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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – There are many things that start racing through a family’s mind once the children need to prepare for the start of the school year. There is always that endless list of things to do including supplies, clothes, medical physicals, immunizations, and preparing for the unexpected. The best thing to do is take a deep breath and take one task at a time, never forgetting you are not alone in the rush. Whenever possible, make appointments ahead of time and enlist the help of all members of the household. Divide the work amongst each of you to lighten the burden from just one person. Safety and prevention are key concerns not only at the beginning but also throughout the entire school year. Common causes for school absences include headache, back pain, fatigue, fever, illness, or difficulty with a class. Let’s tackle some of these common concerns by going over some basic tips to help prevent problems before they happen.
Backpack safety: Common culprit for back pain and even headaches
When choosing the right backpack look for the following:
1. Wide, padded shoulder straps
2. Two shoulder straps instead of only one
3. Padded back support to the backpack
4. Waist strap to help distribute weight if possible
5. Lightweight backpack to avoid adding to total weight
6. Rolling backpack if no school restrictions
Preventing injury when using a backpack:
1. Always use both shoulder straps.
2. Tighten the straps so that the backpack is close to the body and about two inches above the waist.
3. Pack light. It should never weigh more than 10-20% of the child’s total body weight.
4. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments packing heavier items closest to the center of the back.
5. Stop often at school lockers, if possible. Do not carry all of the books needed for the day.
6. Bend down using both knees. Do not bend over at the waist when wearing or lifting a heavy backpack.
Preventive Measures for the Cold, Flu, and Pink Eye:
1. Cover nose and mouth with tissues or shirt sleeve to cough or sneeze
2. Wash hands with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer, especially before and after lunch
3. Don’t touch eyes, nose, or mouth
4. Try to avoid exposing yourself or others to people coughing/sneezing
5. Always schedule visit with your primary physician for evaluation
Medications at school:
Provide detailed information for teacher/principal including
1. Parent Emergency Contact Info and Physician Info
2. Name of Medication
3. Reason medication is needed
4. Signs and Symptoms that should preclude administration
5. Permission to treat child or for child to self administer medication
6. Log for signs/symptoms and administration date/time/amount
Lice:
1. Head lice is spread by direct contact
2. It does not cause disease but may cause profuse itching
3. Treatments: Available over-the-counter or prescription shampoo or lotions, manually remove lice with fine comb, and vinegar solutions can help kill lice.
4. Prevention: Avoid direct contact and sharing combs, brushes or hats
5. Children may remain in school if only few live ones found with insuring contact precautions for classmates
6. Children may return to school after treatment and visible improvement
Sleep habits:
1. Set a regular bedtime for everyone each night and stick to it.
2. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as giving your child a warm bath or reading them a story.
3. Let your child pick a doll, blanket, stuffed animal, or other soft object as a bedtime companion.
4. Do not allow a TV or computer in your child’s bedroom.
5. Avoid giving children anything with caffeine within six hour of bedtime, and limit the amount of caffeine children consume in a day.
6. Keep noise levels low, dark room, and indoor temperatures slightly cool.
Study Habits:
1. Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Children need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.
2. Set aside ample time for homework.
3. Establish a household rule that the TV stays off during homework time.
4. Try to be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never doing the child’s homework for them.
5. Take steps to help alleviate eye, neck and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
6. If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you are not able to help them yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child’s teacher first.
Dr. Doris Aguilar is a Pediatrician in Miami Lakes and affiliated with Palmetto General Hospital. She completed her Medical School at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee and her Pediatric Training at Miami Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida. In addition to primary care, her practice focuses on individualized programs targeting Childhood Obesity.
http://www.palmettogeneral.com/en-US/aboutUs/Pages/Meet%20Pediatrician%20Dr.%20Aguilar.aspx
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