How to help your student get ready for middle school

Starting middle school is a big transition that often brings worries for students and parents. Helping your child get ready for middle school can ease the stress on both of you. Brandi McFerran, LCSW, for RiverStone Health Clinic at Medicine Crow Middle School offers practical tips for a good start in middle school in this column. To reach the RiverStone Health School-based Clinic, call 406-247-3210.

Take stress out of back-to-school immunizations

Students starting kindergarten and sixth-grade usually are due for recommended vaccinations to prevent serious diseases. If your student isn’t up to date on vaccinations, now is the time to make an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider or with the RiverStone Health Immunization Program by calling 406.247.3382. Brenda Koch, manager of the RiverStone Health Immunization Program, offers tips to take the stress out of student immunizations in this column.

Public health works to prevent foodborne illness year-round

RiverStone Health thoroughly investigates every confirmed or suspected case of foodborne illness when we get complaints, says Clark Snyder, RiverStone Health registered sanitarian. We work every day to prevent foodborne illness. We educate food businesses and managers on safe food practices. Our shared goal is to keep our food supply safe. RiverStone Health Environmental Health Services can be reached at 406-256-2770.

Shingles infects unvaccinated kids with chickenpox

Karen Graf, RN, manager of RiverStone Health Rural School Nursing, explains how a person infected with shingles can infect unvaccinated people with chickenpox. The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Ask your healthcare provider about getting protected against chickenpox or call the RiverStone Health Immunization Clinic at 406-247-3382 for an appointment.

Nutritious summer foods boost kids’ health

Exercise and nutrition go hand in hand to ensure children’s health, says Ashley Miller, nutrition educator for RiverStone Health WIC. Ashley offers tips for kids’ summer nutrition and activities in this Billings Gazette column. She can be reached at 406.247.3370.

Keep kids active and healthy this summer

Help your child stay healthy this summer. James Miller, RiverStone Health physician assistant for our School-Based Clinics, reminds parents to make sure you know where your child is at all times and who they are hanging out with. Talk to your children about the risks of using substances, such as nicotine products, vape pens or other illicit drugs. When you or your child needs healthcare, call RiverStone Health Clinic at 406-247-3350.

Protect your family from summertime ailments

Allergies, sunburn, bug bites and stings, oh my! Dr. Shae Saunders of RiverStone Health Clinic offers information on surviving summer maladies in this Billings Gazette article. When you need healthcare, call RiverStone Health Clinic at 406.247.3350.

Sun safety lowers Montanans’ skin cancer risk

Montana is the sixth worst state for melanoma – the most serious and often fatal type of skin cancer. Sheri Pope, RiverStone Health prevention specialist, provides tips for protecting your skin and preventing skin cancer, starting with limiting your exposure to the sun, using generous amounts of sunscreen and wearing a hat and shirt when outdoors.

Be ready to travel with family first-aid kit

Having a simple, effective first-aid kit in the car can make a difference when summer adventures turn into misadventures. Dr. Douglas Burns of RiverStone Health gives tips on what to include in your kit. To contact Dr. Burns or other RiverStone Health physicians, call 406-237-3350.

Syphilis resurges: Worst Montana outbreak in 74 years

An outbreak of syphilis in Montana is the worst in decades and Yellowstone County has more cases than any other county. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for this serious illness. If you may be at risk, get tested and treated.
RiverStone Health Public Health is available Monday through Friday to answer questions about testing and treatment for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. Please contact us at 406.247.3396 or phs.info@riverstonehealth.org.

RiverStone Health
Search

Please share your feedback!

Restaurant Inspection Search