Opinion
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- Written by: DR. BECKY SALATO
LOWER LAKE, Calif. — A new school year is more than just a date on the calendar; the new year offers the incredible power of a fresh start.
It’s a chance to begin again with purpose, energy and hope. This is when learners and educators (and all who support them) can focus on new goals to reach, new friendships to build, new challenges to grow from, and new memories to make.
Whether you're teaching, learning, leading, or supporting, each person plays a vital role in shaping a positive, empowering, and inclusive school community.
For students, the new year brings:
• A fresh opportunity to discover passions and talents.
• The chance to make new friends and strengthen old ones.
• A clean slate to set goals, try new things, and grow — both in and out of the classroom.
For staff, the new year brings:
• Renewed purpose in guiding and inspiring young minds.
• New strategies, ideas, and tools to support student learning.
• A chance to collaborate, lead, and grow professionally.
Most of our principals and assistance principals have returned and they are excited to start the new year. We have new leaders at Lower Lake High School, or LLHS, and Lower Lake Elementary School, or LLES, people with passion and new ideas.
LLHS: New assistant principals
At the high school, we have a total of three assistant principals, two of whom are new to us. We’re pleased to welcome back Gregory Fister, who is a constant presence all over campus, joking with students and staff, and providing support to all. Joining him will be Kaila Budwell and Valerie Jordan.
Kaila Budwell is an LLHS alumna. After teaching math in the Bay Area, she is ready to return to her community and step into a leadership role. She’ll focus on supporting math and science teachers and helping students work through behavior challenges.
Valerie Jordan is a veteran school administrator who worked most recently in Santa Rosa. She’ll focus on English language arts and social sciences, as well as working on master scheduling and connecting with our counselors. Like Kaila, she’ll also help students work through behavior challenges.
The role of an assistant principal is to promote learning and social-emotional health, as well as efficient operations, by making sure our campus is safe and welcoming for all. APs help teachers with instructional questions and classroom management challenges; they help students with all sorts of issues; and they organize and attend school activities, from assemblies to sporting events.
LLES: New principal
At Lower Lake Elementary School, we have a new principal: Brad Coscarelli. Brad is a veteran principal from Santa Rosa who has worked at both the elementary and secondary levels, giving him a broad understanding of how students need to be prepared at each stage of their educational journey.
Brad is all about community and family, and he is not afraid to dive into the deep end. In Santa Rosa, he was responsible for re-opening an elementary school after it was closed due to a wildfire. He has worked in bigger schools and districts, so he is well-positioned to take on the leadership of our biggest elementary school.
New year is here
I know some people say summer was too short. The truth is, I can’t wait to have the students back. They fill our campuses with energy, laughter and possibilities. We want to help each student grow into their potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
You may see the “Konocti Cares” logo around our campuses and highlighted in our activities. This is Konocti’s way of embracing the wonderful lessons of the Blue Zones Project, supporting staff, students, families, and community members as we all strive to live happy, fulfilled lives.
Our high school campus renovation reflects several Blue Zones principles, and one that I like the best is that we now have a beautiful courtyard in the center of school, a quad that encourages students to gather together, to feel a sense of belonging. The modernization of our campus also enhances safety and gives students a campus to be proud of.
As your student gets back into the swing of things, there are many things you can do to help them prepare for a good year. One is to encourage kids to embrace change, to see it as an opportunity–not the end of the old, but the beginning of the new. Remind them that it’s natural to feel nervous, and that most of their classmates are, too. They are not alone. Ask your student what they are most excited about and what they want to learn this year, inside and outside the classroom. Help them focus on the possibilities that bring a smile to their faces.
I’ll tell you what brings a smile to my face: the possibility of creating learning environments where everyone feels valued, challenged, and supported. I remain committed to getting better at getting better, always looking to the next opportunity. Let’s walk into this new year with courage, curiosity, and care (Konocti Cares) — for ourselves and for one another. Let’s make this year one of curiosity, kindness, resilience, and growth. The possibilities are endless—and they start with us.
Dr. Becky Salato is superintendent of Konocti Unified School District.
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- Written by: Dr. Dinelli Monson
As kids are back at school and eager to get to know their new teachers, many families may still be trying to squeeze in some of the last details to be sure their kids are ready to succeed in their new school year.
A few important details for parents to also check in on are their children’s mental and physical well-being.
