Pediatrics residents share important health messages at area schools

Residents speak with students at Saraland

Elementary.

To bring more awareness to health and safety topics, USA Health pediatrics resident physicians have been interacting with local school students, outreach services, and after-school programs, delivering vital messages aimed at keeping children and adolescents safe. 

Second-year resident Erika Morales, M.D., and first-year resident Laxman Aryal, M.D., opened the school year at Saraland Elementary as invited experts in the field of germs, hygiene, and handwashing. They spoke to students in second through fifth grades, interacting with more than 200 children per session during PE classes.  

Highlights of their presentation included learning the handwashing song, using glitter to demonstrate how hard germs are to wash off, and a lively question-and-answer session, said Jennifer Cole, M.D., a pediatrician at USA Health and an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine who works closely with the physicians-in-training.    

“The students showed off their knowledge of how long they needed to wash their hands for 20 seconds and even verged into more practical matters,” she said, “asking the physicians questions such as 'how long does it take to be a doctor' and 'what classes do you have to take?'”  

Residents present to Saraland High School

students.

At Saraland High School, first-year residents Shirisha Sandadi, M.D., and Syed Bokhari, M.D., spoke to students in health classes, delving into the difficult topics of stress management, anxiety, and self-harm. Recently, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health issues have soared in adolescents, Cole said.  

“The residents’ discussion focused on positive management techniques, such as a healthy diet, exercise and developing a support network,” Cole said. “The presentations also addressed cyber bullying, different mindfulness techniques, and avoiding the negative effects of drugs and alcohol.” 

The residents really enjoyed engaging with local students, Cole said, noting that the presentations have served as valuable educational resources for the schools and students.