Back to School Health Checklist for Kids

Before you know it, it will be time for kids to return to school once again. With the promise of that just around the corner, it’s helpful to have a checklist to follow. This list will help keep your child at their healthiest and make it possible for them to look and feel great. 

Things to Include on Your Kid’s Back to school Health Checklist 

Without a doubt, these are the “must-have” items on your child’s back to school health checklist: 

• General Physical – Your child should meet with their pediatrician or general physician once a year for a physical. No matter if they’re headed to kindergarten or college, it’s important to visit the doctor to ensure physical and mental health are doing well.
• Vaccines – While visiting for an annual physical, consult with the doctor which vaccines your child needs this year. Keep records of all vaccines that your child has to ensure they are up-to-date.
• Eye Doctor – It would be difficult for your child to read, take notes, and study if they can’t see clearly! Kids should visit the eye doctor annually to have their vision tested, and any current prescriptions updated, if needed.
• Dentist – Your child’s teeth are incredibly important to their health as well. Schedule a dentist visit for them before going back to school. Often this needs to be scheduled months in advance, so call today!
• Nutritional Concerns – Your child is growing and needs the right nutrients to fuel that growth. Ask their doctor about any nutritional recommendations, especially if your child is going through a growth spurt, playing sports, or entering puberty.
• Sleep Schedules – Start working with your child at least a few weeks in advance of the start of school to get them back on schedule with sleeping properly so they can go to school rested and ready. 
• Planning Medications – Finally, don’t forget to have a plan for any medications that they might need to take while at school. Have a plan to talk with teachers and administration if your child has any chronic illnesses like diabetes, or allergies that may require an EpiPen.

Start with visiting a physician at Center for Family Medicine.  We can help the whole family stay healthy and happy!