As summer rolls around, parents often seek engaging activities that allow children to enjoy the season without screens. A screen-free summer encourages creativity and family bonding and offers countless opportunities for learning and exploration. Instead of defaulting to video games or TV shows, consider these seven exciting ideas that will keep kids entertained while embracing the wonders of the outdoors and hands-on experiences.

Outdoor Adventure Activities

Outdoor adventures can offer children a treasure trove of excitement and exploration. Organize nature scavenger hunts that challenge kids to find specific items like different leaves, flowers, or insects. This gets them moving and enhances their observational skills. Building a fort out of natural materials can ignite their imagination, creating a hideaway for storytelling or simply a peaceful spot to relax. Consider going for nature walks at local parks or trails, allowing kids to appreciate their surroundings and develop a sense of adventure. 

Engaging in outdoor sports like soccer or baseball teaches teamwork and instills a love for physical activity. Signing them up for programs, including options like a local swim school, can strengthen their swimming abilities while making the most of summer. Camping trips can be a perfect family escape, providing opportunities for fishing, hiking, and stargazing. The great outdoors can inspire children and offer them an invaluable connection to nature.

Creative Arts and Crafts

Encouraging creativity is important in a child’s development, making arts and crafts a perfect screen-free activity. Set up a designated craft space where children can paint, draw, or sculpt. Using natural materials like leaves, stones, or twigs will spark innovative ideas and connect them further with nature. Seasonal crafts, such as creating summer wreaths or tie-dye T-shirts, can be exciting projects. These creative outlets are fun and can boost fine motor skills and confidence when they see their completed projects. 

Arranging an art show at home to display their crafted masterpieces can add extra excitement. Another great idea is to teach kids to make homemade greeting cards for family and friends. It fosters artistic expression and enhances their social skills. Engaging in these activities will leave kids with cherished memories while enhancing their creative thinking abilities.

Gardening Projects

Gardening serves as both a practical skill and a fun outdoor activity for children. Start with simple gardening projects where kids can plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs. They can create their mini garden in pots or a designated area of the yard. Beyond planting, this activity teaches them about responsibility and the science of growing plants. Watching seeds sprout into vibrant life can inspire a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for nature. 

Involving them in planning the garden layout can add an element of design and planning. Letting children care for their plants encourages daily interaction with nature and grows their understanding of ecosystems. At harvest time, kids can enjoy the fruits of their labor, quite literally, by using their produce for family meals. 

Cooking and Baking Together

Cooking is an enjoyable and educational hands-on activity that children can experience during summer. Rather than letting children reach for convenience snacks, involve them in the kitchen. Choose simple, healthy recipes that kids can assist with, such as making homemade pizza or baking cookies. This enhances their culinary skills and teaches them about nutrition and the importance of fresh ingredients. 

Assign roles such as measuring, mixing, or decorating to encourage teamwork and give them a sense of responsibility. Create themed meals from different countries to provide an educational twist to cooking. Hosting a family cook-off can add a fun competition element, where every family member can present their dish. 

Community Involvement and Volunteering

Involving children in community service is an excellent screen-free summer activity that teaches valuable life lessons. Research local organizations that welcome families to volunteer together. Whether helping at an animal shelter, participating in clean-up drives, or donating food to local food banks, these activities instill empathy and a sense of social responsibility. Children learn the importance of giving back while gaining a broader perspective on community needs. 

Participating in community events can help them forge friendships. Engaging in service can cultivate gratitude within themselves as they realize how fortunate they are. These activities often involve teamwork, teaching kids cooperation and collaboration. 

Reading Challenges and Book Clubs

Encouraging reading can transform a child’s summer into a journey of discovery and adventure. Set up a reading challenge where children can pick a certain number of books to complete throughout the summer. This encourages them to explore different genres like mystery, fantasy, or nonfiction, catering to their interests. Organizing a family book club can ignite discussions and shared experiences centered around stories. 