A child’s health can influence their growth, development and academic performance. To help set children and teens up for success this school year, it’s important to stay up to date with wellness appointments, including annual physicals, dental checkups, comprehensive eye exams and mental health assessments.
Here are a few things parents can consider to help support their children’s well-being.
It’s OK to talk about mental health
Mental health challenges are on the rise among young people, driven by factors like academic pressures, relationships, social media, and broader social and economic inequalities. Age, race and gender also shape how these issues manifest and affect young people.
While it's beneficial for parents to discuss health matters with their children throughout the year, an opportune time arises during the annual back-to-school exam, also known as a well-child visit. This scheduled check-up can serve as a timely platform for addressing various health concerns, including mental health, ensuring that kids are supported holistically as they prepare to return to school.
Data from UnitedHealthcare found that 60% of college students reported encountering behavioral or mental health concerns in the past year. So, even as children grow older and head off to college, be sure to check in on them emotionally, encourage open conversations, and remind your student that help is available.
No matter the age, checking in on your child’s mental health before the school year begins and throughout can help lay the foundation for a more successful and balanced year ahead.
Brush up on dental care for healthy smiles
Cavities are preventable, yet they are the most common chronic disease among children and teens in the U.S. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain that leads to problems learning and speaking, as well as contribute to other long-term health issues. Cavities can also make eating uncomfortable and can affect nutrition and development.
Children, teens and adults should visit a dentist every six months for routine preventive dental care. Dental plans usually cover preventive care, which means you may pay $0 out of pocket for certain covered preventive services if you go to a network provider.
It’s important to know that about 1 in 3 people in the United States have a fear of dental treatment. If you believe your child may experience dental fear or anxiety, speak with their dentist or primary care doctor for support.
Vision screenings can help kids see better
More than 1 in 3 school-age kids in the U.S. are nearsighted. Also known as myopia, nearsightedness can cause issues seeing things in the distance, like the front of the classroom, which may contribute to problems learning. Possible signs of vision issues in kids include frequent eye rubbing or blinking, headaches, or struggling to remember what they have read.
It’s recommended kids get regular eye screenings throughout their school years. Yet, only 38.2% of California children have recently seen an eye doctor. School-based vision screenings or pediatric office visits are valuable. Comprehensive eye exams can detect more complex issues.
Vision plans also usually cover preventive care, including comprehensive eye exams. A vision plan may also provide an allowance to purchase glasses or contacts.
Consider talking with your children’s doctor and scheduling any care visits before school starts. Check with your health plan to see what benefits are available to your family.
Dr. Dinelli Monson is chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of California.
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- Written by: Dr. Damanpreet Jamarai
As we age, it is not uncommon that taking prescription medications becomes a greater part of our health care regimen.
While the average number of medications taken by people aged 65 and older varies, data from the Kaiser Family Foundation suggests that nearly 90% of older adults regularly may take at least one prescription drug, almost 80% may regularly take at least two; and 36% may regularly take at least five different prescription drugs.
While older adults may fill those prescriptions and follow instructions, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that as many as 55% of seniors do not take their medications as prescribed by their care providers.
Medication management can be an important part of one’s overall health routine, particularly as we continue to age. Not taking medications as prescribed may have some short- and long-term consequences:
• Not getting better — Skipping doses, taking less than prescribed amounts, not filling prescriptions and not taking medications on time may slow progress and healing.
• Greater severity — Skipping medications may lead to more serious health complications such as stroke, heart attack, and blindness.
• Increase medication resistance — In the case of antibiotics, it is important to take them as prescribed to prevent get reinfected (known as a “rebound infection”).
Taking your medications as prescribed need not be difficult. Here are some ideas:
• Make a list – Include the medication name, what it is for, the dose, when to take it, how to take it, the prescribing care provider and when it was first prescribed and most recently refilled. Share this list with your primary care provider and caregiver. And remember to include over-the-counter medications, vitamins and other supplements, as well. Give the list to your care provider and caregiver.
• Make part of your daily routine – Store your medications in a place where you routinely start and/or end your day such as beside the coffee pot or on your nightstand.
• Write It Down — Purchase a standard wall calendar with space to write down the prescription medications you need to take and when for each day. After you have taken your medication, cross it off. Be sure to include all medications – ones in your pill organizer, any in their original bottles and even the ones in the refrigerator.
