By Peyton Martin, D.O., MD Pediatric Associates

It is clear that in recent years, children and teenagers are spending much more time in front of screens. School work that was once done with pen and paper is now entirely digital. Today’s youth have easy access to cell phones, tablets, personal computers, and social media. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), “Children ages 8-12… spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours.”¹ This rapid increase in screen use raises an important question:

How is this constant, often unlimited, screen access affecting our children’s development and overall health?

Even though the body of research is still growing, several well-designed studies have found that digital device use is a double-edged sword. On one side, high-quality, engaging, and educational programming can help build academic and cognitive skills when parents are involved.^2,3,4 On the other side, the fast-paced, brightly colored, and non-educational programming that makes up much of what children watch can harm various aspects of cognitive development, such as problem-solving, communication, and language skills. Additionally, too much screen time has been linked to a higher risk of obesity, negative effects on mental health, and a possible connection to ADHD.

The purpose of this post is to examine these issues and offer evidence-based insights on the risks of excessive screen time. I also aim to provide practical advice for parents.

Early Childhood Development and the Role of Experience

Early childhood is a vital period for development when the brain is forming new connections at a rapid pace. We often think of milestones like rolling over, crawling, or walking, but there is much more going on beneath the surface. For instance, even infants start developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills when they learn about “object permanence” – the idea that an object still exists even when it is hidden out of sight. This is why peek-a-boo is so entertaining for babies!

As children grow into toddlers, they begin experimenting with balance and their sense of space by stacking blocks and throwing balls. In preschool, their imaginations bloom as they engage in role-play, creating stories with their stuffed animals. In early elementary school, they start learning teamwork such as playing on their first soccer team. Each of these steps builds on the one before, forming a foundation for problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills that start developing in infancy.

The Negative Impact of Excessive Screen Time

Unfortunately, too much screen time, even when the content is educational, can deprive young children of these essential learning experiences. A 2023 study published in the pediatric section of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that more screen time at age 1 was linked to a higher risk of delays in communication and problem-solving skills at ages 2 and 4. These delays became more pronounced as screen time increased.⁵ Without regular face-to-face communication and interactive play, children may struggle to develop these skills later in life.

Another study from 2024, which reviewed over 150 peer-reviewed articles, showed that excessive or unstructured screen time negatively affects children’s attention spans and makes it harder for them to make decisions, remember things, make plans, and control their emotions and impulses.³ Many digital media programs for children are designed to capture and hold their attention with constant stimulation, similar to how TikTok grabs adults. This constant overload of information makes it challenging for a child’s still-developing brain to focus on less stimulating tasks, causing problems in school and other areas where concentration is needed.

A separate 2024 article, reviewing 14 studies, found that too much screen time can weaken children’s ability to understand and express spoken language, leading to a smaller vocabulary and difficulty communicating.²One study even suggested that excessive screen exposure might harm the brain’s white matter, which is important for language and literacy skills.⁶ Learning language is not a one-way process; children need interactive, face-to-face conversation to learn how to effectively listen, speak, make eye contact, and understand non-verbal cues. This cannot be achieved with the passive consumption of digital media.

Screen Time, ADHD, Obesity, and Mental Health

ADHD has become more common over the past two decades. Data show that the rate of ADHD diagnoses in U.S. children and adolescents rose from 6.1% to 10.2% between 1997 and 2016—a 67% increase.⁷ While this is a complex issue that cannot be attributed to a single cause, research now suggests there might be a two-way relationship between too much screen time and ADHD symptoms. Excessive screen use can lead to fragmented attention, disrupted sleep, and less physical activity, which may worsen ADHD symptoms. At the same time, children with ADHD might be more drawn to high levels of screen time, creating a harmful cycle.⁸

There is also growing evidence linking excessive screen time with childhood and adolescent obesity and mental health problems. A 2020 article reviewing 38 studies found that too much screen time is a significant risk factor for obesity in young children, as well as for increased aggressive behavior.⁹ This trend continues into the teenage years, with a 2022 study showing a connection between screen time and the risk of being overweight or obese.¹⁰ Moreover, a 2016 study reported that many children who are obese remain obese into adolescence and adulthood, leading to chronic health issues.¹¹

In terms of mental health, a large 2018 study of over 1 million adolescents found that teens who spent more time on digital devices tended to report lower levels of happiness, self-esteem, and overall mental well-being.¹² Although this study couldn’t prove that screen time directly causes these issues, it highlights an important trend. Social media often gives the false impression of meaningful relationships, while in reality, these interactions are usually shallow. Constant exposure to idealized images and lifestyles can set unrealistic expectations and lead to feelings of inadequacy, making it harder for young people to develop resilience by learning how to cope with failure and conflict.

