Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - North Mississippi - (Page 11)

A te It usually happens In July. That’s when, just between the two of us, you start daydreaming of your kids going back to school. It’s OK, you can admit it. Parents everywhere do the same thing. But before you go wishing away the warmer months and the school buses start running again, you need to make sure your child is ready to go back to school—the healthy way. “Learning and health go hand in hand. They’re the two most important aspects of a child’s life,” says Cynthia DiLaura Devore, MD, chair of the Council on School Health for the American Academy of Pediatrics. “You can’t have one without the other.” So how do you prepare your child for a healthy year ahead? “A lot of things that a child needs are actually mandated,” Devore says. “It’s important to know what schools require before enrolling your child, so check with your state health department or contact the school district.” Of course, keeping your child healthy and ready to learn goes well beyond state-mandated checkups. Follow this timeline to ensure your little one is prepared for the first day. 3+ Months Before Assignment: schedule a physical for your child. This is the most important task, so don’t procrastinate. “It can take anywhere from two to three weeks to two to three months to get a physical scheduled,” Devore says. “Over the summer especially, physicians get very busy doing sports physicals.” So schedule your child’s checkup today. And if you’re planning an out-of-state move, check your new state’s requirements. “Some states require that the physical must be done by a doctor within the same state as the school,” Devore says. “You don’t want to get caught off guard by having a physical just before you move and then learning that you’ll need another one.” During the appointment, ask about your child’s immunization record and make sure he or she is up to date. “There has been a trend lately for some parents to opt out of immunizations for their children. And because of it, we’re seeing a resurgence of diseases like measles and whooping cough that are dangerous—even deadly—to children,” Devore says. “Immunizations are the No. 1 best way to protect a child from diseases. They save lives.” Understand that deciding against vaccinating your children affects not only them but also children they come into contact with. “There are many situations where a child can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons. They may be too young to have completed a full series or allergic to an ingredient,” she says. These children rely on those around them to be vaccinated. If you’re still unsure, Devore recommends “talking to a well-informed pediatrician or family practitioner who understands the benefits and risks to help you decide.” + extrA credit: It’s OK to get your child’s physical done early, Devore says. Most schools just require it be completed within 12 months prior to the first day. 1 Month Before Assignment: schedule other necessary screenings. In addition to a yearly physical, don’t forget about the other checkups your child should have. Is he or she due for a dentist appointment? How about an eye exam? Summers are the best time to schedule these visits, and doing so at least four weeks out from the first day of school means you’ll have time to get an appointment and go back for any follow-ups. “There are differences among schools as to whether or not they conduct hearing, scoliosis, vision and dental screenings,” SUMM ER 2013 11

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Help for Your Heart
The Ultimate Backto- School Checklist
Join the Movement
Stroke Stories
5 Steps to Better Bone Health
Gut Instinct
Morgan Freeman
Prostate Playbook
The Main Ingredient
Looking Ahead
Virtual Health
A Place for Peace
Don’t Be So Vein
Reflux Relief
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - North Mississippi

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