A message from your school nurse.
School starts each year before we know it. To make sure your child is ready, here are a few suggestions:
- A physical exam is required for entry into school, (Pre-k or K). If your child has not had a physical since August of last year, be sure to make an appointment NOW.
- A completed shot record is also required.
- If you have any concerns about your child’s health, vision, hearing, behavior, development, or readiness to learn, discuss it with your doctor. There are ways your doctor and others can help. The earlier you look for help, the better chance your child has at being successful in school.
- If you have not done so, start your child on routine visits to the dentist.
- If your child does have any health conditions, make an appointment with the principal and the nurse who is assigned to your child’s school. Although the school nurses sometimes cover more than one school, they are always available to help plan for your child’s safety and health.
- If your child takes medication, ask your doctor if it can be scheduled during hours your child is at home. If it must be given during school hours, be sure to get a form for you and your doctor to fill out.
- Some children have restrictions in their diet or activity. These are important for the school to know. Severe food allergies, difficulty swallowing, choking, balance problems, and other risks need to be planned for so that your child can be safe and comfortable. Your doctor may need to write a diet or activity order for these.
- Whatever health concerns you have about your child, communicate with the teacher, the principal, and the school nurse. Thousands of children have minor or major health concerns. Working through these ahead of time is very important. Help your child become the expert on his health information, as soon as he is ready. This will increase his confidence and yours.
- Most children are healthy and do not need special attention for health problems. But all children need preventive health exams and shots. And all children need to eat foods that are good for growth and learning. They need a regular rest schedule, and they need physical activity.
- Insist on your child eating at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day;
- Drinking water, low-fat milk or drinks that do not have calories instead of soda;
- Getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night;
- Playing vigorously for at least 2 hours a day;
- And limiting TV and video games to <2 hour a day.
- Read to your child at least 30 minutes a day, and have your child read to you…
Have a great school year.
Main Line
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