763 and ask to talk to a dad. The Warm Line offers peer and professional support. You are not alone. Relief can begin with a simple phone call. You can also find a list of resources for dads here. For a list of perinatal mental health resources in Snohomish County click here.
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Featured Resources for ProfessionalsCaring for the CaregiversAs a helping professional during this pandemic, you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and have trouble sleeping. You're not alone. This is a time of rapid change as we learn more about COVID-19, and many people are depending on you.
You may have trouble coping with all the stress. Poorly managed stress can show up in your body as headaches, stomachaches, or trouble concentrating. Chronic stress can lead to health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, digestive problems, diabetes, and other illnesses.
You might already know that mindfulness and meditation can manage your stress but you may have balked at the idea, because you may think you don't have time for that, or caring for yourself is a luxury you cannot afford. Many people feel this way, but you don't have to sacrifice your health for the care of others. A more helpful mindset is to realize that it would be too costly to not take care of yourself. Mindfulness and meditation are practices that can lead you to better health so you can be there to care for others.
Mindfulness and meditation are frequently discussed together and the practices may converge. Mindfulness is a neutral state of being aware of the present moment with one's thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. Meditation is a mental practice of contemplation, that often focuses on one's breath to reach a heightened state of awareness and is traditionally a spiritual practice. So meditation can be seen as a means to achieve mindfulness in daily life, but meditating and being mindful can be distinct practices.
Essentially these practices work by engaging a thought process that can calm the mind. The more you engage in this type of thought process, the more likely it will become a habit. Once meditation becomes a habit, you may find yourself more mindful throughout the day.
Meditation and mindfulness can help you manage your stress in a healthy way while improving your concentration and sleep. There are many ways to start your meditation practice and become more mindful - it can take less than 5 minutes a day!
54321 is one mindfulness exercise that engages your senses: Identify 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. You can try it now or try it on a walk. Here's a link to a 54321 guided exercise on YouTube.
If you have time to check your phone, then you can make time for a meditation and mindfulness app to help you. There are numerous options out there. If you're a health care provider with an individual National Provider Identification number, or NPI, then you can get full access to Headspace for free. It only takes 3 minutes a day to start meditating. Headspace can guide you through a meditation exercise during one of your breaks, or first thing in the morning. Invite a friend or a colleague to join you, sometimes a little bit of accountability can go a long way toward establishing a new routine.
Your ability to be present and effective with those you care for starts with you. You may not be able to control your surroundings, but you can learn to control your state of mind. A journey begins with one step!
From the CDC:
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Groups at WorkCoalitions, Collaboration & CouncilsFor Child Abuse Prevention Month, the CityMatCH/NEAR Collaborative invited Anne Ewalt and Liana Peeples of Dawson Place to discuss their services and learn more about Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy for the April ACEs Quarterly Event. This topic is more important than ever since the social distancing measures have put many children at risk for abuse. You can listen to the recorded webinar here. Similarly, domestic violence is also a heightened issue during this time. If you're looking for more resources on this topic, the Snohomish Health District recently published a piece on domestic violence on the Public Health Essentials blog.
The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) has joined forces with the United Way's CORE Collaboratives to organize a four part series of online trainings on Why the Early Years Matter. The first session on brain development 0 - 8 years old was presented by Amelia Bachleda, Ph.D., from i-LABS at the University of Washington. You can find the recording here. The recording will be available until July 31. The password is I3%R&5R%.
The next session is titled How Poverty Affects the Brain on June 26. For more information and to register click here.
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Program UpdatesIntroducing Maternal Child Health Programs at the Snohomish Health DistrictChildren and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN),Universal Developmental Screening (UDS),WorkFirst,Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD),Trauma & Resilience, Population-Based Parent Child Health (PopB),Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD), andChild Care Health Outreach Program (CCHOP)
As the agency with the mission for the public health of Snohomish County, the Snohomish Health District has always had maternal and child health programs, but there have been many changes over the years. It can be a challenge to share these changes with everyone. We hope this newsletter will help bridge the communication gap! Since this is our first issue, you'll get to know our current programs and how we serve our community.
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Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN)"We reinforce teaching that was done in the hospital, or provide teaching... Public health nurses also meet with new mothers in groups at shelters, treatment centers, and other community settings providing yet another opportunity to provide safe sleep education to parents as well as to the providers in these community settings." - Sue Starr, Public Health Nurse Children are eligible for CYSHCN program if they:- Are at risk for chronic conditions
- Are under the age of 18 and live in Snohomish County
- Have a serious health or developmental problem
- Require more health and related services than are generally needed
To learn more about the program, please contact the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Coordinator at (425) 339-8652. More information is available on our webpage.
To apply for services, please fill out the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) referral form and fax or mail to the address listed on the form.