Practical Steps for Parents

Given these challenges, what can be done? Here are some practical recommendations from a pediatrician and a mom.

1. Consider the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Screen Time Guidelines:
   • Children under 18 months should have very limited screen exposure.
   • Children 18-24 months can benefit from high-quality educational media with a parent present.
   • Children 2-5 years old should have no more than 1 hour of screen time per day, with parents co-viewing and actively engaging.
   • For children 5 and older, there are no strict limits, but screen time should not interfere with school, sleep, family time, or physical activity.
   • Parents should discuss media use with their teens, including what they see, read, and who they interact with.
2. Encourage Independence:
   • Allow children time to play and explore on their own. They don’t need constant entertainment.
3. Integrate Chores into Daily Life:
   • Involve children, even toddlers, in family activities. Even if chores aren’t done perfectly, they help children feel included and build a sense of responsibility.
4. Let Them Fail:
   • Allowing children to take risks and experience failure builds resilience and confidence. For example, try not to intervene the moment your child begins struggling with a task and becomes frustrated. Allow them to experience that moment of failure, then offer them guidance.
5. Accept Emotional Expression:
   • It’s normal for young children to become upset, especially toddlers. Toddlers are at a crossroads between knowing what they want but not having the language to express it. This can be frustrating for them, and learning to manage their emotions is an important part of development.
6. Set Clear Boundaries:
   • Be comfortable saying no and be firm about limits. Clear boundaries help children understand expectations and develop conflict-resolution skills.
7. Encourage at Least One Hour of Physical Activity:
   • Children of all ages need daily physical activity. This hour can be spread out throughout the day.

In Summary

While digital media has benefits when used carefully, too much screen time—especially low-quality content—can interfere with essential stages of our children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. As parents, it is our responsibility to protect our children’s natural curiosity and wonder by setting appropriate limits, encouraging both structured and independent play, and involving them in everyday family activities. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that our children thrive in today’s fast-changing digital world.

Additional Resources:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/how-much-screen-time-is-ok-for-my-kids

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/are-some-types-of-screen-time-better-than-others