Pick a book everyone can read and have a weekly meeting to dive into its themes and characters. Setting a cozy reading nook can further inspire them to pick up a book. To expand this idea, consider connecting with a local library’s summer reading program, which often includes exciting themed events and activities. 

Summer offers families the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories while nurturing important skills. Engaging children in screen-free activities evaluates their creativity, physical fitness, and social responsibility. With these structured yet enjoyable ideas, parents can help their children appreciate the joys of summer without screens while fostering important life skills.

Atrium Health Winston Salem NC stands as a premier academic medical center dedicated to delivering outstanding healthcare services, cutting-edge research, and high-quality medical education. Situated in Winston Salem, North Carolina, this medical institution is a vital part of Advocate Health, one of the largest nonprofit healthcare organizations in the United States. With a workforce of over 19,220 employees and sprawling over 428 acres with nearly 198 buildings, Atrium Health Winston Salem NC has established itself as a pillar of health and wellness in the southeastern U.S.

This expert article provides a detailed look into Atrium Health Winston Salem NC, focusing on its structure, history, clinical services, research initiatives, and future outlook. It also includes a comparison table highlighting key features of the medical center relative to similar institutions. Designed to be both SEO-optimized and highly informative, this article uses the keyword “atrium health winston salem nc” strategically to enhance search visibility while maintaining natural, engaging content flow.

Structure and Core Components of Atrium Health Winston Salem NC

Atrium Health Winston Salem NC operates through three main divisions that work synergistically to provide comprehensive care and foster innovation:

Clinical Division

At the heart of the system is the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, a flagship hospital with 885 beds. This division also includes five regional hospitals serving the surrounding communities. The clinical division offers a wide range of specialized medical and surgical services, emergency care, and trauma services that meet the highest standards of healthcare delivery.

Wake Forest School of Medicine

The Wake Forest School of Medicine serves as the academic and research arm of the institution. It is committed to educating future healthcare professionals and advancing medical knowledge through rigorous research programs. The medical school offers a full four-year curriculum and collaborates extensively with clinical operations to integrate research findings directly into patient care.

Innovation Quarter

Located in downtown Winston Salem, the Innovation Quarter is a vibrant ecosystem that combines research institutes, educational programs, and startup businesses in one dynamic district. It fosters collaboration among scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs to accelerate biomedical innovations and healthcare technology development.

A Brief History of Atrium Health Winston Salem NC

The origins of Atrium Health Winston Salem NC trace back to 1902 with the establishment of the Wake Forest College Medical School in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Initially a brief program, this medical school evolved significantly after moving to Winston Salem in 1923, thanks to support from the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s president. The institution became known as the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, expanding to a full four-year medical curriculum.

Significant milestones in its growth include:

• 1986: Opening of Brenner Children’s Hospital, a dedicated pediatric facility with 144 beds.
• 1997: Renaming to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, reflecting its dual academic and clinical missions.
• 2011: Simplification of the name to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
• 2020: Joining forces with Advocate Health, forming one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the country.
• 2025: Launching of a new medical school campus in Charlotte, offering a full four-year medical education.

This historical trajectory highlights Atrium Health Winston Salem NC’s transformation from a small regional medical school into a major healthcare system impacting millions.

Medical Services and Facilities at Atrium Health Winston Salem NC

Atrium Health Winston Salem NC delivers comprehensive medical care, including trauma and specialized pediatric services. Key facilities and services include:

• Trauma Center: A Level 1 trauma center for adults and a Level 1 pediatric trauma center, among only three in North Carolina.
• Pediatric Care: Brenner Children’s Hospital offers expert care in various pediatric specialties, including a renowned orthopedics department.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): Providing critical care for the most vulnerable patients.
• AirCare: An advanced helicopter and ambulance emergency transport service, crucial for rapid response.
• Regional Hospitals: Including Lexington Medical Center (94 beds), Davie Medical Center (25 beds), Wilkes Medical Center (130 beds), and High Point Medical Center.
• Dialysis Network: Operating 16 dialysis centers, forming the largest academic dialysis network in the U.S.
• Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliation: Specialized diabetes treatment in partnership with the prestigious Joslin Diabetes Center, affiliated with Harvard Medical School.
• Upcoming Facilities: Plans for a new ambulatory surgery center, medical offices, and cancer center in Greensboro by 2026.

