Nov 2024 Medical Minute
Reach Out and Reach KC's November 2024 Medical Minute with Sallie Page-Goertz, MN, APRN, CPNP, IBCLC
So much happens in November…Election Day, World Kindness Day, Get Your Vaccine Day, Thanksgiving.
I’m writing this 8 days before the election. The results will be significant, irrespective of the winner. Political conversations have often been toxic, difficult to listen to. My hope is that we can move forward as a nation thinking about goals to improve the well-being of all people both within and outside our borders. Caring about people of course includes caring about the most vulnerable – our young children growing up in economically challenging circumstances across the KC Metro. One way we do this is through that very important gift of a book!
Ironically perhaps, World Kindness Day is recognized in November – November 13. It is a day to remind us to “make kindness the norm”. And remember, kindness is not the same as being nice! Kindness is the quality of being generous, helpful, and caring about other people.
Our ROR donors and volunteers demonstrate kindness by donating time and treasure as they are able. This enables our pediatric providers to share the amazing gift of a book, along with advice about book sharing which promotes so many positive caregiver/child interactions! An amazing kindness for which we are so thankful. See this video of kids figuring out a book drive!! https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-videos/5-a-book-drive
We’re fortunate that kids we know have done this for Reach Out and Read KC.
And this is the time of year I put on my nurse practitioner hat to remind folks to get their seasonal vaccines!! This ensures that you can enjoy your holiday gatherings with less risk of giving or receiving the unwanted gift of a dangerous viral infection! This is the season where cases of influenza, Covid-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) begin to increase. We can show kindness by getting our age appropriate vaccines to protect both ourselves and others, including those who may not be able to receive the vaccine due to underlying health conditions. So, celebrate World Kindness Day by getting your vaccines!
Kindness books for kids
- Cool to Be Kind: Children’s Books That Champion Kindness
- 35 Children's Books That Teach Empathy And Kindness
- World Kindness Day Resources (November 13)