Hunt, Gather, Parent. by Michaeleen Doucleff

No Drama Discipline. by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

References

1. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. “Screen Time and Children.” American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, May 24, 2024. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx.
2. Bal, Mazhar, Ayşe Gül Kara Aydemir, Gülüzar Şule Tepetaş Cengiz, and Ahmet Altındağ. “Examining the Relationship between Language Development, Executive Function, and Screen Time: A Systematic Review.” PLOS ONE 19, no. 12 (December 26, 2024). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314540. 
3. Clemente-Suárez, Vicente Javier, Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco, Silvia Herrero-Roldán, Stephanie Rodriguez-Besteiro, Ismael Martínez-Guardado, Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez, and Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera. “Digital Device Usage and Childhood Cognitive Development: Exploring Effects on Cognitive Abilities.” Children 11, no. 11 (October 27, 2024): 1299. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111299. 
4. Kostyrka-Allchorne, Katarzyna, Nicholas R. Cooper, and Andrew Simpson. “The Relationship between Television Exposure and Children’s Cognition and Behaviour: A Systematic Review.” Developmental Review 44 (June 2017): 19–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2016.12.002. 
5. Takahashi, Ippei, Taku Obara, Mami Ishikuro, Keiko Murakami, Fumihiko Ueno, Aoi Noda, Tomomi Onuma, et al. “Screen Time at Age 1 Year and Communication and Problem-Solving Developmental Delay at 2 and 4 Years.” JAMA Pediatrics 177, no. 10 (October 1, 2023): 1039. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3057. 
6. Hutton, John S., Jonathan Dudley, Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus, Tom DeWitt, and Scott K. Holland. “Associations between Screen-Based Media Use and Brain White Matter Integrity in Preschool-Aged Children.” JAMA Pediatrics 174, no. 1 (January 6, 2020). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.3869.
7. Xu, Guifeng, Lane Strathearn, Buyun Liu, Binrang Yang, and Wei Bao. “Twenty-Year Trends in Diagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder among Us Children and Adolescents, 1997-2016.” JAMA Network Open 1, no. 4 (August 31, 2018). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.1471. 
8. Thorell, Lisa B., Jonas Burén, Johanna Ström Wiman, David Sandberg, and Sissela B. Nutley. “Longitudinal Associations between Digital Media Use and ADHD Symptoms in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review.” European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 33, no. 8 (December 23, 2022): 2503–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-022-02130-3. 
9. Li, Chao, Gang Cheng, Tingting Sha, Wenwei Cheng, and Yan Yan. “The Relationships between Screen Use and Health Indicators among Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 19 (October 7, 2020): 7324. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197324. 
10. Haghjoo, Purya, Goli Siri, Ensiye Soleimani, Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi, and Samira Alesaeidi. “Screen Time Increases Overweight and Obesity Risk among Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis.” BMC Primary Care 23, no. 1 (June 28, 2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-022-01761-4. 
11. Simmonds, M., A. Llewellyn, C. G. Owen, and N. Woolacott. “Predicting Adult Obesity from Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis.” Obesity Reviews 17, no. 2 (December 23, 2015): 95–107. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12334. 
12. Twenge, Jean M., Gabrielle N. Martin, and W. Keith Campbell. “Decreases in Psychological Well-Being among American Adolescents after 2012 and Links to Screen Time during the Rise of Smartphone Technology.” Emotion 18, no. 6 (September 2018): 765–80. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000403.

Coppell is fortunate to be home of one of the top public school districts in the state!

The Coppell Chamber of Commerce, through its Government Affairs Task Force, supports an increase in the funding for public and higher education to ensure higher teacher salaries, school safety and security, workforce readiness and a talent pipeline to maintain our region’s economic competitiveness.

With all 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives and 15 of the 31 seats in the Texas Senate up for election in November, the results of the election will have very real consequences on the funding of Texas’ public schools, which enroll more than 5.5 million students across Texas, including 13,361 in Coppell.

From the Texas Association of School Boards:

“The 88th Texas Legislature was, overall, a disappointment for Texas public schools. While attempts to create a voucher program were unsuccessful, the session ended with no increase in per-student funding and no money designated for teacher pay raises, despite a $33 billion budget surplus.”

For a recap of the last Legislature’s work on school financing, see this white paper by Every Texan.

As the 89^th Texas Legislature prepares to convene on January 14, 2025, Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has said, “The priorities of the conservative majority will be accomplished, including school choice.”

As you prepare to vote this fall, the Chamber’s Government Affairs Task Force encourages you to carefully consider this, and other non-partisan, information.

The Crucial Role of Public Schools in Society

Public schools are fundamental in building an educated, equitable and economically prosperous society, supporting the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.

1. Access to Education for All: Public schools provide free, universal education, ensuring that every child, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to learning. This helps promote equal opportunity and reduce social inequality.
2. Foundation for Democracy: A well-educated population is essential for a functioning democracy. Public schools teach students not only academic skills but also civic values, critical thinking and how to participate in society. This helps create informed citizens who can engage in civic duties such as voting and community participation.
3. Economic Growth: Education is key to preparing the future workforce. Public schools equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the job market. A more educated population leads to higher productivity, innovation and economic development.
4. Social Integration: Public schools bring together students from diverse backgrounds, promoting social cohesion and cultural understanding. By learning alongside peers from different walks of life, students develop social skills, empathy and a sense of community.
5. Personal Development: Schools nurture not just academic growth but also personal growth. Students learn values like responsibility, teamwork, discipline and resilience, which are essential for their development as individuals and members of society.
6. Support for Families and Communities: Public schools provide a critical support system for families. They offer resources beyond academics, such as nutrition programs, counseling services and extracurricular activities. Schools also often serve as community hubs, fostering partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
7. Reducing Social Inequality: Public education can act as a leveling force by providing opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. It helps reduce gaps in achievement and provides pathways for upward mobility.

