Getting Ready For School (4pg)

Getting Ready For School

Summer is winding down and school is starting up. It’s the perfect time to ensure your children have a safe and healthy school year.

Sports Physical

Many sports require signed permission from a doctor. Your pediatrician is the best choice for conducting a sports physical because he or she is familiar with your child’s medical history. Your doctor will take a medical history, and check the basics: height, weight, blood pressure, heart and overall health. Your doctor will also make sure your child is up-to-date with his or her vaccinations.

Vaccinations

Different school systems have different vaccine requirements, so check with your local school system to make sure your child is fully immunized and ready to attend class.

Eye Exam

It is estimated that 5-10% of preschool children and 25% of school- aged children have some sort of vision problem, which could lead to frustration and poor performance. According to the American Optometric Association, a child’s first eye checkup should be at six months, followed at three years old and then before entering kindergarten or first grade. After that, a child’s eyes should be checked at least every two years.

Nutrition

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in America. Packing a healthy lunch for your children will keep the pounds off and give them more energy and focus during the school day. If your child eats at school, check out the lunch menu together and make smart choices.

Backpacks

A backpack that is too heavy or not fitted properly can cause neck, shoulder and back pain. A backpack should never weigh more than 20 percent of a child’s weight. For example, if a child weighs 75 pounds, the backpack should weigh no more than 15 pounds. It should have adjustable padded shoulder straps. Finally, the size of the backpack should fit your child’s size. A backpack is not something that a child should “grow into.”

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