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Prepping Our Kids for Back to School
... to Keep Our Families Healthy, Too

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Alongside the excitement of new backpacks, haircuts and clothes… if you have a child or grandchild returning to school next week, consider taking some steps that may keep him or her, and in turn, the rest of your family healthier, too.

First, ask your pediatrician whether your child needs a pertussis booster vaccination. During summer 2010, more than 3,000 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, were reported across the country, from California to New York. Most were attributed to cases where the child or adult had been vaccinated, but immunity had worn off. Seven of eight people who died were young children.

Once they return to school, cases of pertussis will increase because healthy children will be exposed to contagious children in close-quartered classrooms. If your child’s immunity has waned, she could contract a potentially life-threatening illness that could infect other family members, some with weakened immune systems. Don’t take that chance.

Next, remind your child to wash her hands at every opportunity. Last year, in the midst of swine flu fears, we were far more vigilant about hand-washing than we are during these quieter times. But hand washing is still important! It’s developing the habit that counts, so be sure you remind your child to wash her hands frequently at home and school.

Teach your child to keep his distance from friends who might have coughs or runny noses. While he’s healthy, practice coughing into elbows instead of covering his mouth with his hand so it will be second-nature if he does get sick. That way siblings and friends will be less likely to catch a cold from him. Of course, if he develops a cold or another contagious illness, keep him home from school.

Let’s not forget sleep. Depending on her age, your child may need up to ten hours of sleep per night. Too little sleep affects immunity, plus her ability to do her best in school. And we all know what it’s like to be around a cranky kid! Enforce that bedtime for everyone’s sake.

These stay-healthy strategies are just a start. Of course, the goal is to keep our children healthy so they won’t miss school. While they may not think that’s a plus, we parents and grandparents know that keeping their young bodies healthy will improve their ability to do well in school -- something even our children want, too.

 
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Learn more about how children's immunizations keep other family members healthy.

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© 2010 Trisha Torrey

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want to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options by
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