As the summer draws to a close and the new school year approaches, ensuring your child’s health is a top priority. At St. George Medical Clinic, we understand the importance of a comprehensive health check to start the school year off right.
Here’s a detailed checklist to help you prepare your child for a healthy and successful school year, all of which you can have addressed at a St. George’s Medical Clinic location.
Schedule a General Health Checkup
A visit to your child’s primary care provider is crucial for assessing their overall health. This checkup can catch any potential issues early and ensure your child is ready for the school year.
Key Points to Cover:
- Physical examination
- Growth and development assessment
- Review of medical history
- Discussion of any concerns
Regular checkups are the foundation of preventive healthcare. They provide an opportunity to track your child’s growth, discuss their development, and address any health concerns you or your child might have before the stress of returning to school hits. These visits can also help establish a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider, making it easier for your child to feel comfortable discussing their health.
Update Vaccinations
Keeping up with vaccinations is essential to protect your child and their classmates from preventable diseases. Check with your doctor to ensure your child’s immunizations are current.
Key Vaccinations to Consider:
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (DTap)
- Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Influenza (Flu)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis B
- COVID-19
- Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY)
- Meningococcal B (MenB)
Vaccinations are a critical part of public health, and staying up-to-date helps protect not only your child but also their community both at school and beyond. Schools often have specific vaccination requirements, so it’s important to ensure your child’s records are complete before the first day.
Schedule a Dental Checkup
Oral health is an important part of overall health. Regular dental checkups can prevent cavities and other dental issues or stop them in their tracks if issues have already arisen.
Tips for Good Oral Health:
- Brush teeth twice a day
- Floss daily
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Use fluoride toothpaste
Regular dental visits help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Teaching your child good dental hygiene habits early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Make Sure Your Child’s Sleep Schedule is Back-to-school Ready
A good night’s sleep is essential for learning and development. Establish a consistent sleep routine to ensure your child is well-rested.
Sleep Tips:
- Set a regular bedtime
- Limit screen time before bed
- Create a calm bedtime routine
- Ensure a comfortable sleep environment
Adequate sleep helps improve concentration, mood, and overall health. Aim for 9-11 hours of sleep per night for school-aged children to ensure they are ready to take on the day.
Set Your Student Up for Success
At St. George Medical Clinic, we’re dedicated to supporting your child’s health and well-being. Let us partner with you for a successful and healthy school year. Schedule your child’s back-to-school examination by calling us at 304.478.3339.