Check out the April Child Health Notes Newsletter on infant hearing.
Children with high lead levels also qualifyIn children, lead is most damaging when they are six years and younger. Children are growing at a very fast rate - growing bones, developing stronger muscles and creating many connections in their brain. When lead instead of essential nutrients is "available" to the body to make bones, muscle, and brain connections, permanent harm to health can occur. Even at levels below current standards, lead can be harmful and be associated with: Learning disabilities resulting in a decreased intelligence (decreased IQ) Attention deficit disorder Behavior issues Nervous system damage Speech and language impairment Decreased muscle growth Decreased bone growth Kidney damage
High levels of lead are life threatening and can cause seizures, unconsciousness, and death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set a reference level of 5 µg/dL (micrograms per deciliter). This level is not considered a safe threshold; instead it is meant to be a reference level to trigger public health action.
There is no known blood lead level for children without some level of risk for adverse neurological effects.
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Universal Developmental Screening (UDS)
The goal of the UDS program is to make developmental screening available to all young children in the State. Screening children under 5 years old regularly, using a standardized screening tool, can catch developmental delays early so that kids get the help they need as soon as possible. Identifying delays early can help children reach their full potential.
At the Snohomish Health District, we aim to increase the number of early learning and healthcare providers trained on developmental screening tools and a community referral system.
The public health nurse works with community partners to train providers and establish practices that promote the use of standardized developmental screening, such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Activities include:
- Collaborate with partners to promote Universal Development Screening.
- Coordinate with regional coalitions that focus on children’s learning/education.
- Promote use of WithinReach Parent Help 123.
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WorkFirstThe WorkFirst program assists families who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to meet their goals. When a family cannot meet their work or education requirements due to challenges in caring for the health of their children, then the family's case manager makes a referral to the public health nurse to assess.
"Public health nurses have the unique ability to model safe, effective infant care; educate parents and caregivers; and promote components of the environment both in the home and in the community that result in better health outcomes." Lindee Tollefsen, Public Health Nurse
Are you having trouble working or going to school to meet TANF requirements because of the health challenges and care needed for your child? Speak to your case manager about the possibility of being assessed by the public health nurse who may be able to recommend accommodations.
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Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD)
Vaccines help people become immune to diseases without having to get sick. Making an informed choice about immunization is key to protecting your family’s health.
The Snohomish Health District encourages residents of all ages to get vaccinated according to national recommendations.
The public health nurse and the vaccine coordinator provide consultations to health care providers throughout the north sound region to ensure quality standards in administration and storage for childhood vaccines.
Vaccines are just as important for adolescents and adults as they are for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes immunization schedules for three groups:
Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program Through the VFC program, a public health nurse and vaccine coordinator assists clinics to provide vaccines at no cost for eligible children by enrolling clinics into the program, monitoring the clinics to ensure they are providing quality services, maintaining the quality of the vaccines, giving technical guidance and guiding clinics through quality improvement projects.VFC helps ensure that all children have a better chance of getting their recommended vaccinations on schedule and that means healthier children, families, and communities.We also conduct outreach activities to train providers and the community on the importance of vaccines and strategies for improving vaccination rates in our county. We are available to help residents with answers to questions regarding vaccines as well as providing access to immunization records.
RESOURCES
- Immunization Resources (PDF)
- Health Map Vaccine Finder
- Provider Map This map can be used to identify providers who received publicly-supplied vaccines through the Childhood Vaccine Program and Adult Vaccine Program. The map is updated twice each year. Contact the provider in advance regarding availability of supply and for more information regarding the policies associated with the practice.
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Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of Hepatitis BThe public health nurse provides support, education, and reminders for providers and mothers to ensure that mothers who are Hepatitis B positive have a Hepatitis B negative baby by preventing them from contracting hepatitis B during delivery and breastfeeding through our Perintal Hepatitis B program.
We work with, laboratories, prenatal care providers, birthing hospitals and infant care providers to identify pregnant women who have Hepatitis B and to follow-up with them and infected mothers once the babies are born to make sure they get the preventive treatment through timely treatments, vaccinations, and tests.
HighlightsIn 2019, we followed up with 232 families with babies who are at risk to protect the babies from getting Hepatitis B. Without prevention efforts, studies quoted by CDC estimate that 85%-90% of babies will become chronic carriers and more than 25% of these carriers will die from cancer or liver disease in adulthood.
