After more than a year of school closures, virtual classes, and hybrid learning, many students and parents are preparing for a return to the classroom this fall. The to-do list does not stop at shopping for pencils, backpacks, and clothes. Parent First encourages parents to prepare a back-to-school health checklist, as well, to ensure that their children will be able to succeed in school by being healthy and alert.
Patient First has offered five tips to get started. Parents can start by learning about school safety precautions and required immunizations. Many school websites have a page of health-related forms and requirements. These apply to COVID and non-COVID health issues.
Parents can also schedule a medical appointment for a school physical, which can help identify health problems, including hearing and vision issues. During a school physical, people can expect there to be questions about medical history, as well as the physical examination. Many school systems require a sports physical to determine if it is safe for the child to participate in a sport.
Parents are urged to talk with their children about how germs spread. Parents should review when and how children should wash their hands, as well as how to cough or sneeze by using the inside of their elbows rather than their hands.
Patient First also recommends that parents ease their children back into their sleep schedule by gradually imposing an earlier bedtime a few weeks before school begins.
Additionally, many parents may find it helpful to have a plan for last-minute sick child care.
Readers who wish to read more about school and sports physicals may do so at http://www.patientfirst.com/blog/sports-physicals-what-you-need-to-know. Other back-to-school information may be found at http://www.patientfirst.com/blog/back-to-school-101-virtual.
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