Lee's Summit, MO August 2024

Lee’s Summit’s Premier Aesthetic Center

Where aging is OPTIONAL

How Should you Respond to Market Cycles?

The movement of the financial markets can seem mysterious. But in looking back, we can see patterns that consistently repeat themselves. As an investor, how should you respond to these market cycles?

It’s useful to know that market cycles are connected to business cycles — the overall movement of the economy. In fact, a market cycle frequently anticipates the business cycle, so stock prices may rise or fall several months before the economy reaches high or low points.

When you invest, though, it may not be a good idea to try to time the market, making buy or sell decisions based on where you think the market cycle is at any given time. Such a strategy could lead to mistakes, such as selling quality investments to avoid losses.

Instead, try to stick to a long-term strategy that’s based on your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and need for liquidity. And try to diversify your portfolio among a range of investments. While diversification can’t prevent all losses, it can help reduce the impact of market volatility.

Rather than getting stuck in a cycle, follow your own path toward achieving your most important financial objectives.

Letter from the Publisher

This issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children and pets bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.

Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment and we are happy to highlight the best for Lee’s Summit kids in this issue.

The special kind of companionship of a pet can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.

This year has brought a mix of immense sadness and joy alike when it comes to pets and children.  We had to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Daisy, who shared every possible experience with our 3 girls for 17 years.  She was the center of our lives and was the one thing that pulled us together for laughter, fun, and camaraderie. Fortunately our family was able to focus our attention on our first grandson turning one years old, and the announcement of a second grandson coming soon. It’s amazing how we generally find that during the times of a significant loss we find our profound love is redirected to sharing it with either a new person, child, or pet.  So the loss itself creates a space and new opportunity to experience a deep love for someone else, or a new pet in need of care.

We are proud to feature a handful of inspirational stories of kids and pets this month and hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life.

LAURA PASZKIEWICZ, PUBLISHER

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Stephanie Williams | stephanie.williams@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Judy Goppert, Allison Swan, Lauren Powers

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Orthodontics for ALL AGES

JUST KEEP SWIMMING!

Summer is the time for so many activities, and swimming tops the list. Now in their ninth season, The New Longview Sea Stallions Swim Team boasts more than 120 swimmers annually, pulling from surrounding neighborhoods such as Longview Farms, Bridlewood, Highland Meadows, Meadows of Winterset and Kessler Ridge.

“We compete with Raintree, Lakewood, Winterset, Bent Tree, Windsboro and Oak Tree Farm,” explained Shannon Yeates, team mom volunteer. “Swimming is a physical activity that lasts a lifetime. We compete with a variety of swimming styles, including freestyle, back stroke, butterfly and breaststroke as well as medley and free relays.”

Laura Bliss, co-league representative, reiterates this noting, “Our team has seen growth and provides a daily summer activity for kids to learn life skills, get to know neighbors, classmates and stay active all summer. As we travel around the city competing, we join as a community to support these athletes.”

As a former Division 1 collegiate swimmer, Marisa Abreu took the reins and developed this neighborhood swim program in 2016.

“At the initial kickoff meeting more than 80 interested families were excited to join but had never been a part of an organized swim team,” Abreu said. “It takes over 100 volunteers to run a timely, regular season meet.

“Parent volunteers are an integral part of making our swim meets successful,” Yeates said, who also has an eight- and elevenyear-old on the team. “This contributes to the family atmosphere surrounding the team and has helped its continued growth.”

In 2022, the team began including an adaptive race for kids who have diverse physical or learning abilities. These kids swim a Victory Lap to start meets. The SSL league set-up registration so these participants are truly part of a team, receiving a shirt, medals and team photo.

James and Erika Grimmer were integral in bringing adaptive swim to the SSL league.

“We started the Victory Lap as a way to try and include our daughter with special needs on the swim team with her brothers and sister. She loves to swim, but adaptive swim opportunities are hard to find. Our hope was that we could find a simple way for her, and other adaptive swimmers, to be included in the fun of a swim meet,” said Erika Grimmer. Erika also said, “Each Wednesday we get to see these individuals included and celebrated and it’s deeply special.”