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Trauma & ResilienceThe Trauma & Resilience program allows public health nurses to participate in activities that address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), resilience, and trauma-informed practices in our communities. The goal of the program is to contribute to building a resilient Snohomish County. What are ACEs? ACEs are a set of 10 negative experiences that are child experiences before the age of 18. The 10 ACEs fit under three types - abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. Why do ACEs matter? ACEs matter because the more ACEs a person has the higher their risk is for many chronic health conditions through out life. Without a safe, stable, and nurturing adult, ACEs result in toxic stress that disrupts a child's growing brain and body.This change can results in behavior issues and chronic health problems that can be passed on from one generation to the next. And ACEs are common! About 64% of the population has at least one ACE. So If we can prevent ACEs or act early, then we can improve the health of the whole population. How can we prevent ACEs? The answer is resilience! Building resilience in children means doing so with parents, families, and communities. Society needs to support children and families so they get the help they need when they need it. The health of society depends on it! Everything from safe, stable, and affordable housing, livable wages, quality, universal child care and preschools, clean air, water, and safe outdoor recreation - a.k.a social determinants of health - are part of building resilient societies that can withstand everything from family stressors to natural disasters and global economic recessions. What is one thing that the SHD ACEs and Resilience program does for your community? - We offer public screenings of the film, Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope. You can request by completing this form.
Feedback from residents on our program activities" [I will use] more strengths base approach with families applying to my own personal practice [and become a] better positive human"
"3 yr old grandson is non-verbal - lots of tips gained to pass on to his parents"
"My 7 yr old grand-daughter has developed anxiety. This will help me and her mom (my daughter) with her."
"I am currently pregnant, so this information was super helpful. Also, to explain clients how their child's brain is developing so they understand their child better."
"[I will be] modeling resilience to my son, [and will provide] psycho-education to clients around encouraging autonomy, modeling perseverance."
To learn more about ACEs, toxic stress, and resilience including links to training resources, visit our webpage www.snohd.org/aces.
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Population-Based Parent Child Health
"Pop-B" allows public health nurses to promote resilient families by partnering with communities and organizations to influence positive change in programs and policies.
Project examples:
Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS) at Crossroads Coordinated with partners to establish a teen parent support group to promote nurturing relationships and parental resilience.
Pregnant Parenting Wellness Group at Therapeutic Health Services
Doing health teaching twice a month for pregnant and parenting support group for mothers with Opioid Use Disorder. To promote healthy parent-child bonds by offering concrete supports and guidance on growth and development of children.
Homeward House Served on a steering committee, for a program that serves parents in dependency with Opioid Use Disorder and their children to fill a gap in services for this vulnerable population and promote healthy parent-child attachments.
Compact of Free Association (COFA) Islander Community Engagement Organized a health fair to increase access to health care for a vulnerable population to improve access to health care to a undeserved community so families are better able to care for themselves and their children.
Breastfeeding Program. The goal is to increase the number of babies who are breastfed exclusively through 6 months. We do this by working with hospitals, birth centers, clinics and places of work to support our moms by having breastfeeding friendly policies and environments. Is your organization interested in receiving the “Breastfeeding Friendly Washington” award by Washington Department of Health (DOH)? Reach out to us and we will show you how!
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Access to Baby and Childhood Dentistry (ABCD) The ABCD Program connects children under age 6 on Apple Health/Medicaid to a participating dentist.
It's important that young children get dental care early, because dental disease can get in the way of focusing and learning in school. Dental problems can also get in the way of a child's ability to eat, speak, and play. Although dental disease in children is common, the good news is that cavities are almost entirely preventable. Even if a young child develops a cavity, getting care early can make a big difference in the child's long-term health.
Need a dentist? Contact Dentist Link or check out our low-cost dental resource list.
Are you a dental professional or someone who works with young children and families? Subscribe to our Tiny Bites Newsletter.
You can also contact us via email at dentalinfo@snohd.org or Dental Access Line at 425-339-5219.
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Child Care Health Outreach Program (CCHOP)The Child Care Health Outreach Program helps child care providers with the many health and safety challenges that arise, including preventing the spread of illness, maintaining a safe and clean environment, managing policies and records, and meeting children’s special health, dietary, and behavioral needs.
The program staff are available to assist child care providers through on-site consultation, over the phone, or by email.
Learn more about the Child Care Health Outreach Program on their webpage.
Thanks for reading! We plan to publish the next newsletter in September
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The Dyad+ (plus) highlights the health of the mother-child dyad plus their family and support system. The health and well-being of the mother-child dyad is dependent on each other, and the importance of the pregnancy and postpartum period cannot be understated. The health status of the dyad during this unique time have a persistent and long lasting effect on an individual's lifelong health, and therefore has a big impact on the overall health of a population. The primary caregiver, who may or may not be the biological mother, fills an essential role in the child's life that can help or hinder the child's potential, especially for children under age 5. Maternal and child health is essential public health. |
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Was this newsletter forwarded to you?You can subscribe to The Dyad+ newsletter by visiting www.snohd.org/notifyme |
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