Top 14 2010 Back to School Health Tips and Checklist

Back to School Health Tips

1. Schedule a well-child checkup. Most states require only two well-child exams for school enrollment: at the start of kindergarten and high school. Some states vary, so check with your school. An additional exam is often required for participation in a school sport. Check with your child’s doctor regarding how often to schedule additional well-child checkups.

2. Make sure your child is up-to-date o all immunizations including seasonal flu/H1N1.

3. Have your child’s vision checked. Basic vision screening should be performed by your child’s doctor at each well-child examination. If your child fails a vision screening, or if there is concern about a vision problem, schedule a professional eye exam with a ophthalmologist.

4. Schedule a dental check-up. Students in the U.S. miss more than 51 million school hours per year because of dental problems says the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Teach your child to floss daily and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. And a visit to your child’s dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and check-up.

5. Have your child’s hearing checked. Even though this is often done on infants, many school-age children haven’t been tested.

6. Communicate about medications. Does your child receive medications on a regular basis for diabetes, asthma or another chronic health problem? School nurses and teachers must be made aware of your child’ needs, especially if they are hopes one will administer the medicine.

7. Schedule testing if you suspect a learning disability or dyslexia.

8. Plan ahead for brain-power breakfasts. Studies show that children who eat breakfast are more alert in class. Try to include protein (peanut butter or low-fat cheese, milk or yogurt are good choices), fruit and vegetables.

9. Talk to your child and with the school principal about healthy eating at school.

10. Update emergency phone numbers.

11. If your child has a cell phone, talk with him or her about when and where it can be used safely. Chatting on a cell phone or texting while walking, biking or driving to school can be dangerous.

12. Choose the right back pack and use it safely.

13. Review the school bus safety rules. Designate a safe place for your child to wait for the bus, away from traffic and the street.

14. Create a healthy sleeping schedule. The national Sleep Foundation says school-age kids need the following amounts of sleep, depending on age:
- Preschoolers: 11 to 13 hours
- Ages 5 to 10: 10 to 11 hours
- Ages 10 to 17: 8.5 to 9.25 hours

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