Your Healthy Back-to-School Checklist

New Year New Healthy Checklist for the kids.

Are your kids ready for their first day of school? While new clothes and school supplies are a likely on your list, don’t forget to cover the kids’ health from head to toe:

✔ Annual physical exam.

Try to get the kids to their pediatrician before the first day of school, so you don’t have to worry about it during the school year. Now is a good time to check in about health concerns, vaccinations, and updated medical reports for the school nurse.

✔Eye exam.

Have your kids see an eye care professional as well. Studies show that poor vision has a direct impact on kids’ performance in school. 80% of learning in school is visual, however only 6% of parents recognize that vision problems can lead to difficulties in school. Get their vision checked annually to help them earn those straight A’s.

✔Dental exam.

The beginning of the school year is a great time for an annual dental exam. If your kids play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about a custom made mouth guard to keep their teeth safe from injury.

✔School communications.

In addition to providing up-to-date medical records, make sure your child’s school knows about any medications or allergies. Also provide a list of emergency contacts that include your work number, pediatrician’s number and dentist’s number.