Act Now to Help Ensure a Healthy School Year
Summer is a time for sun, fun and vacations. However, it should also be a time when parents are thinking ahead to the next school year. Taking action now to protect your child’s health can help them avoid missed school days, which can impact their academic performance and overall quality of life.
Below are three steps Dr. Liou recommends that parents put on their to-do list before the school bell rings this August…
- Give your child a shot at good health. Summer is the perfect time to make sure your child’s immunization record is up-to-date. Outbreaks of measles, chicken pox and other childhood illnesses can spread quickly through school populations. Make sure your child is protected.
- Check-up on his or her well-being. Is your child due for his or her annual well-child visit? It’s important for your child to be evaluated by his or her pediatrician at least once a year. Your child’s doctor provides valuable health information and illness prevention tips. Regular check-ups also help ensure potential health issues are diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Immunizations can be administered as part of the well-child exam. Or, they can be obtained through the Charlotte County Health Department.
- Make sure your athlete is in good form. Athletes are required to have a physical examination within one year of participating in school-sponsored sports activities – another good reason to make sure your immunizations and well-child visits are up-to-date. Completion of a Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Physical Preparticipation Evaluation Form is required.
If your child has had a physical within a year and does not require a well-child visit at this time, simply call your pediatrician’s office to request completion of this form. However, plan on a few days for them to fulfill your request, as pediatricians’ offices receive a lot of requests for these forms during the summer.
Helgemo & Liou Pediatrics wishes you a fun-filled summer
and a healthy start to the new school year!