As we approach the end of summer recess, parents, children, educators, and school administrators experience a mix of excitement, sadness, anxiety, anticipation, and fear. Many will lament losing the freedom to recreate, travel, or enjoy late nights. Others, however, will have more serious concerns: Will Josie be able to keep up with her schoolwork? Will Johnny be able to sit still, focus, and learn? Can Max keep from disrupting other students? Will Stephanie be able to make good friends and avoid being bullied? Will Laura panic and freeze when called upon to read out loud?

Children affected by behavior disorders, mental disorders, or neurodevelopmental disorders are often judged by family, friends, or even educators as lazy, undisciplined, disinterested, unmotivated, or uncooperative. This is not to say that such children do not legitimately present serious challenges to their parents and the education system. They do. But when I sit across the table from these kids, they often admit that their brains just don’t seem to want to cooperate with their best intentions.

Parents typically observe that it’s as if an intelligent, kind, good person seems trapped inside their child’s body. They only wish they knew how to unleash the real child within. Teachers, at their wits' end, often beg parents to get their children evaluated and treated with manmade chemicals to make classroom life manageable and to allow learning to occur.

The drugs are miraculous. Instantly, the child taking amphetamines calms down, behaves, and focuses…for a few hours anyway. Although antidepressants take longer to work, they, too, can be game changers for children with anxiety or depression.

Unfortunately, all drugs come with risks and side effects. And they fail to address why the children's brains aren't functioning properly. Video games, smart devices, social media, and television have all been implicated in this crisis. Childhood trauma, neglect, bullying, poverty, and other environmental inputs also contribute significantly to students’ inability to learn, obey rules, be happy, and interact with others in appropriate ways.

But these latter environmental inputs have been present since Americans started attending school. And the influence of modern technology doesn’t explain why some children are obviously different from the time they are toddlers or even infants.
Some authorities have argued that the current epidemic of behavior disorders, autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression is imaginary. In reality, they say, these problems have always been with us, and are no worse now than a hundred years ago. The difference is that today’s doctors are smarter (and therefore diagnose these conditions more readily), and that society is more aware of these problems. Some parents, understandably defensive about their children, claim their children are normal and that society is the problem because it doesn’t understand their quirkiness.

Any educator who has spent the last thirty years in the classroom knows these arguments are wishful thinking. Patently false. Absurd, even. This is a true epidemic, and it shows no sign of slowing down. The number of children requiring Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) has exploded over the last few decades. And the number of suicides and mass shootings among America’s youth has reached a fever pitch none of us could have imagined before SSRI antidepressants were first approved for use in children in 2003. Logically speaking, we should be seeing a reduction of these tragedies, not an increase. Doctors, educators, and parents would be wise to ask why, with so many resources devoted to mental and behavioral disorders in children, rates are rising and outcomes are worse than ever.

Yes, children with special needs are special. They are deserving of our love, acceptance, and best efforts. But we are not doing them any favors by pretending there is nothing medically wrong, any more than we would be doing someone a favor by pretending everything is normal after she has a stroke. Instead, we do everything in our power to rehabilitate her brain and prevent her from having another stroke.

Life beyond school is important to think about as well. Whereas great strides have been made in accommodating people with a variety of disabilities in society, special needs adults will automatically be excluded from many vocations and find relationships more difficult to navigate and maintain on their own. As one of countless examples that could be cited, would-be commercial pilots cannot even get a license if they take antidepressants, anxiety medicine, sleeping pills, stimulants, and many other drugs. They are also disqualified if they even have a diagnosis of a mental, developmental, or behavioral disorder, even if these are mild or under perfect control.

Forward-thinking parents, educators, and doctors naturally want nothing but the best for today’s youth. Most just don’t know what else to do other than establish a diagnosis so a child can be started on medication and/or an IEP.

Fortunately, there is an alternative. What if medication was not necessary? What if an IEP wasn’t needed? Then there would be no need for a diagnosis, at least not a traditional one.

In medicine, we are taught to put labels on conditions for a few different reasons. First, the label (diagnosis) tells us what drugs or other interventions we can prescribe. Second, it is required in order for us to bill insurance companies for our work. Third, it provides a framework for research so scientists can investigate and compare different ways of diagnosing and treating the same condition. Finally, labels legitimize an individual’s problems. For example, whereas an ignorant observer might say, “Mark just needs to be strapped to his chair and have his mouth taped shut,” we can instead say, “Mark behaves the way he does because he has ADHD.” Or we can say, “Beth is unmotivated and avoids social interaction because she has major depressive disorder.”

As well-intentioned as this approach may be, it doesn’t tell us what is going on in their brains that prevent them from functioning fully. Nor does it tell us how to fix the problems. These labels only give us license to control their symptoms using chemicals and to lower our expectations for their performance in school and life. Moreover, the chemicals don’t always work and sometimes make the problems worse, as we have seen with too many children treated with antidepressants. In fact, the FDA requires a black box warning on the use of antidepressants in children precisely because they will cause some—depending on the subtype of depression they have—to become suicidal or homicidal.

