A Bronx, N.Y., fourth-grader complains of dizziness and has
trouble catching his breath. In another school, such a child
might immediately be sent home, but this student's school houses
a health center, supported by Children's Hospital at Montefiore.
As a result, the teacher refers him to the center's physician,
who conducts a thorough medical exam and interviews the boy
about his home life, peers and academic workload. In just one
visit, the provider pinpoints the problem: The child is anxious
about upcoming standardized tests. The physician refers him to
the center's onsite mental health provider, who recommends that
he participate in an anxiety-reduction group, where he learns
ways to calm his fears. His teacher is involved in his treatment
and reinforces the relaxation techniques in class. In the end,
the child passes the exam that triggered his anxiety. But more
importantly, he is better equipped to deal with future anxieties
--and a student who might have been caught in a downward spiral
of falling grade