How Texas Public School Are Financed

Public schools in Texas are funded through a combination of local, state and federal sources. Here’s an overview of the primary funding mechanisms:

1. Local Property Taxes: Local funding comes primarily from property taxes collected by school districts. The amount each district receives depends on local property values. Wealthier areas with higher property values generate more revenue through property taxes, while lower-income areas generate less.
2. State Funding: The state provides additional funding to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources between wealthy and poorer districts. This is done through the Foundation School Program, which allocates funds based on a district’s property wealth per student, student enrollment, and other factors such as special needs or English language learners. The state also uses Recapture, or the “Robin Hood” system, to take revenue from property-rich districts and redistribute it to property-poor districts. (At $27.8 million, Recapture is the second biggest expenditure in the 2024-2025 Coppell ISD budget, behind only payroll. To learn more about Recapture, visit RecaptureTexas.org.)
3. Federal Funding: Federal funding accounts for a smaller portion and is mainly targeted at specific programs or needs. For example, Title I provides funding to schools with a high percentage of low-income students, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides funding for special education services.
4. Other Sources: Some districts also raise money through local bonds, fees, and other sources, though these funds are often earmarked for specific projects like infrastructure improvements.

Together, these sources create a complex system meant to balance disparities in local wealth while ensuring all students have access to education.

For more information, please see these additional resources:

• “An Introduction to School Finance in Texas” by Texas Taxpayers and Research Association’s Research Foundation
• “Truth about School Finance: Myth vs. Reality” by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
• “Public Schools, Not Vouchers, Offer the Most School Choice” also by TASB
• “School Vouchers 101” by Raise Your Hand Texas

From Raise Your Hand Texas:

“Texas’ economic future will be determined by the success of our public schools. For this reason, Texas citizens and the officials they elect should support the public school system and its capacity for progress and reinvention.”

Voters have the power to decide how our public schools are financed going forward. Use your voice on November 5.

By Lori Vann, MA, LPCS

It’s taboo.  Secretive.  Embarrassing.  But if your company does not address this need, it can cost your business, your team members, your family, and even your clients time, money, energy, reputation, health, and maybe even a life.

Your company needs a solid foundation for its success.  And that solid foundation begins with a blueprint of wellness that reduces the stress fractures as you grow your company. Unfortunately, some companies are either unaware of their potential vulnerable spots or they try to use duct tape to do an emergency repair hoping that it will hold for just a little bit longer. 

Your business’s financial health is directly connected to your team’s health.  Your team’s health and the prevention strategies that you put in place are part of laying a solid foundation. If you or your team are not healthy, then your bottom line will be negatively impacted. Put simply, your business’s health is its wealth.

Oftentimes, businesses will say that they do not have the funds to provide psychological and physiological resources. However, let’s consider the following question. Which is more cost-effective being proactive – by putting resources and strategies in place before an employee emergency occurs – or being reactive? 

It isn’t to say that every time there is an unanticipated situation with a team member it is going to cost your company a significant amount of money or reputation, but it will create some level of stress. Stress that you feel as a C-Suite member, a director, a manager, or an entry-level employee. Stress can have a ripple effect throughout an organization. It can be felt when you enter into a building. Stress is cumulative. Eventually, the stress will build and it will negatively impact your bottom line.

Now imagine the relief that you feel knowing you have provided the resources and support that your team needs to help keep them at work and not on disability, to help keep them focused on their task instead of making costly production mistakes because they’re distracted, and in a better mood that translates into more pleasant customer service experiences that can lead to building a reputation as a company that the community wants to do business with and future team members want to work for.  Did you feel your stress level go down a bit as you imagined that scenario? 

