**Note: The topics discussed here in “Caring for Your Child” are for your general information and are not a substitute for medical advice. You should contact your physician or other healthcare provider with any questions about your health, treatment, or care, or to discuss the information you have read here.

At the end of summer, as we anticipate the start of a new school year, we are all in a rush to gather the large laundry list of school supplies that our children need to participate successfully in their new classes. We buy items like pencils, paper, pens, and uniforms. To make this school year a great one, we recommend that parents add a few “extras” to their children’s “lists.”

•  What are some things we can put on our “list” to keep our children physically healthy as they start this new school year?
  • Health Exam and Vaccinations
    • School age children should have a well child check once a year, even when no vaccines are due
    • Bring any forms to your doctor that need to be filled out school sports physicals always need a special form filled out and returned to the coach.
    • Come early!!! Avoid the "Labor Day" rush at your doctor's office.
    • Make sure your child's immunizations are up to date.
      • Most commonly missing are: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus/Pertussis shot, Meningitis shot, Flu shot (starts in October.
      • Obtain a vaccine card or record; always keep a copy with you
      • Don’t forget if cost is an issue the Health department gives low cost or free vaccines
      • Vaccine myths/fears that are NOT true –
      • Don’t let these hinder you from getting your child’s vaccines; talk to your pediatrician if any of these fears are weighing on your mind
      • Vaccines are not needed because these diseases are disappearing
      • Chickenpox is not fatal so that vaccine is not needed
        • -9,000 hosp; 100 die
      • I’m breastfeeding so my baby doesn’t need vaccines
      • Vaccines don’t work well
      • Children get severe side effects like autism or mercury poisoning or SIDS
      • Giving multiple vaccines at one time is dangerous
    • Meet with the school nurse if your child has a chronic medical condition
      • Make sure the nurse has any medicines your child may need and medication instructions
      • Some schools require a doctor to sign a form before your child can have medicine at school
  • Dental Exam
• Every 6 months
• New toothbrush (every 3 months)
• What types of safety tips should we include on our “list” in regards to our children traveling to school?
• Travel Safety
  • Bikes
    • Use correct size bike
    • Teach bike safety rules (http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm)
    • Bike helmet
    • Reflectors on bike and clothing and shoes
    • Bright colored jackets/outerwear
    • Cars
    • Upgrade Car seats/booster seats/seat belts
    • Children <13 years still sit in back seat of car
    • Teen drivers
    • High risk for motor vehicle collisions
    • Limit distractions - no cell phones! Limit number of teen friends at any one time
  • Walking to School
    • Discuss Stranger Danger
    • Bright clothing
    • Make sure crossing guards are at every intersection
  • School Bus
    • Teach child to wait for bus to stop
    • Check for traffic
    • Remind them to stay seated in the bus
• What other concerns should parents address at the child's school?
  • Backpack Safety
    • Wide, padded straps and padded back
    • Use both straps to carry backpack or get a pack on wheels
    • Do no overfill backpack; not more than 10-20% of student's weight
  • Nutrition
    • Encourage healthy eating habits
    • Review the healthy choices off school lunch schedules with your child
    • Vending machines
    • Restrict soft drinks
    • There are 10 tsp of sugar and 150 kcal per soft drink
    • One soda per day increases risk of obesity by 60%
  • Exercise
    • Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions
    • More and more, schools do not have PE classes
    • Encourage your child to participate in organized physical activities (dance, cheerleading, sports)
    • Exercise with your child - lead by example
  • Address bullying
    • Create a "bully preparation plan"
  • Arrange supervision for your child before and after school
• What prep work can be done at home to make the transition as easy and smooth as possible?
  • Create a plan for successful studying
    • Create a permanent work space for homework
    • Set a "TV rule"  -  limit television until homework is finished
    • Be available for help, but DON'T do homework for the child
    • Rest periods for 10 minutes per one hour
      
      Stay informed about school performance; set aside time to meet with child's teachers at the beginning of the school year
      
      Get tutors as needed at the start of the year
  • Talk to your child about any worries or fears they have about the new school year
    • Remind them they are not the only one who is afraid
    • Remind them "school is fun!"; making new friends is great
    • Find another child in the neighborhood your child can ride with or walk with
    • Consider taking your child to school on the first day
    • Consider acclimating them to the school before it starts
  • Get your child back on his or her sleep schedule and regular routine

**HAVE A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR**

NOTE:  The topics discussed here are for your general information and are not a substitute for medical advice.  You should contact your physician or other healthcare provider with any questions about your health, treatment, or care or to discuss the information you have read here.