While stress continues to be a common health concern for adults, it’s important to know that children and teens can experience stress too. Tomah Health Emergency Services staff shared stress relief tips with youth during the annual Monroe County National Night Out event Aug. 2. 

“Children can experience stress or anxiety for a variety of reasons and show it in different ways,” Tomah Health Emergency Services Director Suzanne Downing DNP, RN said. “Stress and anxiety can also lead to unhealthy habits; that’s why our staff focused on the subject,” she added.

Emergency Services staff, including registered nurse Lisa Reavis (photo) instructed children how to make stress relief rice-filled balloons during National Night Out.

Downing said staff also handed out tip sheets for parents on ways to have some fun while reducing stress.

“Each year we focus on a different health related subject and create a child-friendly activity to help children and parents live a healthier life,” Downing explained.

Tomah Health has participated in the annual safety and wellness event for the last 19 years.