Melissa Uptegrove, class program teacher of 30 years for adaptive victory lap swimmers, finds the New Longview swim community’s support of neurodiverse children and their families inspiring. Three of these swimmers include Rhys Burke, John Scheuer and Raeney Hubbard.

“The team has acknowledged that these kiddos might do things a bit differently and have made adjustments, allowing them to fully participate at the level of their abilities,” she noted. “Seeing the smiles on their faces and the cheering of families and team members, is incredible. Everyone walks away winners!”

Different food trucks come to the meets, including Burnt Finger food truck owned by Megan Day who lives in New Longview. She is a female pitmaster and one of their gold sponsors.

Gold level sponsors contributing $550 or more include: Hawthorn Bank, Smile Doctors, Lee's Summit Lifestyle Magazine, Salon Metric, Key Foundation, GST, Zen Donkey, Ben Yeates - Prosperity Home Mortgage, Burnt Finger BBQ and Heath Law.

"Our family moved to New Longview from another city as the swim team entered its third year and was pleasantly surprised by the community commitment and camaraderie. Swimming has become our son's favorite sport and now he is in his fifth season as a Sea Stallion," said Misti Preston, parent of Pleasant Lea Middle Schooler. "What swimming has taught my son goes well beyond any other sport he has participated in. It creates life skills he will be able to carry with him for a lifetime, including personal goal setting, team building, and dedication."

Their last home meet was July 2nd, and on July 13th, they participated in the championship meet at Metropolitan Community College.

Visit nlvseastallions.swimtopia.com for more information.

BODIES PILATES

TO DO MORE GOOD, THEY RELOCATED TO A LARGER, UPDATED FACILITY.

Developing Potential, Inc. Develops Potential!

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT

“

It is important for each person in our community to have opportunities to become his or her best self.

Developing Potential has been dedicated to the community since 1993.  DPI was created to respond to a significant service need in Jackson County.  Developing Potential, Inc, is turning the tide for so many and improving their lives and literally Developing their Potential.

This holistic program focuses on body mind and spirit, helping people build strength, fostering independence and being a vehicle for changing lives.

Rebecca Case founded it and has been with the organization for 30 years. She started the program because she had a cousin with a developmental disability. As she and others grow into adulthood, services are not always available when individuals leave the school setting. They find that resources are just not available. She required a lot of direct assistance and medical support, which spoke to Rebecca’s heart.

“My cousin provided me a valuable lesson about life–everyone has potential,” Rebecca said. “It is important for each person in our community to have opportunities to become his or her best self. This is what motivated me to start Developing Potential and what drives me today to provide meaningful programs for more individuals in our community.”

Founded in 1993 in downtown Kansas City with just eight individuals, DPI soon grew through word of mouth to serve 50 people within three years. They then had a waitlist as the demand grew. It quickly became clear that these services were desperately needed in the greater metropolitan area. They quickly expanded to a site in Independence in 2002, and several years later opened a third location in Lee’s Summit to the many requests of the community.

They have always been committed to offering high-quality day services to adults with IDD. The Day Services program helps individuals develop and practice the skills needed for daily living, allowing family

members to work while their loved one is cared for at DPI. On- and off-site, individuals work on skill-building activities focused on self-care, socialization, cognition, self-expression and other essential everyday skills. Participants are also integrated into the community through trips off site.  Individuals work with staff to create personal development goals related to self-management, health, relationships, life skills, and employment.

The Health and Medical Support program was then created in 2008, which incorporates direct medical support with day services. This addition ensures all individuals with need can access care no matter the complexity of their diagnosis. The program focuses on preventative health care through annual health assessments, increased physical activity, and staff and caregiver training.

In 2012, DPI opened this third day services location in Lee’s Summit, and the Customized Employment program was created to help individuals find and maintain job opportunities with competitive pay. The program provides workplace support as staff guide individuals through the job-search process, developing interview skills, and on-the-job coaching once the participant finds employment.

