School season is almost back and necessary preparations have to be made before the children start another school year. Aside from planning schedules, purchasing and completing school supplies, parents have to ensure that the children's health are in check as well.
There are doctor's check-ups for physicals, dental visits and vaccine shots to get to. Where do parents start? Below is a back-to-school guide so that you won't have to be overwhelmed.
A visit to the pediatrician is important weeks before the start of school. The doctor should have your kids' health records including immunization records, which the school might require. The visit is also a good time to let your kids take a physical to address any health or developmental issues, especially after lazying around during the summer. The physical is also a must if the kids are going to be involved in sports activities at school this year.
Dr. Rachel Hawkins reminds parents, via WFLA, to bring any school forms needed to be filled out by the pediatrician. Learn more about getting your child a physical in this video below.
Most school districts actually require that children's vaccination are up-to-date before they return to school. If not, then the visit to the doctor might be a good time to get booster shots as well. "It's important to keep up with vaccinations as my child goes to school to protect him from things that are out there," said one mom, Jenni Patterson, via Local 8 News in Idaho.
A dentist visit must also not be overlooked because the teeth's health is just as important as the rest of the body. One dentist advises on scheduling dentist visits before school and not while classes have already started, especially when the child requires dental fillings. "There is free time it doesn't interrupt the school schedule," said Dr. Curt Kaiser via KBTX.
Meanwhile, eye doctor visits should also be scheduled for for older kids who are wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Aside from this, it might be good time to purchase new accessories, such as contact lens container. According to Dr. Stephen H. Uretsky, via Cape May County Herald, contact lens case must be replaced every quarter to ensure that the pieces are free of germs. He recommends case replacements at the start of each school quarter, so that it will be easier to keep track.
Parents should also begin enforcing a good sleep schedule now so that the kids can adjust early, per Fox 5 Atlanta. During the summer, they might have been allowed to stay up late or have erratic bedtime routines. But with school starting soon, they will need at least 8 hours of sleep so that they can perform well during classes.