These diverse services ensure Atrium Health Winston Salem NC caters to a broad spectrum of healthcare needs with high standards of quality and patient safety.

Innovation and Research: Driving the Future of Medicine

Research is a cornerstone of Atrium Health Winston Salem NC, primarily through the Wake Forest School of Medicine and Innovation Quarter.

Wake Forest School of Medicine

This institution excels in biomedical innovations and translational medicine, translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications. The school has robust programs in regenerative medicine, cancer research, and neurosciences.

Innovation Quarter

The Innovation Quarter houses multiple research entities, including:

• Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM): Leading efforts in developing artificial organs and tissue engineering.
• Inmar Intelligence: Focused on data analytics and health information technologies.

This collaborative hub fosters entrepreneurship, enabling new medical technologies and therapies to reach patients faster.

National Rankings and Awards

Atrium Health Winston Salem NC has earned national recognition for excellence. In 2015-2016, U.S. News & World Report ranked it among the best hospitals in seven specialties:

• Cancer
• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
• Gastroenterology and GI Surgery
• Nephrology
• Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Pulmonology
• Urology

Additionally, it received “High-Performing” status in five other adult specialties, including cardiology, diabetes, endocrinology, gynecology, and orthopedics. Brenner Children’s Hospital is nationally recognized for pediatric orthopedics, highlighting its specialized pediatric expertise.

Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma

Established in 2008 with support from Richard and Judy Childress, the Childress Institute focuses on reducing death and disability from traumatic injuries in children under 18. Given that nearly 10,000 children die annually in the U.S. due to injuries (CDC data), this institute conducts research, education, and public awareness programs to improve pediatric trauma outcomes.

Library and Archives: Supporting Education and Research

Atrium Health Winston Salem NC supports its academic mission through the Coy C. Carpenter Library and Archives, named after the institution’s first dean, Dr. Coy Carpenter, and his wife Dorothy. This resource center provides students, faculty, and healthcare professionals with access to extensive research materials, medical journals, and historical documents.

Comparison Table: Atrium Health Winston Salem NC vs. Similar Academic Medical Centers

Conclusion

Atrium Health Winston Salem NC is a leading academic medical system that expertly integrates patient care, education, and research. Its broad network, specialized medical services, and innovative research initiatives position it as a healthcare leader in the southeastern United States. The system’s commitment to excellence is evident in its national rankings and continuous growth through strategic partnerships like Advocate Health.

Patients seeking expert care and medical students looking for a comprehensive education will find Atrium Health Winston Salem NC to be a trusted and forward-thinking institution. Its focus on innovation, community health, and specialized services makes it an essential part of the healthcare landscape.

FAQ’s

What types of trauma care does Atrium Health Winston Salem NC provide?

Atrium Health Winston Salem NC offers Level 1 trauma care for both adults and children, providing the highest level of emergency and surgical services.

How many hospitals are part of the Atrium Health Winston Salem NC system?

The system includes the main medical center and five regional hospitals in nearby communities, along with numerous outpatient and specialty centers.

What research areas does the Wake Forest School of Medicine specialize in?

The school focuses on regenerative medicine, cancer research, neurosciences, and translational medicine to bring lab discoveries into clinical practice.

Does Atrium Health Winston Salem NC have specialized pediatric services?

Yes, Brenner Children’s Hospital offers extensive pediatric care, including NICU, PICU, and pediatric orthopedics.

How does the Innovation Quarter benefit the medical center?

It fosters collaboration between researchers, educators, and entrepreneurs to accelerate medical technology and healthcare innovations.

What is AirCare and how does it support emergency services?

AirCare is the medical center’s helicopter and ambulance transport service, providing rapid emergency response and patient transfers.

