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The first day of class is closer than you think, and getting children ready for school takes more than filling backpacks with the usual school supplies. Children need to be healthy and alert in order to do well in school. 

Be prepared for enrollment in the new school year with the following tips:

School Physicals

Research the health requirements for your child’s school to find information about whether a recent physical is needed. A pre-school physical may help uncover unexpected health problems. Specifically, hearing tests and vision exams can be vital to discovering differences that may require additional support in a classroom environment.

Immunizations

Vaccines for things like Hepatitis and Varicella (chickenpox) are required throughout grade school.  Other suggested guidelines can be found on websites for the CDC and your child’s school.  Talk to your doctor and your school system to see what is best for your child. 

Know Your School Nurse  

Reach out to the school nurse or school secretary to review a few basic items to ensure they are prepared in case of an emergency. Make sure your child’s emergency contact information is accurate, and tell the school immediately if your address or telephone number changes. Additionally, give the school the contact information for your child’s physician and dentist.

Start A Sleep Schedule

During summer, children often stay up late and enjoy sleeping in. Don’t wait until just before school begins to get them back into a sleep routine. Start implementing a school-appropriate bedtime a few weeks early to ease your children back into the school routine. A good night’s rest is vital to learning and may make everyone’s life a little easier in the morning.

Care, and Don’t Share

Sharing and interacting with other children helps your child’s social development, but sharing is not a good idea in all situations. Head lice and germs can spread easily in a classroom. Teach your child about the health risks of sharing clothes, hairbrushes, hats, or food and drink with others. It is also a good idea to give them a lesson on germs, how they spread, and proper hand washing technique.

Have A Plan For Sick Days

Don’t be caught off guard for when your child gets sick. If they have a fever, do not send them to school, and have plans in place to care for them at home. Keep in contact with their teacher so your child can keep up with any missed work.

All Patient First Medical Centers are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year, including holidays.  Patient First provides non-appointment urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, as well as primary care for patients who do not have a regular physician.  Each Patient First center has on-site digital x-ray, on-site laboratory, and on-site prescription drugs. Patient First currently operates medical centers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.