Marcia Harriott, Patient Care Assistant, The Maternity Place at Broward Health Coral Springs:

It might be stormy now, but rain doesn’t last forever. We will get through these tough times together. Wash your hands, keep your distance and stay safe!

Melissa Stachowiak, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in pediatric hematology/oncology, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital:

The beginning of a new school year can cause anxiety for both children and parents, especially when school will be happening in a new format. Parents can help ease the transition for their children by modeling acceptance of the changes. Our children will be looking to us for reassurance and we can do our best to make them feel confident that they can succeed this year.

Ronnie DeLisa, Supervisor of Material Services at Broward Health Coral Springs:

My advice to students returning to school is simple. We all have a role to play to keep our friends and ourselves safe. Wear your mask. Wash/sanitize your hands whenever you’re able to. Normally they say sharing is caring, but I would try not to share supplies with your classmates to help reduce the risk of spreading germs.

Be sure to social distance as best you can. If we can practice these simple tasks on a daily basis, the school year can be a successful and — most importantly — a healthy one.

Valerie Matthews, MSN, RN, CBN, Bariatric Program Coordinator, Broward Health Imperial Point. When it comes to providing nutritious meals for your child, Valerie says: “Meal prepping can be fun with your children by using foods that are their favorite color, cutting foods into fun shapes with cookie cutters, use fun names like “baby trees” for broccoli, green smoothies as “monster juice”, and have your child pick and build their snakes and lunch. If you child participates in his snacks and lunches he/she is more likely to eat them.

Heather Havericak, CEO of Broward Health Medical Center/Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital.

This Dr. Seuss quote has always been my favorite saying to share with my own children on their first day of school: “You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” I would encourage students and teachers to remember even in our new sense of normal the great adventure that awaits them. Canines

Even the dogs with Canine Assisted Therapy are wishing our children well as they start a new school year: The Broward Health Urgent Care team is standing by ready to assist you and your family when you need immediate attention. Our pediatric and adult urgent care centers provide fast, convenient care for minor injuries and illnesses, as well as vision testing, immunizations, and physicals. To learn more, visit BrowardHealth.org/UrgentCare.