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New shoes, backpacks, fancy notebooks and folders aren’t the only thing that should be on your list for a successful return to school this year. Discussions about physicals, vaccinations, handwashing and athlete care with your family health provider should be on your list as well.

After what we hope was a successful and fun summer for all, Trinity Health would like to help you get ready for the return to school. Physicals are an important part of life from the age of 3 to 21, these can also be known as well-child visits.

Back to School physicals

During a physical your pediatrician will measure and document growth and milestones as well as check your child’s body systems to ensure there are no issues. Physicals, or wellness visits, allow you and your pediatrician to catch any issues early and address them with early interventions.

One of the easiest ways to get the most out of your child’s physical is to go in with a plan. Prepare questions about your child’s health and development. Think about the questions below and ask yourself if they apply to your child, if so, bring it up with the provider. It’s better to be prepared.

Has your child complained of any pain, dizziness or digestive problems?

Has your child reached important developmental milestones on time?

Has your child experienced any learning difficulties or other classroom problems?

Have your child’s eating habits changed?

Does your child seem anxious or depressed?

How well does your child sleep?

While your child’s provider will most likely ask these questions, knowing the questions beforehand can give you time to observe your child; and sometimes even have these conversations with your child if they are old enough to discuss these questions with you.

School Immunizations

Part of the conversation during the physical will inevitably lead to immunizations; North Dakota Health and Human Services require the following vaccinations for school-age children from Kindergarten to Grade 12: DTaP/DTP/DT/Tdap/Td, Hepatitis B, IPV/OPV, MMR, Varicella (Chickenpox), Meningococcal and Tdap. While the previous vaccinations are required, once your child turns 11, they are able to receive a recommended optional vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV) called Gardisil.

These vaccines assist in preventing illnesses such as measles, whooping cough (pertussis), meningitis and hepatitis B.

In the table below you can find the ND Health and Human Services School Immunization Requirements broken down by school grade a dosage required. For more information on these, talk with your provider or visit: Schools and Childcare | Health and Human Services North Dakota

 

 

Handwashing

While we all hope that our children will wash their hands properly when we aren’t looking, sometimes we may have more luck in winning the lottery. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t prepare and educate them on the proper techniques and coach them on why it is important to wash their hands well and often.

For smaller children, it may be as simple as teaching them to wash their hands to the tune of their favorite song. Try showing them fun videos on Youtube about handwashing such as this one: 10 Steps to Washing Your Hands – Hygiene Habits for Kids .

According to the Center for Disease Control, Norovirus – a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea – can stay on objects and surfaces and still infect people for days or week.

Students don’t clean their hands often or well enough. In fact, one study found that only 58% of female and 48% of male middle and high school students washed their hands after using the bathroom. Of these, only 33% of the females and 8% of the males used soap.

Adult hand-cleaning behaviors also need improvement. In another study, 92% of participants said they always wash their hands in public restrooms, but only 77% were observed doing so.

Athlete Care

Student-athletes may need additional conversations in addition to the above to ensure a healthy diet, safe exercise practices and how to manage their physical condition while playing sports while in school. Children are rambunctious during their summer months and some often maintain sports training during those months, which can unfortunately result in injuries.

Trinity Health offers Sports Physicals for those athletes to ensure they are back in tip-top shape for their new school year debut. Our pediatricians will complete sports physical forms and address other aspects of their health including medications, acne and BMI. These physicals are covered under most insurances with no copay. Call Trinity Health Pediatrics at 701-857-5413 to schedule a wellness visit or sports physical today!

As an additional note, the North Dakota High School Activities Association requires athletes to a pre-participation physical exam every year.