As the first day of school approaches, parents are busy shopping for backpacks, school supplies, and new clothes. But before your child heads back to the classroom, it’s also important to make sure they’re ready from a health perspective.
A back-to-school checkup is a good time to review immunizations, assess your child’s vision and address any health concerns that could affect learning or participation in school activities.
Stay Up to Date on Immunizations
Vaccines help protect children from serious diseases and help reduce the spread of illness in schools and the community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends following the routine childhood immunization schedule to ensure children are protected before they are exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases.
If you’re unsure if your child is up to date, bring their immunization record to their appointment. Your healthcare provider can review it and recommend any vaccines your child may need before the school year begins.
Don’t Overlook Vision Screenings
Good vision plays an important role in learning. Children may not realize they’re having trouble seeing the board or reading a book, and vision problems can sometimes be mistaken for difficulty paying attention in class.
A routine vision screening can help identify issues that may require further evaluation, allowing children to receive treatment before vision problems begin affecting their school performance.
Make the Most of Your Visit
A back-to-school appointment is also an opportunity to:
- Review your child’s growth and development.
- Discuss nutrition, sleep and healthy habits.
- Complete required school health forms.
- Ask questions about any ongoing medical concerns.
Taking care of these items before school starts can help families avoid last-minute stress and
University Medical Center of El Paso makes it easy for families to prepare for the new school year. UMC outpatient clinics offer pediatric care, routine immunizations, school and sports physicals, and preventive services at convenient locations across the city.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center, our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