During a time when attracting and retaining quality team members is critical for companies, it is important to note findings from an article in Penn Foster for Organizations (January 4, 2024), that “Data suggests a 40% increase in job burnout in 2024. 81% of employees expect companies to implement mental health initiatives in the coming year.” (Ambrosio) 

In November 2022, Gallup.com reported that nearly one-fifth of U.S. workers (19%) rate their mental health as fair or poor, and these workers report about four times more unplanned absences due to poor mental health than do their counterparts who report good, very good or excellent mental health. Projected over a 12-month period, workers with fair or poor mental health are estimated to have nearly 12 days of unplanned absences annually compared with 2.5 days for all other workers. Generalized across the U.S. workforce, this missed work is estimated to cost the economy $47.6 billion annually in lost productivity (Witters and Agrawal).

Burnout can take many forms from panic attacks, physical ailments, chronic sickness requiring doctor visits, depression, procrastination, substance misuse, tardiness, or quiet quitting.  

There are several consequences of a team member going on disability. First, their work will need to be transferred to another team member. This added work in addition to the current assignments creates additional stress and pressure for that individual, which in turn can increase their risk of burnout. The work that has been delegated to another employee may be delayed, which could create frustration with a customer.  Another possibility is that mistakes are made during that task which can lead to a customer becoming upset and then additional time spent trying to correct the mistake. Mistakes cost money and impact the reputation of the business.  Decreased productivity goes with decreased revenue.

To be clear, it isn’t only employees who are struggling.  An article in Inc. magazine found that 75% of business owners are concerned about their mental health issues and 56% of those owners have a diagnosable illness that includes depression, anxiety, or another stress-related issue (May 18, 2023). 

Whether you are the founder of a start up small business with a few team members or the CEO of a billion dollar international company, it can be challenging to ask for assistance or take time to conduct self-care. There are several possible reasons as to why guidance, help, or vacations are not more actively pursued. It could be that there’s a belief that they should have all of the answers and be able to handle everything on their own.  Maybe a belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness and it could negatively affect how they are perceived by others. Or they may not realize that their mood has changed and that they are responding to people differently than they used to; when changes gradually happen over time, we grow accustomed to the stressor and no longer realize its impact on us or others. 

So what are some of the signs that may indicate that stress is taking over, burnout is moving in, a business is going to be adversely affected, or there’s a higher risk of becoming a nightly news story?

These are some of the signs and symptoms that may appear in the workplace:

• Decreased attention to details, which may lead to making mistakes
• Decreased concentration, easily distracted
• Late to work
• Forgetful
• Irritable
• Easily angered with or without provocation
• Nervous energy, jittery, repetitive behaviors
• Decreased energy
• Obsessing/ruminating, “what if’ing”
• Micromanaging/need for control
• Panic or Anxiety Attacks
• Overwhelmed
• Tearful with or without known provocation
• Detaches, disconnected, isolating
• On edge, hypervigilant
• Jumpy, easily startled
• Change in eating habits
• Change in Sleeping habits, such as insomnia or hypersomnia
• Use of substances as a way to “cope” with life, an increase in smoking or drinking
• Slurring speech, droopy eyes, red eyes, difficulty with communication
• Change in appearance—unshaven, uncombed hair, disheveled clothing
• New avoidance of certain people, places, foods, being touched, jokes, etc.
• Discussion of death
• Noticing new injuries of scratches, cuts, bruises, burns, skin picking
• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Feeling emotionally numb

If you believe that either you or someone you know is experiencing a few or many of the above symptoms, then it is important to not ignore what’s going on. While everyone has a “bad day” where they feel discouraged or frustrated, those feelings usually remit within a few days. However, if someone is experiencing these symptoms for a week or longer, and especially if the intensity is increasing during that time, then it is time to intervene. Hoping that the symptoms go away is not a viable option and usually leads to more problems.  

How do you approach someone that may be experiencing a health situation?  

The answer depends on the nature of the relationship that you have with that person.  If they are a peer that you have had social interaction with or have previously shared personal information with, then you can approach them in a calm, non-confrontational, non-judgmental manner with your concerns.  Then, allow them to talk without interruption.  This conversation may not be one that you can easily have during the lunch hour, so watch the timing of when you initiate it so it does not feel rushed.  

If you do not know the team member that well, but you know of someone who does, then you may want to have an informal discussion with that party regarding your observations.  The individual and you can then decide on the next steps.  