Thirty years from opening its doors DPI is now a leading agency in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri, serving approximately 130 individuals, aged 19 to 65, through its programs each year. They are currently enrolling for their intake admission process and have space to serve more people in their beautiful new Lee’s Summit facility. Rebecca notes a key to the success of DPI’s mission is the wonderful, quality staff at DPI. Servant leadership is seen daily, and it truly makes a difference in the lives of others each day.

Developing Potential, Inc. is located at 235 NW Executive Way, Lee’s Summit, MO. Call 816-525-6000 and visit developingpotantial.org

The Adventures of Hattie and Hank

Teacher turned children's author publishes first book

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Jordan Lowe's path to becoming a children’s book author is both inspiring and heartfelt. Holding a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she spent five years nurturing a love for reading in first-grade classrooms. The spark for her book series ignited eight years ago when she shared photos from a New Zealand trip with her first grade students who were captivated by the images and eager to learn more.

“I tried finding grade level appropriate geography books to have in the classroom and noticed they were all geared towards intermediate readers with a lot of text and very few pictures,” says Lowe. “I wanted to create a nonfiction geography series that would bring the world into the laps of younger readers who are just starting on their reading journey.”

However, a career change, marriage and starting a family put this idea on hold.  In August 2023, dinner with her friend Chelsea Buchanan, an aspiring illustrator, rekindled the dream. They both worked corporate jobs and yearned to pursue their creative passions.

“That night, I asked her to illustrate the manuscript for the first book. Seeing the illustrations not only brought the book to life, but our dreams as well!”

They decided to self publish the series to maintain creative control, leading to the creation of Hen Hat Publishing. Over the past six months, Lowe and Buchanan have navigated the complexities of the publishing world, from formatting and editing to marketing and printing, all while cherishing the journey of creating something meaningful.

“The first book in the series, “The Adventures of Hattie and Hank”, introduces a geography obsessed girl, Hattie, and her trusty travel partner and family dog, Hank. Hattie’s love of geography, adventure and culture stem from her dad’s career as a photographer for a travel magazine. After years of settling for backyard adventures, Hattie and Hank finally get the chance to tag along on dad’s work trip. As the trip comes to an end, her dad accidentally sends his boss the pictures meant for her mom and they end up landing a gig as the faces of a brand new children’s travel magazine.

“This travel magazine is a non-fiction geography series that takes primary grade readers (kindergarten through 3rd grade) to places all over the world with their favorite tour guides, Hattie and Hank. The layout is picture heavy with grade-level appropriate text, so kids can confidently enjoy the content independently while laughing along the way. The books in the series are written as we travel to each place—the pictures are made up of photographs taken by me and hand-drawn illustrations created by Chelsea.”

She is inspired by her daughter and husband to bring these stories to life.

“I wanted to create a nonfiction geography series that would bring the world into the laps of younger readers who are just starting on their reading journey.”

“Seeing the world through Hattie’s eyes is a gift that I will never take for granted. Her curiosity for the world around her is inspiring! When Henry and I first met, we decided that we wanted to live a life full of adventure and love. He has shown an incredible amount of love and support for this book writing adventure. We’re expecting our second child in October and we can’t wait to have him join in on the fun!”

Preorders for signed first editions will start in August online.  For additional content, videos, free travel itineraries and more, visit Hattieandhank.com

FINDING SOLACE

Caring for Animals brought meaning to this CEO

Sydney Mollentine is the president and CEO of The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. She discovered her passion for animal welfare at 13 when volunteering at a local animal shelter. She found solace and purpose in caring for animals, a refuge from the bullying she endured at school. Homeschooled by her mother, a leader in the nonprofit sector, her curriculum was tailored around nonprofits and animal welfare, fostering her desire to learn everything about animals and shelters. Her early experiences taught her invaluable lessons, shaping her into the dedicated advocate she is today.

“I found refuge in being around animals,” says Mollentine. “Sitting with a scared animal and helping them build confidence and getting adopted taught me I can do hard things, too. It’s funny, when I look back on my childhood I find myself coming full circle—those animals taught me more about how to be brave and how to stand on my own two feet and for years I thought I was teaching them.  I guess you could say I was born to do this.”

