Is it March Madness yet? In the ROR-KC office, we’ve been having fun with the idea of a “favorite book” bracket instead of the usual basketball one—look out for more on that next year! Meanwhile, flu season is still going strong in our clinics, but other respiratory illnesses are finally slowing down. (Reminder: get your flu vaccine next fall!)  Measles is highly contagious, and with vaccination rates below 95%, more people are at risk. Be sure you and your kids are up to date on vaccines!  Listen to the American Academy of Pediatrics for the best advice on this issue.

In the clinic, we’re navigating a mix of emotions. Our most vulnerable families need more support, and we’re seeing an increase in teen depression. But there are still plenty of joyful moments that make it all worth it. One highlight is talking to parents of newborns about the joy of book sharing and bonding. And with preschool physicals in full swing, we’re excited to hand out books to our 3-year-olds and kindergarten book bags to 4-year-olds. We know that families who follow our advice—reading, talking, singing, and playing with their children—are setting their kids up for success when they enter school. Huge thanks to our donors for making these gifts possible!