The new school year will be here before you know it, and that means it is time to start thinking about how you can prepare your child for the fall semester. While school supplies may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about getting your child ready for the school year, it is also important that you make sure your child is healthy.
Practicing healthy habits with your kids and scheduling time to see your pediatrician or another provider will help your child start the new school year healthy and confident.
Prepare your kids for the new school year by following the steps below!
Complete a Well-Child Checkup
Well-child checkups cover many different areas of health. This is why it is important to have regular well-child checkups to get an idea of your child’s overall health. It can also be helpful to schedule a well-child checkup before any other medical visits because your child’s pediatrician may notice changes to your child’s health and recommend screenings or exams to take a closer look at those changes.
At a well-child checkup, your child’s provider will track the child’s growth and development, do vision and hearing screenings, check for vaccinations and talk about any health problems or concerns you may have. If you are a new patient, they will also talk to you about your child’s medical history and family medical history.
You can make sure your child gets the most out of their well-child checkup by preparing a list of questions and concerns to bring up to their child’s pediatrician. If your child has experienced pain or fatigue, concerning changes in behavior, a change in eating habits, poor sleep or delayed development, ask your child’s pediatrician about those health changes.
Schedule a Dental Visit
The CDC recommends that children brush their teeth twice a day and that parents watch their children brush their teeth if they are six years old or younger. Even if you are doing those things, it is important to make sure your children’s mouth and teeth are in good shape before the school year begins by scheduling an appointment with a dentist.
Your child’s dentist can check how your child’s teeth are growing and changing, find cavities and other dental issues and give your child’s teeth a comprehensive cleaning to make sure they are healthy in time for school.
Decide If Your Child Needs a Vision Exam
Your child’s ability to see impacts their well-being and ability to succeed in school. Vision problems can make it hard for children to learn, take tests, participate in class and be confident in themselves.
Children are always growing, and that can lead to changes in their vision. Most children should have a visit with an eye doctor before or during kindergarten and another visit during the elementary school years. In addition, if you have noticed your child struggling to read, squinting, rubbing their eyes or experiencing issues with hand-eye coordination, you should schedule an exam with an eye doctor.
Check for Vaccines
To help keep students healthy, many schools require certain vaccines before the school year begins. There are different required and recommended vaccines in Indiana based on age group, such as Pre-K, kindergarten through 5th grade, 6th through 11th grade and 12th grade. Your child’s provider will be able to offer the vaccines that your child needs for school.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today!
At HealthLinc, we have a dedicated team of providers ready to help your child stay healthy and get ready for the school year. Schedule your well-child checkups, dental visits, eye exams and vaccinations today by calling 888-580-1060.
