Presenting the Abraham Family Medicine Back to School Checklist
We hope everyone had an excellent summer. With vacation season on the way out, it is now once again time to shift into back to school mode. Parents know that sending their kids back to school requires more than just buying new backpacks and binders. Certain precautionary measures must be taken to help kids get ready for a happy and healthy school year. We know back to school season can be a little hectic for the entire family, so we put together a checklist of the most important back to school steps to help parents prepare:
1.) Get all the Necessary Immunizations
Staying up to date with your child’s immunization schedule is always important, but especially for kids returning to school. Common areas like classrooms, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeterias mean your kids are in constant contact with fellow students and may be extra vulnerable to potential viruses if they are not protected. Back to school immunizations may include getting vaccinated for influenza, chickenpox, HPV, meningitis, and more.
2.) Make Time for Hearing and Vision Testing
If left undiagnosed, hearing or vision problems can negatively affect a child’s ability to perform in the classroom. By having your child’s hearing and vision tested before the school year, the goal is to detect and correct any potential issues before classes begin. This will help ensure that they begin the school year ready and able to reach their academic potential.
3.) Schedule a Sports Physical
Receiving and passing a sports physical is a necessary first step for any kid who wants to play a school sport. A sports physical at Abraham Family Medicine involves a series of tests and measurements to make sure your child is fit and physically able to safely participate in any organized athletic activities. This includes making the healthcare provider aware of any medicines your child takes that may raise the heart rate or otherwise affect your child during sports.
4.) Communicate with your Kid’s School
If your child, pre-teen, or teen has any dietary restrictions, allergies, medications, or any other similar considerations, it’s important to make your child’s school and school nurse aware of them before the start of the school year. Communication in advance can help prevent a minor health scare from turning into an emergency.
Hopefully this can help families smoothly transition from summer fun to the school year ahead. Good health and safety can help put your child in the best position to succeed, whether they are in the class room, on the sports field, or wherever else this school year takes them. For more information or to schedule a sports physical or immunization appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson.