However, if have not seen that team member interact with peers or have an affable relationship with their supervisor, then evaluate the options that Human Resources provides.  Do they have a way to make an anonymous report?  Are there EAP or other resources that are available to the team?  If so, could those be emailed as a memo so that it isn’t singling out anyone?  

Each situation is unique, so these are general guidelines.  The best time to address potential issues is before the issues arise. 

What do you do if you are experiencing a health situation?

First and foremost, you are not alone.  It is estimated that in any given year that between 3.5 to 5% of adults in America have PTSD and “a recent study by Gallup showed that 29% of Americans have been diagnosed with depression during their lifetime” (Santilli, 2023).  You are NOT alone!  It does not mean that you are weak, defective, broken, or “less than” because you are experiencing challenges.  If you have lived long enough, you will encounter something traumatic and it will have an impact on your life.  

Consider these numbers from a 2022 survey that was cited on onemedical.com: 

Employees’ poor mental health is taking a toll on their productivity: 64% of workers said they’re struggling with mental or behavioral health issues. 91% of these employees said they’re less productive due to their mental or behavioral health issues, with 45% reporting a productivity loss of more than 5 hours a week.

Find out what your insurance plan and company offer as mental health benefits or supports for healthy living.  Do you have EAP benefits?  Does your company have an educational portal filled with coping skills, tips, or referrals?  Some EAPs provide benefits that range from coaching and counseling services to nutrition, caretaker support, legal aid, retirement planning, and more.

While going into an explanation as to what to look for in a coach versus counselor, the terminology used, and what takes place during the first visit is an article in itself, here are some quick tips.  

First, find out if your insurance covers behavioral or mental health visits, does the deductible apply, and what is your copay.  Second, identify the goals that you have for the visits.  Third, when you think about the type of individual that you tend to feel the most comfortable speaking with regarding personal information, is it someone of the same sex or different sex?   Does ethnicity matter?  Do you want someone with similar religious beliefs?  Are there certain days or times that you need for visits?  If you would like additional questions to ask, you can contact the author for more suggestions.  

As a business, if you want to be a place where people want to work and do business with, then here are some tips that can reduce your risk of your team going on disability, having an accident, giving poor customer service, turnover, making costly mistakes on their tasks, decrease productivity, or ending up as an unfortunate news story.  Consider the impact that has on a team’s morale when someone leaves on disability, quits, is let go, or is in trouble with the law.  Another team member has to take up those projects and try to accomplish more tasks in the same amount of time.  This can lead to that team member experiencing burnout.    

And what about the impact of the death of a team member?  Whether or not it was an accident, suicide, or natural causes, it can have a profound impact on the individuals in that department.  Is there a risk that a team member will want to leave their job because it is too painful to stay in that same department?  What if there is an employee who was already struggling with depression, could someone’s death increase those thoughts? 

Pro-Active Steps

In the OneMedical.com article, “97% of HR leaders agreed that providing healthcare benefits that are high-quality, patient-centered, and a good value increases job satisfaction, employee engagement, and their ability to recruit and retain employees” (2022).

In November, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s survey found that “Ninety four percent of employers report making new investments in care for mental health and substance use disorders” (2023). 

If you have a small business that does not have an HR department, you may ask where do I start?  The Chamber of Commerce is a great starting point because there may be a member who has a business that can assist you with setting up programs.  Other members can provide employee education on stress management and burnout prevention, counseling or coaching services, nutrition, or healthy catering of events.  Once a month other members could provide holistic services for the team to show appreciation and reduce stress.   

The next recommendation falls in line with the “Ask, Don’t Assume” category.  Different departments and different positions require different approaches because they have different needs.  A one size approach does not usually work well with any team that has 15 or more members, much less 100 or more.  While some individuals will not share their thoughts no matter what you do, there are those who can be encouraged to share their thoughts that may have been hesitant to in another forum.  If we have learned nothing else from social media, it is that people like to post anonymous comments and, when they do, they tend to be more forthcoming with their opinions.  Developing a feedback system where the team feels safe in sharing their thoughts is key for any progress to be made in creating an environment where people feel heard.

