Montana students need facts on vaping

Why your newborn needs well child checkups

Dr. Marina Hansen of RiverStone Health Clinic explains why newborns benefit from well child checkups in this article published in the Sept. 19 Billings Gazette. To make appointments for you or your child, please call RiverStone Health Clinic at 406.247.3350.

Build compassionate community to prevent suicide

Protective factors in your community can help prevent suicides. Sarah Music, of RiverStone Health, chairs the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, which will offer a free, virtual conference from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. on Sept. 23. To learn more or register, go to spcoalitionyv.org. Continuing education credits are available for nurses, teachers, LAC, LCPC and LCSW.

Supporting better mental health for kids

Consulting your child’s primary care provider is the first step in getting help for behavioral problems, says Dr. Megan Littlefield, pediatrician and chief medical officer for RiverStone Health. Your primary care provider can refer your child for needed counseling, mental health or developmental evaluations, occupational or speech therapy. For appointments with RiverStone Health Clinic, call 406.247.3350.

Breastfeeding provides food security for infants

Learn about the benefits of choosing to breastfeed your baby in this column from Shawna Coleman, breastfeeding program coordinator for RiverStone Health WIC, or call 406.247.3370.

Have questions about monkeypox?

Kelly Gardner, RN, communicable disease prevention manager at RiverStone Health, provides answers in this column. For more information, visit riverstonehealth.org/monkeypox or call RiverStone Public Health at 406.247.3396.

Calming first day of kindergarten fears

Starting kindergarten can be daunting for students and their parents. RiverStone Health pediatric counselor Krystal Kuka offers suggestions for making the first day of kindergarten more fun and less fearful. Krystal cares for children at RiverStone Health Clinics. Our clinics provide patients of all ages with excellent primary care and mental health care.

Give your kids best shots for staying healthy

Thanks to most parents immunizing early and on time, their children are able to build immunity before their exposure to life-threatening diseases. Brenda Koch, RiverStone Health program manager for vaccine services explains the safety and importance of keeping kids up to date on their vaccines. Call the RiverStone Health Immunization Clinic at 406-247-3382 for an appointment.

Home visits help young families stay healthy

When young parents are struggling to cope with the many demands of raising children, help is available at no charge from home visiting nurses and parent educators. Doug Andersen of RiverStone Health Family Health Services explains how these caring professionals bring parents the support they request for the specific challenges the parents identify.

Kids stay healthier with daily hour of exercise

Did you know getting one hour of physical activity daily in childhood reduces the risk of contracting chronic illnesses as an adult? James Miller, a physician assistant at RiverStone Health, talks about the importance of exercise for kids. You can reach James Miller at 406-247-3210.