Over the past ten years, she immersed herself in every aspect of animal sheltering, learning the importance of each role within a shelter and how they contribute to running a successful nonprofit.

“My favorite quote that I have lived by for decades is by Mahatma Gandhi: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” I often tell myself, and my team, when an animal comes to us broken, discarded, abused, or on the brink of death, it is normal to feel a sense of anger, sadness, frustration—we must remember, when an animal shows up at our doorstep beyond broken, it is often one the hardest of days for us, but it is most certainly

the best of days for the animal.  And that is why we show up every day. The work we do is truly changing the lives of thousands of animals so they can have a great life.”

In her current role, Mollentine serves the greater metropolitan area. This diverse community is united by a deep love for their pets. However, Kansas City is also one of the most underserved areas, with limited resources for affordable veterinary care and pet owner support. The Humane Society bridges this gap, providing essential care and resources to local pets in need.

Annually, the organization sees over 10,000 animals in its clinic, offering life saving vaccines, surgeries and emergency services. Since 1912, the Humane Society has been a constant presence in the community, committed to expanding its impact. Future plans include community outreach programs, a mobile veterinary clinic, and developing social work infrastructures to support the human-animal bond.

The upcoming Paws & Purrls Gala is set for later this year.

“Our Paws & Purrls Gala that will be held on Thursday, October 10th, 2024 at The Abbott, aims to celebrate the hundreds of thousands of pets we have helped as well as build support and donor funds to help us continue our mission into its next phase of growth and development. Our gala is vital to the success of our city and the people and pets within. We are the only resource available for thousands of residents, and the only affordable option for thousands more.  Our organization is growing at a rapid pace and we are wanting to bring on supporters and sponsors whose philanthropic mission aligns with our values. Together, we can make our city the place people and pets want to be.”

“

— Chuck F.

Do Good, Look Good

In a little spot in downtown Lee’s Summit, each August, an excitement is brewing that is akin to Christmas. At Advanced Aesthetic Center, August is a month the team looks forward to each year. It’s a month where they get to live their values of giving and community support. August is “Do Good, Look Good.”  This special program is where beauty and benevolence intertwine.

AAC, founded by Becky and her late husband Robert Lilly, has always prioritized clinical excellence and community commitment. With 46 years of nursing experience, including 15 years in the aesthetics field, Becky seeks innovative ways to make a positive impact in the community. Unlike typical reward programs, the AAC approach marries philanthropy with beauty treatments, offering clients double the value in Botox and Daxxify services for their charitable donations. “It is amazing to see our clients come together for a wonderful cause. They are always so excited to participate”

Jill Copeland, AAC Practice Manager says with a smile.

Six years ago, AAC launched “Do Good, Look Good” by dedicating the month of August to collect personal items for Hope House. “You should have seen the lobby! It was filled with stuff,” mentions Jill. “From there we knew we had something special.” The initiative and scope quickly grew. Over the years, they have supported local nonprofits such as: Mothers Refuge, Crossroads Hospice, and Pro Deo Youth Center. Last year’s monthlong campaign raised an impressive $21,000 for three different organizations.

Each year, the AAC team thoughtfully selects charities that resonate with their clients and each other. They look to what boards their clients may be serving on or charities where their time is volunteered, ensuring the contributions have a personal and profound impact. This year, clients will be able to donate with

the proceeds earmarked for Impact Shoes and the food pantry at Prairie View Elementary.

Impact Shoes, part of the Impact 2 Power nonprofit organization, collaborates with counselors and teachers in the Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs districts to provide high school students with new footwear. This program is set apart by its emphasis on choice. Students are asked, “What shoes are you?” allowing them to select their preferred brand, color, and style. Jenna Saucier of Impact 2 Power believes this approach gives students a sense of dignity and individuality. “This is important for a student in need to feel like they have a choice. Their opinion matters, and their authentic self is celebrated and encouraged,” she explains.

