The first day of school is just around the corner. Here are a few simple steps to help your child start the school year healthy and ready to learn.
According to Dr. Nilanjana Dasgupta, Chief Medical Officer at People’s Community Clinic, parents can make a big difference by focusing on three things:
- Schedule your child’s annual wellness visit and make sure they’re up to date on recommended vaccinations.
- Help children get back into healthy routines with regular sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals.
- Stay involved by talking with your child about school and keeping in touch with teachers throughout the year.
Getting back to a good sleep routine before school starts will help get the school year off to a good start.
Annual Wellness Visit vs. Sports Physical: What’s the Difference?
Many parents think a sports physical replaces an annual checkup, but they serve different purposes.
A sports physical helps determine whether it’s safe for a child or teen to participate in sports or other physical activities, such as marching band.
An annual wellness visit is a complete preventive health exam. It checks your child’s growth and development, reviews physical and behavioral health, updates vaccinations, and gives families guidance on staying healthy throughout the year.
Even if your child already had a sports physical, an annual wellness visit is still important.
One Tip for a Smoother School Year from Dr. Dasgupta
“Getting back to a good sleep routine before school starts will help get the school year off to a good start.”
Back-to-School Checklist
✔ Annual wellness visit
✔ Sports physical (if participating in sports or other physical activities)
✔ Recommended vaccinations
People’s Community Clinic is currently accepting new patients in our women’s health, children, teens, and young adult departments. Call 512.478.4939 to schedule your appointment.