Serving as a caregiver to a child is one of the most important, rewarding and difficult roles one can have. Being a caregiver during a pandemic has made the role even more challenging. It goes without saying that the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have also been challenging for children and teens, especially as they navigate normal developmental milestones on top of challenges that may have been present prior to the pandemic.

Stephanie Parmely, Ph.D, a psychologist with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, answers common questions about anxiety in children and teens. Dr. Parmely identifies signs to watch out for, and actions that parents, guardians and/or caregivers can take to address issues.

Finding the perfect gift for each child on your list is no small feat. To help you make the best choices, we talked to three Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group child and adolescent psychiatrists about thoughtful, clinician-approved gifts for every child on your shopping list.

Halloween is just around the corner, marking the beginning of the holiday season. With pandemic guidelines having loosened in many parts of the state, people are excited for an end-of-year holiday season that’s reminiscent of pre-pandemic celebrations from years past. Even with vaccination numbers on the rise, we should continue to recognize that we are still in the midst of a pandemic. This Halloween, it is important to continue taking precautions against spreading the COVID-19 virus whenever possible.

This flu season, it is important as ever to protect ourselves and our loved ones against both the flu and COVID-19. We spoke to two Dignity Health Medical Group physicians who shared what you should know this flu season.

This next school year will be different for students and parents alike. While school systems are finalizing details for the 2021-2022 school year, you and your family should also prepare a plan-of-action to stay healthy in and out of class. Mercy Medical Group pediatrician Kimberly Hart, DO has some advice that can ease any concerns you may have about sending your kids back to school in this phase of the pandemic.