The food pantry at Prairie View Elementary, the largest elementary school in Lee’s Summit, ensures students have access to essential nutrition. As one of the few food pantries located within an area elementary school, it plays a crucial role in the community. This is the second year AAC will support this vital resource, reinforcing their commitment to local children’s well-being.

Becky speaks passionately about her clients’ willingness to support these initiatives. “We have a tremendous patient base that is extremely supportive and loyal. We’ve attracted patients that share our values. Everyone gets excited this time of year,” she says. “We love sharing updates throughout the month. It fosters a sense of unity and purpose.”

“I like that our practice is associated with something good,” Becky reflects.

For more information on Advanced Aesthetic Center, visit their website at www.aaclookyoung.com or call (816) 246-1122 to schedule an appointment.

“It is important to us as a business in this industry to be part of something that is grounding and stabilizing. We want to give back. And, ‘Do Good, Look Good’ is us at our core.”

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Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.

ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES | STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

DOG

SOCIALIZING

“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”

Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.

• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.

• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.

• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.

• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.

HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:

Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.

• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.

• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.

• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.

• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN LEE’S SUMMIT.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from June 2024. Source: IRES MLS system.

10a.m. - 2p.m.; 4 - 9p.m.

J E TT “THEHAW K ”O’CONNE L

“It took one time and the child was hooked.”

A young BMX prodigy and Lee’s Summit native is making waves on the national stage. Jett “The Hawk” O’Connell, at just nine years old, has quickly risen through the ranks of competitive BMX racing, capturing hearts and championships along the way.

Jett’s journey began in January 2023 with a simple visit to the local library. After checking out a book on BMX racing, Jett’s curiosity turned into a passionate plea to his mother, Tara O’Connell. “Mom, I want to race BMX,” he declared with determination. Tara recounts, “I said okay we can look into it and he said, ‘No Mom, I want to really race!’”

From that moment, the O’Connell family dove headfirst into the world of BMX. They watched videos, did extensive research, and discovered two local tracks in Raytown and Blue Springs. With a few

months before the season started, they had time to prepare.

The family’s first step was to visit Bicycle Shack, a local bike shop, to gather information and find the perfect bike for Jett. Little did they know the Bicycle Shack would quickly become a second family.

“We had no idea what to expect,” Tara admits. “It took one time and the child was hooked. I was blown away by everything about the sport – the families, the support, everyone was so encouraging. Jett did not want to leave.”

Jett’s natural talent quickly became evident as he began to win races. The turning point came when Jett won the 2023 State Championship with the support from the Bicycle Shack. It was then that his coaches recognized Jett’s potential and suggested he aim for the prestigious ROC 1 (Race of Champions) title.

ROC 1 is one of the most coveted titles in BMX racing, and Jett was determined to achieve it. He dedicated countless hours to practice, often talking about his dream of winning the award before bed. His hard work paid off when he won ROC 1, earning a red plate for his bike and beating out thousands of competitors to become the top racer in his age group.

“I was excited,” Jett said simply about his monumental win.

Tara vividly remembers the moment Jett won ROC 1. “I checked my heart rate and it was going crazy. At Bicycle Shack we’re a big family, all of those kids are our own kids so we cheer for everyone, but everyone was just going crazy when he won.”

Jett’s dedication to BMX is evident in his rigorous training schedule. He practices four times a week, each session lasting around four hours. “It’s fun but it’s hard. When you get used to it, it gets a lot easier,” Jett shared. His goal now is to defend his championship title in the Expert Class.

The O’Connell family is a tightknit unit, with everyone playing a role in Jett’s racing career. His father, Ian O’Connell, records the races while Tara cheers him on from the sidelines. “Ian will rewatch the race 40 times and Jett studies the film,” Tara explained. Even Jett’s older brother, Gavin, attends races when he can and enjoys the camaraderie of the BMX team.

Traveling across the country for national races, the O’Connells often

take their camper all over from Nashville to Detroit to Pennsylvania and more. When they can’t all attend, the team streams the races on Facebook so the family can watch from home.

