Feature/General
Are Your Kids Ready for School?
Health Checklist
By Kathy Sena
July/August 2006

New books, backpacks, bus schedules... there's a lot for parents and kids to think about as a new school year gets underway. But here's one less to do list you'll have to come up with. We've checked with children's health experts and created a back to school health checklist that will have your kids ready to kick off a healthy new school year.

Schedule a checkup
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a checkup each year from ages 2 to 6, one at 8 years and 10 years and one each year after age 11. Most states require only two well child exams for school enrollment: one at the start of kindergarten and the other at the start of high school. Some states vary from this schedule, so check with your school nurse. An additional examination is often required for participation in a school sport. (Note: This schedule is current as of fall 2006. However, the AAP will be reviewing their recommendations later this year and may be announcing changes. Check with your doctor.)

Starting at ages 3 to 5, children are typically screened for lead poisoning, tuberculosis and obesity. Blood lipid abnormalities such as high cholesterol are checked when family history, weight and blood pressure suggest the child may be at high risk. Children ages 6 and over may be screened for anemia and eating disorders. If your child has a chronic condition, such as diabetes, seasonal allergies or asthma, you'll want to talk with his doctor about managing these conditions.

Have your child's vision checked
Basic vision screening should be performed by your child's doctor at each well child examination. If a child fails a vision screening at the pediatrician's office - or if there is any concern about a vision problem - the child should be referred for a comprehensive professional eye examination. According to Prevent Blindness America, these recommendations have been agreed upon by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.

Get set for sports
For children who wear glasses, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends one piece wrap around polycarbonate sports frames for all contact sports, including soccer, field hockey and basketball. All children wearing glasses need sports frames for gym class.

Have your child's hearing tested
Most states now mandate hearing tests for infants, but many school age children have not been tested. If your child is listening to the television or music at a very loud volume, or tends to favor one ear over the other when listening to you speak, it may be a sign of hearing loss. Talk with your pediatrician about having your child's hearing tested.

Create a healthy sleep schedule
Children ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. That can be a tough prescription to follow, as there is an increasing demand on kids' time from homework, sports and other extracurricular activities this time of year. As they get older, school aged children become more interested in TV, video games and the Internet (as well as caffeinated beverages). This can lead to difficulty falling asleep and sleep disruptions. Poor sleep can lead to mood swings, behavioral problems and cognitive problems that affect a child's ability to learn in school. To help your child get a good night's sleep, teach healthy sleep habits, emphasize the need for a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine, create a good environment for sleep (dark, cool and quiet) and keep TV and computers out of the bedroom. For more information, visit www.sleepfoundation.org and click on 'Sleep for Kids' or 'Teens and Sleep.'

Plan now for brain power breakfasts
Studies show that children who eat breakfast are more alert in class. Also, be sure that your child has a balanced, nutritious lunch, whether it is one you send or one provided by the school cafeteria. If your child is allowed to bring a snack, try to avoid junk food and focus more on fruits, veggies and other healthful food.

Communicate about medications
Does your child receive medication on a regular basis for diabetes, asthma or another chronic health problem? School nurses and teachers must be made aware of your child's needs, especially if they are the ones who will administer the medicine. Be sure to speak with them about the prescribed medication schedule and procedures before school begins, and work out an emergency course of action in case of a problem.

Schedule testing if you suspect a learning disability or dyslexia
If you feel that your child may not be processing information as she should, speak with her teacher and her doctor as soon as possible. Your child's doctor can provide a referral for testing.

Make sure your child is up to date on all immunizations
Ask your doctor for a copy of your child's immunization record. You may need this to prove his immunization status for school. For the recommended vaccination schedule for kids, visit the AAP's Childhood Immunization Support Program website at www.cispimmunize.org. Scroll through this page for links to lots of helpful information:

• 2006 Childhood Immunization Schedule (for infants through teens) and a Catch up Schedule (for those children who may have missed a scheduled vaccination)
• Personalized Immunization Scheduler (for children 5 years and younger; just type in your child's birth date)
• Information for parents about meningococcal disease and the meningococcal vaccine, including the recent AAP recommendation that physicians temporarily defer vaccination of 11 and 12 year olds for meningococcal disease because of a limited vaccine supply; possibly until 2008. (Check with your child's doctor, as this recommendation will be revised as the vaccine supply increases.)
• Frequently asked questions about childhood immunizations
• Information on vaccine safety

Update emergency phone numbers
Are your current emergency phone numbers on file at school? Make sure the school and your child know how to reach you or another caregiver at all times.

Choose the right backpack and use it safely
Look for wide, padded shoulder straps. Narrow straps can dig into shoulders, causing pain and restricting circulation. A padded back protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack and increases comfort. Some newer packs have adjustable airbags for a proper fit. To prevent injury, pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student's body weight. Remind your child to always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles and may increase the chances of developing curvature of the spine. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.

Review school bus safety rules
Have a safe place for your child to wait for the bus, away from traffic and the street. Teach your child to stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the bus driver says it's OK to enter. Make sure children are aware of their surroundings when getting off the school bus. Many drivers do not obey school zone speed limits or other rules of the road concerning buses.

Sources: New York Presbyterian Hospital, American Academy of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Prevent Blindness America, National Sleep Foundation

Kathy Sena is a freelance journalist who frequently covers children's health issues. Visit her Web site at www.kathysena.com.