School shots: Summer is almost over, so it’s time to trade in flip-flops and pool time for books and school time. Before your child returns to school, remember to get up-to-date on immunizations. Oral polio, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP), hepatitis B series, and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines need to be current. Also, make sure you and your child’s school has a record of them.
Margaret Bruya, assistant dean for academic health services, and professor and co-founder of People’s Clinic at the Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU College of Nursing, says if a child reaches junior-high-school age and has never had chicken pox, a chicken pox (Varicella) vaccine is recommended. For assistance in reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing communication director, at 509.991.9151, susann@wsu.edu.
Play sports?: Before junior high or high school children can be a part of a school sports team, they must have a sports physical. Because running down a soccer field or basketball court can be very demanding, a physical will show the school that your child is healthy and ready to play any sport.
Sandy Forsman, nurse practitioner on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, says most sports physicals are good for an entire year and are a quick process, usually taking 15-20 minutes. Sport physicals are offered at the People’s Clinic and on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. For assistance in reaching Forsman, sforsman@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing communication director, at .509.991-9151, susann@wsu.edu.
Get an eye exam: With school around the corner, it’s time for your child’s annual eye exam. The nearly ten million vision problems that go untreated can lead to permanent eye damage, poor performance in school and a low desire to learn.
Margaret Bruya, assistant dean for academic health services, professor and co-founder of People’s Clinic at the Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU College of Nursing, says there are several signs that your child is suffering from vision related problems. Some indications include poor eye-hand coordination, short attention span, squinting, dislike of close work and headaches. Eye exams are regularly offered at the People’s Clinic and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. For assistance in reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing communication director, at 509.991.9151, susann@wsu.edu.
Prevent head lice breakouts: When school begins, head lice breakouts become even more common, especially in elementary-aged children. Parents need to have their children checked for head lice to prevent other children from being infected. Adults should examine their child’s head for any nits or eggs, which can be attached to the hair shaft near the scalp, at least once a week, especially during the winter and fall months when school is in session.
Remember to notify the school and find treatment if head lice are found, says Deborah Swain, Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU College of Nursing professor. If head lice are found, parents should contact a health professional or buy over-the-counter treatments at a local pharmacy. For assistance in reaching Swain, swain@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing communication director, at 509.991.9151, susann@wsu.edu.
Set your alarm: Going back to school means no more late nights for children. If your child is used to summer hours and a late morning schedule, now is the time to get into the groove for an earlier bedtime. Elementary students need 10-11 hours of sleep each night. Teenagers have a little more trouble getting used to an early schedule because their body clocks are tuned for staying up late and sleeping in.
Jan Lohan, assistant professor at the Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU College of Nursing, says that getting back into a sleep routine is best accomplished by waking up and going to bed at the same time each day and night. If parents have trouble getting an elementary school child up in the morning, that’s a sign he or she isn’t getting enough sleep. Individual children differ, so parents will have to know what works for their child. For assistance in reaching Lohan, lohan@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing communication director, at 509.991.9151, susann@wsu.edu.
