- Take your child to the doctor for a
check-up before school starts. A physical exam may be needed to
enter the next grade level or take part in a school sports program.
While you're there, be sure to ask your doctor if your child should
receive any shots.
- Keep emergency contact information current.
If there is an emergency, the school staff and the school nurse need
your most up-to-date contact information in order to reach you quickly.
- Talk to your school nurse about the
recommended and required shots for your child. Your child may need
shots before attending school. Some of the shots your child received as
a baby and young child may wear off by the time they become preteens /
teens, leaving them at risk for catching and spreading certain diseases.
A booster shot is recommended to continue to protect your preteen / teen
from tetanus and diphtheria as well as whooping cough, which can cause
them to miss school. If you do not have insurance, your school nurse can
provide information on low-cost or public vaccine clinics.
- Keep your child active. Activity is a
important of overall health. Not getting enough exercise can cause weigh
gain which can lead to other potentially serious health problems.
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep.
Sleep will help your child achieve a healthy lifestyle and stay focused
in the classroom.
- Ask about school safety. Talk to your
school nurse about how the school prepares for disasters and prevents
violence and bullying.
- Pay attention to your child's eating
habits. Diet affects your child's health and learning potential.
Teaching children to eat healthy by setting an example will help them to
make good food choices.
- Share you child's mental health needs with
your school nurse. School nurses can recommend services that provide
prevention, early identification, intervention and treatment of mental
illness to help children be successful in school.
- Tell the school if you think your child has
a serious or contagious disease. Some diseases, such as whooping
cough, can easily spread to others. The school nurse can work with the
health department, school staff and other families to help control the
spread of the disease.
- Have a plan. If your child has a
learning disability or a health condition that may impact learning, ask
your school nurse about formal health/education plans.
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