Back-To-School Health Checklist

Written by Kathy Sena

Along with books and bedtimes, it’s time to think about your child’s health - before that school bell rings.

Ah, the smell of sunscreen. The joy of homework-free evenings. The less-scheduled family calendar… How did summer pass so quickly? Yep, it’s time to get the kids ready to head back to school. Does your child need new glasses? Are their dental checkups up to date? What time should they go to bed? We’ve rounded up expert advice on all this and more so your kids will be ready for the big day!

Schedule a well-child checkup. An additional exam is often required for participation in a school sport. Check with your child’s doctor regarding how often to schedule additional well-child checkups.

Have your child's vision checked. Basic vision screening should be performed by your child’s doctor at each well-child examination. If a child fails a vision screening, or if there is any concern about a vision problem, they should be referred for a comprehensive professional eye exam. For children who wear glasses, the AAO recommends one-piece wrap-around polycarbonate sports frames for contact sports.

Schedule a dental checkup. Teach your child to floss daily and brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. And visit your child’s dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup.

Have your child's hearing tested. If your child is listening to the television or music at a very loud volume, or tends to favor one ear over the other when listening to you speak, it may be a sign of hearing loss. Talk with your doctor about having your child’s hearing tested.

Communicate about medications. Does your child receive medication on a regular basis for diabetes, asthma or another chronic health problem? School nurses and teachers must be made aware of your child's needs, especially if they are the ones who will administer the medicine. Speak with them about the prescribed medication schedule, and work out an emergency course of action in case of a problem.

Schedule testing if you suspect a learning disability or dyslexia. If you feel your child may not be processing information as they should, speak with their teacher and their doctor as soon as possible. Your child’s doctor can provide a referral for testing.

Plan ahead for brain-power breakfasts. Studies show that children who eat breakfast are more alert in class. Try to include protein (low-fat cheese, milk or yogurt are good choices), fruit and whole grains.

Update emergency phone numbers. Are your current emergency phone numbers on file at school? Make sure the school and your child know how to reach you or another caregiver at all times.

If your child has a cell phone, talk with them about when and where it can be used safely. Chatting on a cell phone or texting while walking or biking to school can be dangerous. Explain to your child the importance of paying attention to their surroundings and being aware of cars and bikes. Set a good example by not using a cell phone (even a hands-free model) while driving.

Choose the right backpack - and use it safely. Look for wide, padded shoulder straps. Narrow straps can dig into shoulders, causing pain and restricting circulation. A padded back increases comfort. The backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 10 to 20 per cent of the student's body weight, according to the AAP. Remind your child to always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles and may increase the chances of developing curvature of the spine. Pack heavier items closest to the centre of the back. Even better: Use a rolling backpack.

Review school-bus safety rules. Designate a safe place for your child to wait for the bus, away from traffic and the street. And review these safety rules, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with your child:

• When getting on the bus, wait for the driver's signal. Board the bus one at a time.

• When getting off the bus, look before stepping off the bus to be sure no cars are passing on the right. (It’s illegal, but it happens.) Move away from the bus.

• Before crossing the street, take five giant steps out from the front of the bus, or until the driver's face can be seen. Wait for the driver to signal that it's safe to cross.

• Look left-right-left when coming to the edge of the bus to make sure traffic is stopped. Keep watching traffic when crossing.

• Ask the driver for help if you drop something near the bus. If you bend down to pick up something, the driver cannot see you and you may be hit by the bus. Use a backpack to keep loose items together.

Create a healthy sleep schedule. The National Sleep Foundation says school-age kids need the following amounts of sleep, depending on age:

• Preschoolers: 11 to 13 hours

• Ages five to 10: 10 to 11 hours

• Ages 10 to 17: 8.5 to 9.25 hours

That can be a tough prescription to follow, with the increasing demands on kids’ time from homework, sports and other extracurricular activities. As they get older, school-aged children become more interested in TV, video games and the Web (as well as caffeinated beverages). This can lead to difficulty falling asleep and sleep disruptions. Poor sleep can lead to mood swings, behavioral problems and cognitive problems that affect a child’s ability to learn. To help your child get a good night’s sleep, teach healthy sleep habits, emphasize the need for a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine, create a good environment for sleep (dark, cool and quiet) and keep TV and computers out of the bedroom.

Bullying Can Affect Your Child’s Health and Well-Being: Here’s How to Talk About It

Bullying can lead to emotional and sometimes physical pain, and it’s something that most children will be exposed to, either directly or indirectly (by witnessing others being bullied), at school. It can be physical, verbal or social, says the AAP. Bullying can occur on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, via phone or text message or over the Internet. The AAP offers the following advice:

When Your Child is Bullied:

Help your child learn how to respond by teaching him or her how to:

• Look the bully in the eye.

• Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation.

• Walk away.

Teach your child how to say in a firm voice:

“I don't like what you’re doing.”
“Please do not talk to me like that.”
“Why would you say that?”

• Teach your child when and how to ask for help.

• Encourage your child to make friends with other children.

• Support activities that interest your child.

• Alert school officials to the problems and work with them on solutions.

• Make sure an adult who knows about the bullying can watch out for your child's safety and well-being when you can’t be there.

When Your Child is the Bully:

• Be sure your child knows that bullying is never okay.

• Set firm and consistent limits on your child's aggressive behavior.

• Be a positive role mode. Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening or hurting someone.

• Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges.

• Develop practical solutions with the school principal, teachers, counselors and parents of the children your child has bullied.

When Your Child is a Bystander:

• Tell your child not to cheer on or even quietly watch bullying.

• Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult about the bullying.

• Help your child support other children who may be bullied. Encourage your child to include these children in activities.

• Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop.

Kathy is a freelance journalist who frequently covers children’s health issues. Her son is not pleased that she knows the National Sleep Foundation’s sleep recommendation for 15 year olds. Visit her blog (for moms!) at www.badballet.com.