2007 Archive

Are Your Kids Ready?

Back to School Health Checklist

Pencils, binders, scribblers and new clothes are usually what parents think about at this time of year. It's also a good time to do a health checklist for your child.
 
It's important to make appointments for routine screening tests and immunizations. Being healthy will help your child focus on learning and reach his or her full potential in the classroom.

Vision
Your child's vision should be tested before kindergarten and annually until age 18. The  cost of a vision test is covered by Alberta Health Care for children up to age 18. Contact your local optometrist to schedule an appointment.

Dental
Regular dental check-ups and cleaning help detect and prevent dental problems early. Your child should have his or her first dental check up by age three. If your child hasn't had an annual check up, now is a good time. Contact your local dentist to schedule an appointment.

Every year, mouth injuries occur during sports activities. Being hit on the lower jaw can cause a concussion. If your child is active in sports, talk to your dentist about having a mouth guard made. How's Your Smile Protection?

Hearing/Speech
If you suspect your child may have a hearing problem or speech-language difficulties, call Health LINK (408-5465).  If your child attends elementary school, talk to your school principal about a referral for hearing screening or referral to a speech language pathologist.

Children learn language every day and in many ways. For information and ideas on ways to develop your child's speech and language, check out the Talk Box!

Immunization
Ensure your child's preschool immunization is up-to-date before entering kindergarten to prevent against vaccine-preventable diseases. Contact your local public health centre to schedule immunizations.

Emotional Health
September can be stressful for children. Signs of stress include; sleeplessness, nightmares, increased fighting with siblings, withdrawing socially, appetite changes, reverting to bed wetting, crying more often, refusing to go to school.

To manage stress, it's important to spend time with your child, slow down his breathing and help him to relax. Decrease the amount of TV and increase quiet time. Talk about feelings and possible solutions in a supportive and loving way. Help your child build a social network by arranging play time with friends. For more tips, visit  Stress and Children or Alberta Mental Health Board.

Back Pack Basics
Your child's back pack should fit properly and should not weigh more than 10 per cent of her body weight. The pack should have wide shoulder straps and a waist strap that keeps the bag centered on the spine. The top of the bag should be at shoulder height and the bottom should rest in the hollow of the back.

Ensure your child uses both shoulder straps and the waist strap to carry the pack. If your child's shoulders become sore or there is a change in posture, the bag may be too heavy.

Injury Prevention
Children under the age of nine should not cross a street without an adult or older child. Young children are generally unaware of the dangers of crossing the street; they have limited peripheral vision which impairs their judgment of distance; they are often impulsive; and they are unable to determine when it is safe to cross.

For more information on injury prevention, visit Kidsafe Connection.

Emergency Information
Make sure the school has current emergency contact numbers. Inform the school of any health issues, medications or physical impairments your child may have, including allergies.

Following these tips will help your child have a healthy, successful school year.