Experts available to comment on back to school
The joyful days of summer vacation are coming to a close as families prepare to usher in a new school year, but before classes even begin, experts with McMaster University say building routines, anticipating allergies and the incoming respiratory virus season can set up students of all ages for success.
Below you will find McMaster University experts who are available to speak on the return to school and allergies.
Available experts:
Magdalena Janus, professor and researcher with McMaster’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences.
- Expertise: Study of kindergarteners, staying positive and building routines
- “If your child’s routine is very different during the summer, it’s very hard to make them switch come the first day of school. A little bit of preparation in the weeks before can be beneficial,” Janus says, in this explainer.
- You can set up an interview with her directly by emailing janusm@mcmaster.ca.
Mariam Hanna, assistant clinical professor with McMaster’s Department of Pediatrics.
- Expertise: Allergies and respiratory virus season
- Hanna says children will experience 10 to 12 upper respiratory illnesses in a school year. Parents with children who have allergies or asthma should be prepared before classes start, she says in this explainer.
- Bonus pitch/story idea: Ragweed season is here. Hanna is happy to speak with you for your allergy season coverage about common symptoms, causes and treatments.
- You can set up an interview with her directly by emailing mariam.hanna@medportal.ca.