Start the School Year Right – Send Your Kids Back to School Healthy

Getting the kids ready to go back to school can be overwhelming, especially with the long list of supplies they need to get started. Don’t forget to add these important items to your back to school checklist to help ensure that your child has a healthy and productive school year. 
Stay Current on Immunizations & Flu Shots
Hopefully by now your kids have had the needed vaccines and other requirements your school has specified for them to come to class. Keeping up with vaccines is necessary for everyone as instances of certain illnesses, like whooping cough (pertussis) and measles continue to rise in the United States. Staying healthy is possible by making sure your whole family is up to date on their necessary vaccines.
“In New Jersey, flu shots are also required for all children who attend preschool or child care facilities,” said Dr. Jazmine Harris, Clinical Director of Pediatrics and Interim Chief Medical Officer at CompleteCare Health Network. “We also recommend them for the rest of the family, too. Anyone older than six months who wants to avoid getting the flu should get the vaccine.” Early is better, as flu season is unpredictable and can start any time in the fall.
Don’t Skip Hearing & Vision Screenings
Seeing the blackboard clearly and hearing the teacher’s instructions correctly can make or break a child’s chance for a successful school year. While some schools do offer in-school testing for vision and hearing, it is important to speak to your pediatrician about testing if you think your child is having trouble seeing or hearing properly.
“You know your kids best and may be able to tell if they are having trouble seeing just by a change in their habits,” said Dr. Harris. “Squinting, tilting their heads, sitting too close to the TV, excessive tearing or rubbing of the eyes may all be symptoms.” Some signs of hearing trouble may include listening to the TV or radio at a high volume, avoiding conversation or social interactions, frequently asking for words to be repeated or frequent mispronunciation of words in children four years or older.
Watch Their Backs
According to the WebMD, over-packed backpacks can cause both short term and long term back problems when they are too heavy or aren’t worn correctly. Students should be discouraged from carrying more than 10 percent of their body weight in their backpack, and both padded straps should be worn at all times to help distribute the weight of the load evenly across the back and neck. If your child complains about neck, back or shoulder pain, consider switching to a wheeled bag and be sure to check in with your pediatrician.
Stay in Touch
Good communication with your school is also essential for a healthy school year. Make sure your emergency contact numbers are correct, and be sure to keep the school nurse informed if your child takes any medications or has any allergies, including to foods, plants, trees, latex or beestings.
If you have questions about these or any other children’s health issues, CompleteCare Health Network has locations in Cape May County offering family medicine services, dental and more. Call (609) 465-0258 to make an appointment or visit www.CompleteCareNJ.org.