The bottom line is straightforward: To treat mental and behavioral disorders properly, we don’t need to put a psychiatric label on a child. Instead, we need to start by identifying the underlying causes of the malfunctioning brain. These can be biochemical abnormalities, toxins, infections, head trauma, gut dysfunction, metabolic dysfunction, or hormonal disturbances, to name a few. When we fix these problems and provide appropriate counseling, where necessary, a child often needs less medication to function well in school and life, or no medication at all.

We don't need to find out how many more IEPs Utah’s school systems can handle. Nor do we need to see how many drugs we can pump into our children before sending them off to school in the morning. But we are going to find out if we don't do something different soon.

If you have ever wondered if there is a better way to help your child reach his or her potential than you have been offered, call Prestige Wellness Institute in Springville or Moab, Utah, at (435) 210-0184. Let’s make this school year the turning point in your child’s life!

And be sure to mention you read about it in Moab Happenings.

As the summer days wind down and the back-to-school season approaches, it’s essential to prioritize your child’s health and well-being. Here are some friendly tips to help ensure your kids stay healthy and happy when returning to school.

1. Establish a Routine
One of the most crucial aspects of preparing for the school year is establishing a routine. While summer schedules can be relaxed, it’s important to gradually adjust bedtimes and wake-up times a week or two before school starts. This consistent routine not only helps kids get the rest they need but also significantly reduces morning chaos.

2. Balanced Nutrition
Another key factor in your child’s academic performance is their nutrition. Packing nutritious lunches and snacks, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, is essential to keep their energy levels up throughout the day. Remember to encourage them to stay hydrated by packing a reusable water bottle.

3. Hand Hygiene
Teaching kids the importance of proper handwashing is essential, especially with the continued emphasis on hygiene. Remind them to wash their hands before eating, after using the restroom, and when they come home from school. Hand sanitizers are a good backup when soap and water aren’t available.

4. Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is not just about keeping your child fit. It’s also about reducing stress and improving concentration. Encourage your child to stay active by participating in sports, joining clubs, or simply playing outside. This will not only keep them healthy but also enhance their learning experience.

5. Limit Screen Time
While technology is integral to learning, balancing screen time with other activities is essential. Set limits on recreational screen time to ensure your child engages in more physical and social activities.

6. Mental Health Awareness
Going back to school can be stressful for kids. As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting their emotional well-being. Talk to your child about their feelings and listen to their concerns. Encourage open communication and provide reassurance. If you notice signs of anxiety or depression, consider seeking professional help. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey of supporting your child’s mental health.

7. Sleep Well
Adequate sleep is crucial for growing children. Depending on age, ensure your child gets 9-11 hours of sleep each night. A good night’s sleep supports physical health, learning, and emotional well-being.

8. Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations
Make sure your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date before the school year begins. This helps protect them and their classmates from preventable diseases.
By following these tips, you can help your child start the school year on a healthy note. Remember, a happy and healthy child is more likely to succeed academically and enjoy their school experience. Let’s make this year fantastic and healthy together! 

Moab Regional Hospital is here to support your family’s health with:
• Wellness Checks and Immunizations: Our Family Medicine doctors ensure your student starts the school year healthy. Call us at 435-719-5500.

• Mental Health: Our team supports children, teens, and adults. Call 435-719-5531 for more information.

• New Sports Medicine Specialist: We now have a visiting specialist for sports medicine and disordered eating. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sara Walker by calling 385-500-3300.

• Nutrition Consultation: Get personalized dietary advice from our dietician. Call 435-719-3660 to schedule a consultation.

• Urgent Care Clinic:  Our new Urgent Care clinic is available when you and your family need quick care. No appointment is necessary. Open Monday -Friday, 10 am - 8 pm, and Saturday - Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm. Holiday hours may vary.

Moab Regional Hospital is pleased to announce the opening of its newly expanded Urgent Care clinic. As part of the hospital’s expansion project, completed on June 24, 2024, the clinic now features a convenient location next to the Emergency Entrance at the back of the hospital. This strategic relocation ensures easy patient drop-off and quick access to the Emergency Department if needed. Patients can still use the parking lot at the front of the hospital and reach Urgent Care through a short hallway connecting the main hospital to the new Urgent Care lobby and check-in desk.

The Urgent Care clinic at Moab Regional Hospital, established in 2017, was a direct response to the Community Health Needs Assessment, which highlighted the need for better access to care and fewer financial barriers. The recent expansion doubles Urgent Care’s capacity, meeting the growing demand for urgent care services. Jen Sadoff, CEO, explained, “Urgent Care is essential for handling non-emergency issues at a lower cost than the Emergency Department. It also helps reduce the patient load in the Emergency Department, allowing those who need more intensive care to receive focused attention from their healthcare team.”

Moab Regional Hospital has also upgraded its Emergency, Imaging, Family Medicine, and Surgical departments as part of a multi-year expansion project. Sadoff stated, “The new diagnostic technology added to the imaging department is truly the best available. Better images help to provide more accuracy in the diagnostic process, and it is important to us that our community has access to that.”

The Urgent Care clinic at Moab Regional Hospital is open Monday - Friday, 10am to 8pm, and Saturday - Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Holiday hours may vary.

 Moab Regional Hospital, an independent nonprofit located in Moab, Utah, is a Critical Access Hospital and Level IV Trauma Center with 17 beds. The hospital prioritizes patients, provides high-quality and affordable healthcare, and promotes community wellness.