Back-to-school time calls for some preparation
The summer break is winding down, with public schools in the region set to start classes in only about three weeks.
The hunt is on for those back-to-school specials, to stock up on supplies and get those latest fashions.
The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department is reminding families not to forget other important preparations and steps to make sure children enter school not just looking good but feeling good as well.
High on that list should be immunizations to protect students from childhood illnesses.
Some parents have been reluctant – in fact, fearful – that vaccinations will have some ill effect on their child. The evidence behind that fear is questionable at best. What’s not at question is the potential dangers at risk if an unvaccinated child contracts one of these diseases – measles, whooping cough – once thought vanquished but now back due to not being willing to get that protection.
From Jan. 1 to mid-June of this year alone, the Centers for Disease Control has received almost 6,000 reports of whooping cough in the 50 United States and Puerto Rico, along with 48 cases of measles. In 2014, the U.S. had a record number of measles cases at 668 from 27 states – this coming after measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, according to the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Preteens and teens need vaccines as well, the CDC advises.
Children also should have hearing and vision screenings done to make sure there are no physical barriers to learning.
Other recommendations from the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department and the American Academy of Pediatrics to better prepare students for that first day back at school:
Make sure to provide the school nurse with information on any medications, known allergies or other health conditions.
Backpacks have almost become required equipment, but make sure to pick one that will help protect the child’s back.
Remind your child he or she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy the first day of school.
Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. He or she will see old friends and meet new ones.
Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
If you think it is appropriate, drive or walk with your child to school and pick them up on the first day.
“Giving our children a healthy start to the school year,” said Ruth Manier, DIDHD Community Health Services director, “is one of the best things we can do in preparing them for ‘Back to School.'”
Daily News (Iron Mountain)
Back-to-school time calls for some preparation
The summer break is winding down, with public schools in the region set to start classes in only about three weeks.
The hunt is on for those back-to-school specials, to stock up on supplies and get those latest fashions.
The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department is reminding families not to forget other important preparations and steps to make sure children enter school not just looking good but feeling good as well.
High on that list should be immunizations to protect students from childhood illnesses.
Some parents have been reluctant – in fact, fearful – that vaccinations will have some ill effect on their child. The evidence behind that fear is questionable at best. What’s not at question is the potential dangers at risk if an unvaccinated child contracts one of these diseases – measles, whooping cough – once thought vanquished but now back due to not being willing to get that protection.
From Jan. 1 to mid-June of this year alone, the Centers for Disease Control has received almost 6,000 reports of whooping cough in the 50 United States and Puerto Rico, along with 48 cases of measles. In 2014, the U.S. had a record number of measles cases at 668 from 27 states – this coming after measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, according to the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Preteens and teens need vaccines as well, the CDC advises.
Children also should have hearing and vision screenings done to make sure there are no physical barriers to learning.
Other recommendations from the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department and the American Academy of Pediatrics to better prepare students for that first day back at school:
Make sure to provide the school nurse with information on any medications, known allergies or other health conditions.
Backpacks have almost become required equipment, but make sure to pick one that will help protect the child’s back.
Remind your child he or she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy the first day of school.
Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. He or she will see old friends and meet new ones.
Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
If you think it is appropriate, drive or walk with your child to school and pick them up on the first day.
“Giving our children a healthy start to the school year,” said Ruth Manier, DIDHD Community Health Services director, “is one of the best things we can do in preparing them for ‘Back to School.'”
Daily News (Iron Mountain)
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