Mood disorders often leave a lasting imprint on the way individuals experience life, relationships, and responsibilities. These mental health conditions can influence thought patterns, affect energy levels, and interfere with daily functioning. When someone lives with depression, bipolar disorder, or other mood-related conditions, the emotional strain can become overwhelming. For some, substance use begins as a means of relief or self-management. Alcohol or drugs may seem like temporary fixes, dulling the intensity of sadness or stabilizing the swings between emotional extremes. What starts as a form of self-soothing can evolve into a pattern that compounds the very problems one seeks to escape. This intersection between mood disorders and substance use is complex, yet deeply interconnected, shaping lives in powerful and often painful ways.

Understanding Mood Disorders and Their Emotional Weight

Mood disorders are more than just changes in feelings or mood. They represent ongoing disturbances in emotional state that can affect every part of a person’s life. Conditions such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder bring with them persistent sadness, hopelessness, erratic energy levels, or fluctuating enthusiasm for once-loved activities. The daily experience of these symptoms can be exhausting, not only for those directly impacted but for their support networks.

Some individuals find themselves withdrawing socially, struggling with sleep, appetite, and concentration. Tasks that once felt effortless may now demand intense focus and energy. For those with bipolar disorder, the cycle between high-energy manic states and low depressive episodes can feel like a rollercoaster that never stops. Without treatment, these patterns can erode confidence, damage relationships, and lower the threshold for making risky or impulsive choices, one of which can include turning to substances as a way to cope.

Treatment Options and the Role of Trusted Rehab Centers

Seeking treatment that addresses both mood disorders and substance use patterns requires careful planning. Integrated care is necessary to address the full scope of a person’s challenges, not just one part. Many facilities now recognize the value of treating mental health and substance use disorders at the same time rather than separately. Some of the most trusted rehab locations for recovery are those that provide dual-diagnosis care, meaning they specialize in treating both addiction and mental health conditions concurrently. These centers often have psychiatric professionals working alongside addiction counselors, making space for both medication management and therapy that targets behavior patterns and emotional regulation. The focus is on long-term stability, not quick fixes. Recovery in this setting might include individual therapy, group sessions, medical support, skill-building, and relapse prevention planning. When care is comprehensive and compassionate, it becomes easier for individuals to gain insight into how their mental health and substance use influence one another and how to begin building healthier responses to emotional pain.

The Cycle of Self-Medication and Emotional Numbing

Self-medication is one of the most common pathways from mood disorders to substance use. Many people don’t recognize the term, but they understand the feeling. It’s the glass of wine after a stressful day that becomes two or three. It’s the occasional pill meant to calm nerves that soon becomes a daily habit. Emotional numbing through substances can feel protective, even comforting at first. The mind is quieted, the heart slows down, and difficult emotions fade into the background.

Yet the longer this pattern continues, the more disconnected a person becomes from their natural emotional responses. Sadness, anger, and fear might remain buried, but they are not gone. Substances suppress them, but they also interfere with the body’s ability to regulate emotions without chemical help. Over time, the individual may feel even less equipped to manage life’s challenges without turning to drugs or alcohol. This only deepens the reliance, perpetuating the cycle.

How Co-Occurring Disorders Affect Relationships

Relationships often suffer when mood disorders and substance use are present. Communication can become strained or inconsistent. One day, a person may seem full of energy and optimism; the next, withdrawn or irritable. Add substance use to the mix, and behaviors may become unpredictable or erratic. Loved ones may find it hard to know how to help or what to expect.

Trust may be broken if promises are repeatedly made and not kept. Friends and family might begin distancing themselves, not from a lack of care, but from a place of self-protection. For those experiencing the disorders, guilt and shame can make it difficult to reach out or admit they need support. The isolation that follows only worsens both the emotional struggles and the substance patterns.

Mood disorders and substance use patterns often feed off one another, creating a loop of distress and dependence. The path from emotional pain to chemical relief is one that many walk without realizing its long-term cost. Yet recovery is possible, especially when both mental health and addiction are addressed together. The journey may be challenging, but each step forward offers the chance for a healthier, more grounded future.