Curious Parents Family Health Resources

Brought to you by Curious Parents

sponsored by

Family Health

Back to School Check-ups

By Dr. Martha Lansing

Even though school has just started up, it’s still not too late to think about the importance of a back-to-school check-up.

All healthy babies and children should have an annual doctor’s exam and one before starting first grade. After that, back-to-school check-ups should be repeated every two years.

Although August is the ideal month to schedule your child for this check on physical growth and development, psychosocial development and general health, don’t hesitate to do so in September. The sooner any problems in these areas are detected, the sooner your child can be helped. It’s much easier to intervene before problems escalate.

Generally, a back-to-school visit to the doctor’s office includes a head-to-toe physical exam; screenings for vision, hearing and hernias; blood and urine tests; a tuberculosis test (every three to four years); a discussion of the child’s psychosocial development and family life; and a review of safety issues.

For teenagers, the doctor may address additional matters such as a scoliosis screening, smoking hazards and precautions if the youngster is sexually active.

The visit also includes a review and update of the child’s immunizations.

Before entering kindergarten, children must have evidence of vaccinations for polio; diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT). In addition, children who have not had chicken pox should have a varicella vaccine before entering school. And a tetanus booster is recommended by age 15 and every 10 years thereafter.

It’s just good medicine to schedule your child for a back-to-school check-up and most health insurance programs cover the costs, and many clinics and state agencies provide these services free to uninsured children.

Just think, getting a clean bill of health will be the easiest test your child will ever get an A+ on!

Martha Lansing, MD, is a family practice physician at Capital Health System. To located Dr. Lansing or any other CHS physician, call our free referral line at 800-255-3440 or visit us at www.capitalhealth.org.