School’s in: UW–Madison experts can offer tips for the school year

CONTACT: experts@uc.wisc.edu

As a new school year starts, experts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison are ready with tips and expertise on a variety of subjects.

KEEPING KIDS HEALTHY

Back-to-school is a good time to check vision and update glasses or contacts — before kids start to struggle in school. Also make sure other prescriptions are up to date and that all necessary forms for administering medications at school are current and on file. School of Nursing Professor Eileen Kintner is an expert on K–12 students with asthma, and Clinical Professor Lori Anderson can advise families on how to ensure their children’s health needs are met during the school day. She recommends forging a relationship with the school nurse and giving the nurse permission to communicate directly with the student’s health care provider. Anderson can also talk about when a student needs an individualized healthcare plan and how it is used at school. She can also discuss what kind of health information to share with the school, and when, for students dealing with a temporary health issue, such as a lice infestation, as well as chronic issues and conditions. Anderson also reminds parents to be sure that immunizations are up to date given the recent measles outbreaks. Contact: ekintner@wisc.edu, 608-263-5269; lori.anderson@wisc.edu, 608-262-6932.

Julie Stamm, a clinical assistant professor of kinesiology in the School of Education, can talk about the risks parents should consider if their children play sports like soccer or football. Stamm says any impact to the brain can be harmful, even if it doesn’t result in a concussion. Contact: stamm3@wisc.edu.

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?

Jennifer Gaddis, an assistant professor in the Civil Society and Community Studies Department at the School of Human Ecology, can comment on school lunch in its many forms, from farm-to-school programs to hot lunch as it exists today, and its history. Gaddis explores the topic in her forthcoming book, “The Labor of Lunch: Organizing a New Economy of Care in American Public Schools.” Contact: jgaddis@wisc.edu.

SHOPPING ON A BUDGET

Households with children in grade school and high school will spend almost $700 on back-to-school shopping this fall, according to the National Retail Federation. Clothing, electronics and school supplies are the top three expenses listed by families in the federation’s annual July survey. Households with a college student will spend closer to $1,000 this year, with the biggest expense being electronics. Peggy Olive, financial capability specialist in the School of Human Ecology, can offer tips on how to manage expenses for the school year. Contact: 608-262-6766, polive@wisc.edu.

More back-to-school experts at https://news.wisc.edu/media-advisory-uw-madison-experts-can-address-back-to-school-topics/.