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A QUICK BACK TO SCHOOL
HEALTH CHECK LIST
1)
Immunizations: With more and more shots being
recommended by school districts across the country, it is vital
to check with your child’s physician, school nurse, school
district or local health department to ensure that your child is
properly immunized. Common immunizations include hepatitis B,
chickenpox, MMR boosters and in some instances even flu shots.
Most local and state public health departments now require
children to obtain immunizations and they are often free and
offered at clinics and health departments at courthouses. Since
it is extremely important for (and in some cases
mandatory) parents to make sure they child's immunizations are
up to date, LIFEcard recommends that parents keep a
detailed record of immunizations.
2)
Emergency Contacts: It is essential that your child's
emergency contact information is accurate and kept current.
Since most schools list in order the contacts are to be called: mother,
father, grandmother, or whatever the parents designate, make
sure you provide as much detailed information as possible and
include doctors or dentists names. If you frequently change
phone numbers or are in the process of moving, consider creating
a more detailed list of emergency contact information including
friends and extended family and giving the school administrator
access to this information. Parents should learn more about
creating extended contact lists before sending their
children to school.
3)
Medications: The school nurse and/or school secretary
also needs to know
what medications children take. Even if the child takes the
medication only at home, the nurse should know. If the child is
to take the drugs at school, they must be in the pharmacy
bottle, clearly marked. Since both medications and dosages may
be altered throughout the course of a school year, it is
essential that parents help school administrators and school
nurses
keep track of the medications children are currently taking
in case of an emergency.
4)
Existing Health Problems: Any
health problems should be made known to the school. Schools
need to know in advance about any allergies your children suffer
from including those to foods, plants, trees, beestings, latex,
etc. A
detailed history of childrens health problems (both past and
present) can be invaluable to medical professionals in case of
an emergency when parents are unable to be contacted.
5)
Physical Restrictions: Schools also need to be aware
of a
child's physical restrictions; asthma, scoliosis and heart
murmurs can affect physical activity and as such school officials need
to be informed. Providing such information on an ongoing basis
keeps children safe and puts the health decision making process
firmly in the hands of parents.
Help School Nurses Keep Track of Your
Children's Health at LIFEcardHealth.com
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