Prepping Our Kids for Back to School
... to Keep Our Families Healthy, Too
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.
....................
Learn more about
how children's immunizations keep other
family members healthy.
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© 2010 Trisha Torrey
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expressed written consent of the
author.
..........
Trisha Torrey is Every Patient’s
AdvocateTM.
She offers no medical advice,
but empowers those who
want to learn more about
diagnosis and treatment options
by
providing useful tools and
resources.
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