it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or the start of middle school, back-to-school season can bring a range of feelings – from worry to excitement – for the entire family. This year may be more emotional as many families spent the better part of the past two school years at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s the most festive time of the year, and figuring out what holiday feasts and gatherings will look like is challenging, especially during a pandemic. It doesn’t mean celebrations with friends and family can’t happen. It means plans need to be safe and well thought out.

On March 21, Jimmy Guidry, M.D., Louisiana’s State Health Officer, issued a health-care directive stating, “Any and all medical and surgical procedures SHALL be postponed until further notice,” with a few exceptions such as emergency situations. This was especially true of elective surgeries.

Every year, health-care providers implore the community to get a flu vaccine to protect themselves, their friends and families, and their coworkers. This year, with our economy, area businesses, schools and healthcare entities already so impacted by COVID-19, the flu vaccine might be more important than ever.

A survey of American youth ages 6-17, commissioned by the Boy Scouts of America, the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, found bullying ranked as the top concern for young people in their own communities, across the country and on a global scale.