If your business uses or refers to community resources, invite them to Meet and Greet events with your team.  This helps to build a relationship between your employees and the providers.  When people are able to ask questions and “put a face to a name”, then people become more open to using those resources.   If possible, have the meetings in person and not online.  Individuals are less likely to ask questions on a Zoom meeting but may feel comfortable if there is a quiet area to speak face-to-face with someone.  Finally, when possible, have demonstrations or workshops as part of the “get to know your resources” event.

This leads to providing workshops that are tailored to the needs of your particular organization and its departments.  It is preferable to have these events in person, as many individuals who sign onto video calls will turn off their camera to continue to work on a project and not listen to what is being said.  There is a different type of connection that occurs between the audience and the speaker when it is a live event.  Attendees tend to be more focused, and it is easier for the speaker to “read the room” and adjust the event appropriately.  A live, in-person event allows for more interaction between the attendees and this, in turn, also helps to build rapport among colleagues. 

For additional suggestions on topics, anyone who has been moved into a leadership position could attend a workshop on how to be a respected leader.  Also, assertive communication in the workplace—what it is and what it isn’t can be helpful.  Boundaries in personal and professional life is another area that could be beneficial to a company by reducing trips to HR for complaints or burnout.   

In conclusion, whether you are part of a small business or a large corporation, there are many resources available to you to help keep you and your team humming along.  Remember that your business’ wealth is found in its team members’ health.  Investing in your team is investing in your business.  

For additional resources, referrals, or questions, contact www.VannWellness.com or info@vannwellness.com  

The Chamber’s Working Well in Coppell Committee is excited to launch a new addition to the Chamber’s newsletter and blog – a series of educational articles written by members of our Healthcare Council. The Chamber’s Healthcare Council meets monthly in a collaborative environment where medical practitioners, administrators and experts from diverse healthcare sectors can share experiences and best practices and grow their professional network. For information about joining, contact ellie@coppellchamber.org.

By Erb Family Wellness

We live in a culture where literally everyone has a screen – even many toddlers carry around an iPad. School-age kids have smartphones and do their work on Chromebooks. These devices are meant to make our lives easier, but they may be killing our brains.

Forward Head Posture (FHP) is a condition sweeping the nation as people are spending more time looking down at a screen. This stretches the upper spine forward creating tension on the central nervous system and can even pinch off the nerve supply to organs such as the thyroid and brain. FHP can cause:

• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Arthritis
• Muscular strain
• Muscular spasms
• Pinched nerves
• Damaged discs
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• TMJ
• Fibromyalgia
• Fatigue
• Numbness in hands
• Low back pain
• Loss of control of legs
• Increased intracranial pressure
• Declining brain health

It’s important to be mindful of your posture as you work, text and scroll. Tucking your elbows into your ribs and bringing your phone up to your face to text relieves 40 pounds of pressure from your neck. You can also raise your monitor or laptops to eye level to reduce strain from your spine. 

So, chin up! You don’t have to go crazy getting rid of your devices to beat FHP. There are things you can do to keep your head on your shoulders. 

The Chamber’s Working Well in Coppell Committee is excited to launch a new addition to the Chamber’s newsletter and blog – a series of educational articles written by members of our Healthcare Council. The Chamber’s Healthcare Council meets monthly in a collaborative environment where medical practitioners, administrators and experts from diverse healthcare sectors can share experiences and best practices and grow their professional network. For information about joining, contact ellie@coppellchamber.org.

2023 was a big year in the Chamber’s history as we earned Three-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber. It also marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of Discover Coppell. Both organizations closed the year strong!

On the Chamber side, we’re listening to the concerns of the business community and adapting our event programming to focus on workforce development, technology, and industry-specific networking groups. We’re proud of our advocacy work with the City in successfully fighting off a bill that would have changed local sales tax collection rules and with Coppell ISD in opposing school vouchers.

The Discover Coppell campaign reached hundreds of thousands of North Texans encouraging them to visit the city’s events, restaurants, trails and shops.

Of course the achievements you’ll find in our 2023 Annual Report wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our members, board, volunteers, partners and staff. Thank you.

We look forward to celebrating these accomplishments with the community at the Gala on Saturday night and to building upon them in 2024!

Sincerely,

Ellie Braxton, Coppell Chamber CEO/President