Hot Topic: Get Your Children Ready for School!

Area children are ready for school, packing their book bags and shopping for school supplies. But before the kids head back to the classroom, parents need to make sure their children’s health is in check.


“Heading back to school is a great time to assess and review health habits that will keep your kids safe and germ free,” said Marsha Pierce, School Health Program Coordinator for the Coastal Health District. “This overall assessment should focus on immunizations, oral health, proper handwashing, and the prevention of head lice.”
Several vaccines are required before children can enroll in school. “In all the excitement about getting ready for school, so many families put off immunizations,” says Dr. Diane Weems, Medical Advisor for the Coastal Health District. “But vaccines are important - not only because the law requires them, but also because they’re such an easy way to help protect your children.”


Georgia law requires children who attend daycare and enter school be protected against these
diseases:
1. Diphtheria
2. Hepatitis B
3. Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B)
4. Measles
5. Mumps
6. Rubella
7. Pertussis
8. Tetanus
9. Varicella (chickenpox)
10. Polio

Vaccines have eradicated and reduced the number of many diseases. Immunizations need to occur at all stages of your child’s life, so ask your doctor’s office or local health department to determine which vaccines your child needs.

Dental decay is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases among U. S. Children. By the age of 17, dental decay affects 78% of children. Make sure you child has regular check ups and learns proper techniques to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Scheduling a checkup right before school starts is a great practice to begin.

Many parents avoid dental checkups because of lack of insurance. However with programs like PeachCare for Kids, there is no cost for children age 5 and under and the cost per month is between $10-$35, with a maximum of $70. “Approximately 3-quarters of the children who are eligible for PeachCare are not enrolled, and therefore likely missing out on needed preventive dentistry,” said Marsha Pierce. To find out if you are eligible, or for additional information call toll-free 1-877-427-3224 or go online to www.peachcare.org .

Proper handwashing techniques will help keep your kids off the absentee list this school year. The CDC reports that handwashing is one of the most important means of preventing the spread of diseases.
Teach your children to scrub their hands with warm, soapy water for at least 15 seconds, or long enough to sing “Happy Birthday”. Remind your children to wash their hands often, especially before and after eating as well as every time they use the restroom. Also, teach them to avoid touching their nose, mouth, and eyes throughout the day to prevent the spread of germs.

Finally, help your children avoid the “hair raising” experience of head lice this school year. Lice can affect people of any socio-economic background and do not imply a lack of hygiene, so watch for the signs. Check your children every few days if head lice are reported at their school. Teach your children to avoid direct head to head contact and not to share ponytail holders, barrettes, headphones, hats or hairbrushes. Most importantly, remind children to avoid touching each other’s head and hair while whispering or playing.

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