Despite his numerous accolades, Jett remains grounded and focused on the aspects of racing he loves most – spending time with friends and the thrill of competition. “My heart beats really fast because you don’t know if you’re going to qualify,” Jett said about pre-race nerves. His favorite races include the Music City event and his victorious 2023 State Championship race at his home track. After every race, Jett rewards himself with a Kona Ice slushie, a small treat for his big efforts.

With eight national championships under his belt, including three in his first season, Jett has his sights set on even greater heights. He dreams of one day competing in the Olympics, a goal that seems well within reach given his dedication and talent.

As Tara reflects on Jett’s journey, she emphasizes the technical precision required in BMX racing. “Even the tiniest mistake could cost you first place and knock you down to fifth,” she said.

Jett “The Hawk” O’Connell is not just a champion; he’s a testament to where passion, hard work, and family support can lead. As he continues to race towards his dreams, the community of Lee’s Summit and the BMX world will be watching and cheering him on.

A Guide To Back-to-School Immunizations

As summer draws to a close, it’s time for parents to prepare their children for the upcoming school year. One of the most important tasks on that back-to-school checklist is ensuring your child is up-to-date on their immunizations. Vaccinations are crucial for protecting your child’s health and the health of their classmates by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about required and recommended vaccines for school-aged children.

Why Immunizations Are Important

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious diseases. They train the immune system to recognize and fight specific viruses and bacteria. By getting your child vaccinated, you are protecting them and helping protect the entire community. When enough people are vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, making spreading diseases harder.

Required Vaccines for School

There are several common vaccines that are typically required across the country. Visit the Missouri Department of Health at https:// health.mo.gov/ for the current vaccination requirements here in Missouri. Here’s a list of the most common vaccines:

DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis). This vaccine protects against three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). Children should receive five doses of the DTaP vaccine at the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. Tdap vaccination is also required at 11-12 years old.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella). The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps,

and rubella (German measles). Two doses are required. The first dose is given at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.

Varicella (Chickenpox) This vaccine protects against chickenpox. Children need two doses: the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.

Polio (IPV). The polio vaccine protects against poliomyelitis, a disease that can cause paralysis. Four doses are given at 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.

Hepatitis B. The hepatitis B vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver disease. Three to four doses are required, typically given at birth, 1-2 months, and 6-18 months.

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b). The Hib vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, which can cause severe infections, and severe infections like meningitis, especially in young children. Three to four doses are given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months.

Pneumococcal (PCV20). This vaccine protects against pneumococcal diseases, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infections, and ear infections. Four doses are required at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months.

Influenza (Flu). The flu vaccine protects against the influenza virus. Annual vaccination is recommended for everyone starting at 6 months of age.

Meningococcal (MCV4). This vaccine protects against 4 strains of meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections. Two doses are given; the first at 11-

Provider Spotlight: Dr. Joseph Lammert

As a parent himself, Dr. Lammert can relate to the challenges, joys, and questions of having a new child at home. He enjoys walking alongside his patients and families through their experiences.

Dr. Joseph Lammert is now seeing patients. Learn more and make an appointment online.

12 years and the second at 16 years.

Preparing for Vaccination

It’s a good idea to schedule your child’s vaccination appointments well before the school year starts. This will give you plenty of time to address any concerns or questions you might have with your healthcare provider. When you go to your child’s vaccination appointment, bring their immunization records. This will help the healthcare provider determine which vaccines your child still needs.

Our Commitment to Your Child’s Health

Keeping your child’s immunizations up-todate is one of the best ways to protect their health and ensure they are ready for school. Vaccinations prevent the spread of serious diseases and keep our communities safe. Don’t wait until the last minute—schedule your child’s vaccination appointments today and make sure their immunization records are up-to-date. Stay informed and proactive about your child’s health to ensure a safe and healthy school year ahead.

At Community Choice Pediatrics, we understand that navigating your child’s health can be complex and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why we are committed to providing you with the most current information and guidance on vaccinations. Our team of experienced healthcare providers is always available to discuss any concerns you may have and to assist in creating a vaccination schedule that is tailored to your child’s specific needs.