Colusa Regional Medical Center,
 Caring for Our Community

 Back to School, Tips to Keep Children
Healthy This School Year

As children return to school, here are some health tips that should be at the top of your list:

Review Immunization Records

Part of the annual back-to-school ritual is to be sure children are up to date on their vaccinations.  Children between the ages of four and six need at least two boosters, including the fourth dose of polio (IPV) and the second dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines. Additional immunizations may be needed between the ages of six and eighteen to continue protecting your child against such diseases as: hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), and chickenpox.  While no one looks forward to shots, the benefits of preventing a serious vaccine-preventable disease far outweigh the mild discomfort from the injection.  If you have fears about immunizations, speak to your healthcare provider regarding your concerns.

Routine Physical Exams

Check with your child’s physician to see if he/she needs a physical exam. Regular checkups help in the prevention and detection of health problems.  Typically, schools require that children receive a physical exam if they will be participating in sports programs.  Check with the child’s school regarding any special forms or requirements for participating in organized sports.  Schedule a dental appointment for your child.  Routine dental care helps to avoid tooth decay and other problems.

Prevent the Common Cold

With the start of a new school year it is easy to forget how much more susceptible a child becomes to illness after returning to school. Children crowded together sharing toys, dress-up clothes, scissors, pencils and food items creates a perfect opportunity for germs to spread and increases the risk of being exposed to fall viruses.  Because there are so many viruses that cause colds, there isn't a vaccination, or shot, to prevent anyone from getting colds. But to help prevent catching or spreading a cold, parents can teach and encourage their children to frequently and thoroughly wash their hands.  Numerous studies have shown that consistent hand washing is a key factor in warding off illness.

Discourage your child from sharing food, the same cup or eating utensils with their friends.  Remind your children to keep their hands away from their face and out of their mouth and eyes.  Germs are easily spread from one child to another.  If your child is sick, keep them at home.  Keeping them out of school can speed recovery and ensure that the infection doesn’t spread to classmates or teachers. Seek the advice of your child's doctor if you think your child might have more than a cold, or if he or she is getting worse instead of getting better.

Eating Healthy

Ensure your child has a healthy and balanced diet.   Make sure that they are getting all of the vitamins and minerals they need to learn, play and grow.  Children will learn about good eating habits from their parents.  Be a good role model by eating the foods you want your child to eat. Make meal preparation a family activity.  Children enjoy being involved in the preparation of meals and are usually more willing to try their own cooking.  Make a visit to your child’s school to have lunch with your child.  Talk with your child about making healthy choices when spending his or her lunch money.  If your child takes a packed lunch, make it fun by adding a special treat or special message from you.

Nearly every mother or father has experienced the urgent voice of a child running in after school yelling – “I’m Hungry”!  Keep healthy foods and snacks around the house.  School has been a long day of work for most children and by late afternoon, a child’s energy level has reached a low point.  In many cases, the need to eat and replenish their energy supply is not properly identified by a child.  The child may claim to be experiencing hunger when in actuality the body’s need is to replenish necessary fluids.  Many children do not consume sufficient fluids while at school or actively playing.  A large glass of water and or fruit juice may satisfy the child’s need and provide the fluids for the body.  Good nutrition will keep children healthy and build up their immune system.

Exercise

Stress the importance of routine physical activity with your child.  Encourage your child in ways to stay physically fit or to participate in school sports.  Set a good example.  Make physical fitness a family affair. Take bike rides or nature walks together.  Join a family plan at the local gym and plan healthy family activities throughout the school year.

Bike and Skateboard Safety

Each year, hospital emergency rooms throughout the United States treat hundreds of children for bicycle related injuries, some resulting in death.  Most bicycle accidents are preventable.  If your child travels to and from school by bicycle, skateboard, scooter or skates make a point of having a discussion with them (him or her) regarding safety.  Teach your child the rules of the road and to obey all traffic laws.  Correct and safe operation of a bicycle or skateboard can be learned at an early age.  Protective knee and elbow pads and colorful clothing are recommended when riding a bicycle, scooter or skating.  The State of California requires that any child under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities.  Also, make sure to purchase a bicycle that is the right size for your child, not one they will grow into. When sitting on the seat, the child’s feet should touch the ground.  Contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207 for more information on bicycle safety.

West Nile Virus

Summer may be coming to an end, but the threat of West Nile Virus is not.  Although children are thought to be at low risk, it is important to keep children protected from the threat of a mosquito bite while in school.  While the weather is still nice and children continue to spend a lot of time outdoors help your children avoid mosquito bites.  Teach them how to safely use mosquito repellent.  Teach them to wear protective clothing when possible: light-colored clothing with long sleeves.  Be aware when mosquitoes are biting, which is often at dawn and dusk.

Contact the Colusa Regional Medical Center Clinics listed below if you would like information about low cost vaccination programs, to schedule an appointment for your child’s physical, need assistance finding a healthcare provider or have questions about your child’s health.  Colusa Health Clinic, 717 Bridge Street (530) 458-5003 or Williams Health Clinic, 969 E. Street, (530) 473-5641.  Colusa Regional Medical Center Clinics offer the CHDP program and a sliding fee schedule.