• Use an app — Apps can help you keep track of what medications you need to take, sending an alarm to your phone or other smart device when it is time to take your medications. According to a 2019 study from the National Institute of Health, people who use apps are nearly twice as likely to take their medications as prescribed. The wall calendar/app combination may help ensure greater adherence.
• Shop around for a pill organizer — Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all pill holders. Depending on how many medications you take each day, the timetable for taking those pills (morning, noon, evening, bedtime) and the size of the pills you are taking may determine what size and how many you may need. If medicines must be stored in their original containers and/or refrigerated, you may want to list them on your wall calendar or app.
Some older adults may face other challenges beyond just remembering to take medications. Your doctor, pharmacist and caregiver can play a vital role in addressing these concerns:
• Reach out to your care provider — Be honest about issues and concerns you may have about your medication regimen (drug interactions, side effects, drug costs, physical limitations, timetable) so you can address them together. Always let your care provider know what vitamins and supplements you are taking as these may interact with your prescriptions. Taking medications multiple times a day? Talk to your care provider about ways to help simplify your medication regimen.
• Talk to your pharmacist — Ask about refill reminders, automatic refill programs and extended fill options. Having trouble opening pill bottles, reading labels or giving yourself injections? Having trouble affording your medications? Or transportation to the pharmacy? Your pharmacist may have solutions to any physical limitations and may be able to speak to your care provider about other concerns.
• Let caregivers help — Let them know what medications you are on to help ensure you are taking the right drugs at the right time. Caregivers may also help if there are questions or concerns about your medications, including the cost of these drugs, and can help reach out to your care provider or pharmacist, as needed.
Medications work best when they are taken as prescribed. Understanding the importance of each drug you are taking; adhering to your daily regimen; and raising questions all contribute to staying on track with — and getting the most benefit from — your prescription medications.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor. Consult your doctor prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.
Dr. Damanpreet Jamarai is Medicare and retirement chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of California.
- Details
- Written by: Dr. Damanpreet Jamarai
As we grow older, we begin losing bone density and mass, which may make us more susceptible to bone-related conditions, including osteoporosis and injuries. Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, often resulting in fractures and other serious health issues according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS.
With many older adults wanting to live independently as long as possible, good overall health is crucial. Maintaining strong bones and preventing falls can help.
Osteoporosis is often called a ‘silent’ condition, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), especially for men. Osteoporosis in men is often under-screened, underdiagnosed and undertreated. An estimated two million American men currently have osteoporosis and an additional 12 million are at risk for developing the disease, as reported by the NIH. It’s important that osteoporosis not be regarded as a primarily women’s disease.
Know Your Numbers – Up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Men 75 and older might consider discussing the option of a bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, with their health care providers. Testosterone levels and other changes impact bone health. The bone scan measures the mineral content, particularly calcium, to determine bones’ density. Based on the results, providers may recommend treatments. This test is generally covered under Medicare and other health plans.
Understand Your Risks – While bone density naturally decreases over time, the amount, speed, and impact of loss may be slowed so take stock of what you eat and drink, and how much you exercise and move. Also, review your family’s health history to determine what health conditions may be hereditary. Be sure to share this with your physician.
Eat Right and Exercise – Consider including foods high in Vitamin D and calcium as part of a well-balanced diet. New to exercise? Start slowly and try exercises like beginner's yoga; every extra movement may help you improve your strength. If you are already participating in a routine such as walking, jogging, and balance coordination exercises, consider adding weights to enhance your workout.
Make Your Surroundings Fall-Proof – Look around your home – inside and outside. Can you safely pass by tables, chairs, and other furniture? Are all the rugs and floorboards secure? Are there grab bars and handrails? Are bare floors slippery, even when dry? What about outside your home? Are there holes, cracks, uneven spots? Address these obstacles and other worries to make your home safer inside and out.
Dress for Safety – In addition to ensuring clothes do not drag on the floor – a potential trip hazard, be mindful of what you are wearing on your feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes or sneakers, or slip-proof socks or slippers. Specifically designate these as “inside wear only” if you do not want to track the outside dirt and grime into the home.
Stay Aware – Maintaining your annual well visits may help address health issues and concerns early, including bone health. And if something seems not quite right, say something.
While we cannot prevent all injuries no matter how careful we are, maintaining strong bones, gaining strength, and improving balance may lessen the impact of a fall and speed recovery – even from other injuries. So, bone up on your health for a stronger future.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.
Dr. Damanpreet Jamarai is chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of California.
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