A Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health pediatrician weighs in

Manahawkin, N.J. - August 19, 2026&nbsp;- As families prepare for &lsquo;back-to-school&rsquo; time, it&rsquo;s a great opportunity to evaluate how your child&rsquo;s daily routine is structured. From ensuring a good start with a nutritious breakfast to encouraging appropriate amounts of homework time and sleep based on age, creating time for physical activity is also important. As a general pediatrician, I strongly believe that recess is not a luxury for children &ndash; it is a necessity. Children spend much of their day in structured academic settings, and recess provides an essential mental and physical reset.

From a mental health standpoint, unstructured play allows children to decompress, reduce stress, improve their mood, and return to the classroom better able to focus and learn. Physically, recess encourages movement, exercise, coordination, and healthy social interaction, all of which are critical for childhood development.

This is why I am so encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) recent <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2026-077025/207527/The-Crucial-Role-of-Recess-in-School-Policy?autologincheck=redirected" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">updated policy statement</a> on school recess. For the first time in 13 years, the influential pediatricians' group has issued new guidance stressing that recess is far more than just a fun break in the day. It is a crucial requirement for a student's physical, mental, and academic well-being.&nbsp;

The AAP also strongly emphasizes that recess should be considered a child's personal time and should never be withheld for punitive or academic reasons. All too often, the students deprived of recess as a punishment are the ones who would benefit from a mental and physical reset the most.

The Physical Benefits of Daily Play
At a time when childhood obesity rates are a major concern, protecting time for movement is vital. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood-obesity-facts/childhood-obesity-facts.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">1 in 5 children </a>and adolescents in the United States (19.7%) are affected by obesity.

The CDC recommends that children get<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/adding-children-adolescents/index.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> at least 60 minutes </a>of physical activity every day. A protected, daily recess period is one of the most effective and consistent ways to help students reach that goal.

Equally important is ensuring that children have safe outdoor spaces where they can run, explore, socialize, and simply be kids. Outdoor play promotes creativity, independence, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Protecting and prioritizing recess is a direct investment in the physical, emotional, and developmental health of our children.

The Pitfalls of Indoor Recess and Screen Time
Even when recess is held, I am increasingly concerned about the amount of time children spend staring at screens throughout the school day. Recent reports conclude that many schools engage in indoor recess where some kids are allowed to be on their laptops or tablets.

Extended computer and screen time use can contribute to eye strain, headaches, reduced social interaction, difficulty maintaining attention, and increased mental fatigue. When children are given access to devices instead of active recess time, they miss out on the critical movement, face-to-face interaction, and mental reset their developing brains and bodies need. Continuously allowing children to have access to screen time instead of recess essentially nullifies the essence and benefits of this crucial break.

Recess is more than just a break from academics &ndash; it is an important part of supporting mental health, physical health, emotional regulation, and healthy childhood development. We must continue to prioritize opportunities for safe, active, outdoor play during the school day.

<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/moses-f-olorunnisola/1314727" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Moses Olorunnisola, M.D.</a>, is a pediatrician at Hackensack Meridian Children's Health who sees patients at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center. To learn more, visit <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/kids" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">hackensackmeridianhealth.org/kids</a>.

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Why Recess is a Necessity, Not a Luxury for...

A Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health pediatrician weighs in...

Why Recess is a Necessity, Not a Luxury for Children

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Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health Experts Weigh In Manahawkin, N.J. - August 7, 2026 - The <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/158/1/e2026077414/207901/Prevention-Screening-Diagnosis-and-Treatment-of" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)</a>, the nation's leading group of pediatricians, has issued crucial new guidance to protect children and teens from iron deficiency. These updated recommendations are designed to help parents and doctors prevent severe complications, including learning and concentration issues as well as other developmental delays through improved screening, adjusted treatment protocols and dietary interventions.

Iron deficiency is a widespread problem that can affect a child's brain development and lead to fatigue and anemia. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003 to 2010, at least 15% of toddlers and 11% of adolescents are iron deficient, and the numbers may be rising.
The new guidance on iron deficiency provides the following strategies and recommendations for prevention and treatment from birth through the teenage years:
<ul><li>Prevention that begins at birth with the AAP recommending iron supplements for exclusively breastfed babies by four to six months of age.</li><li>For toddlers and young children, the focus is on a diet rich in iron and limiting the amount of milk they drink, as too much milk can interfere with iron absorption.</li><li>The guidelines highlight the importance of screening for and addressing heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescent girls, a common cause of iron deficiency.</li><li>A once-daily oral iron supplement is effective for most infants, children and teens.</li></ul>
<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/melissa-carrie-wallach/1319843" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Melissa Wallach, M.D., FAAP</a>, pediatrician at Hackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian Children&rsquo;s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, says these updated guidelines are a huge step forward for everyday pediatric care. &ldquo;The 'silent' problem of iron deficiency can impact everything from a toddler's development to a teenager's ability to focus in school. The new recommendations give us a clear, preventative roadmap from birth through adolescence. It's about providing the best, most evidence-based care at every stage of childhood," she said.

These new guidelines, written by medical experts and based on the latest scientific evidence, are designed to give parents and pediatricians the best tools to ensure children grow up healthy and thrive. Parents are encouraged to talk to their pediatrician about these recommendations and what they mean for their child's health.
To learn more, visit <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/kids" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">hackensackmeridianhealth.org/kids</a>. ###(photo by vecteezy.com)

Fighting Iron Deficiency in Children

Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health Experts Weigh InManahawkin, N.J. - August 7, 2026 - The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the nation's...

The following community events are offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in August (locations vary):

MANAHAWKIN - Southern Ocean Medical Center is hosting a FREE LECTURE ON Understanding Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes Walk and Talk on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at the Doc Cramer Sports Complex, 490 Doc Cramer Blvd, Manahawkin. Join our dietician to explore risk factors, healthy lifestyle modifications, and practical tips for managing blood sugar levels while walking. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990.

MANAHAWKIN - Southern Ocean Medical Center is hosting FREE Wellness Screenings on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at ShopRite of Manahawkin, 733 Rt 72, Manahawkin. Join us on our Your Health on the Move Van as medical staff perform wellness screenings, which include blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and stroke risk assessments. *Fasting is not required. For more information, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990.

WARETOWN - Southern Ocean Medical Center is hosting FREE Wellness Screenings on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 1 - 4 p.m. at ShopRite of Waretown, 501 US-9, Waretown. Join us on our Your Health on the Move Van as medical staff perform wellness screenings, which include blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and stroke risk assessments. *Fasting is not required. For more information, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990.
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(photo by shadowkill at freeimages.com)

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical...

The following community events are offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in August (locations vary):...

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center August Events

Manahawkin, N.J. - On Tuesday, August 25, Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center is sponsoring a blood drive at the hospital in collaboration with Vitalant. The event will take place 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. in the hospital&rsquo;s Beach Plum Conference Room, 1140 Rt. 72 West, Manahawkin. Donors must be at least 16-years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and haven&rsquo;t donated whole blood in the eight weeks prior to the appointment. To participate, donors are encouraged to register for an appointment at <a href="http://donors.vitalant.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">donors.vitalant.org</a> (use code: XSOMC) or by calling 877-258-4825 and must present identification upon arrival.&nbsp;

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Blood Drive at Southern Ocean Medical Center

Manahawkin, N.J. - On Tuesday, August 25, Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center is sponsoring a blood drive at the hospital in...

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