Family back-to-school checklist

¨ Schedule any needed medical exams. (For example, some schools may require a yearly physical if your child plays a sport.)

¨ Work with your doctor to get up to date on recommended vaccines. (That includes adults as well!)

¨ Fill out any school-required emergency contact forms.

¨ Alert teachers, coaches, child care providers and the school nurse about any medical conditions your child may have. This may include food allergies, asthma, diabetes or other conditions. Share any treatment or action plans so all adults who care for your child know about your child’s medications and any symptoms to watch for.

¨ If your child plays a sport, talk to the coaches to make sure they know basic first aid. Also ask about their plan for recognizing and dealing with signs of a concussion.

¨ Teach your child to never talk to strangers.

¨ Have your children unplug when they’re home. Limit screen time and have them spend time outdoors, if possible. During dinner, set a good example by turning off cellphones and TVs.

¨ Ease kids back into early-morning routines by setting up a sleep schedule a few weeks before school starts.

Continued >

Back to basics for back to school

Did you know?

In 2011, 20 percent of high school students reported being bullied on school property. And 16 percent reported being a victim of cyberbullying. Make sure your child knows what to do if he or she is bullied, or if he or she sees someone else being bullied.

The air is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. That means it’s almost time for kids to head back to school. It’s also a good time to catch up on any health activities you may have missed over the summer. Check the list below to make sure your kids are set for a healthy new school year. (And while you’re at it, don’t forget to update your own health needs, too!)

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¨ Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast before heading off to school. For lunch, check the school menu for healthy options. If a lunch offered is one your child prefers not to eat, pack a lunch for him or her.

¨ Together, create a family plan so everyone knows where to go and what to do in an emergency.

¨ Choose a backpack with safety in mind. Test backpacks to make sure they fit correctly and aren’t too heavy when filled with books and supplies. Make sure your child uses both straps and doesn’t carry the bag on just one shoulder.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics. Back to School Tips. Accessed: 6/25/14.http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Back-to-School-Tips.aspx

Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics. Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care. Accessed: 6/25/14. http://www.aap.org/en-us/professional-resources/practice-support/Periodicity/Periodicity%20Schedule_FINAL.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Back to School Health & Safety Checklist. Accessed: 6/11/14. http://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/2013/docs/back-to-school/Back-to-School-Checklist.pdf

Head back to school safer and healthier this year! Accessed 6/12/14. http://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/2013/dpk-back-to-school.html

Kids Health:Back to School. Accessed: 6/12/14. http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/back_school.html#

Fighting Nature Deficit Disorder. Accessed: 6/13/14. http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/issues_2011/2011_nature.html#cat20859

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For employees who are covered under the Montgomery County health plan, the HelpCare Advisor program is available at no additional cost as part of such health plan. For employees NOT covered under the Montgomery County health plan, the HelpCare Advisor program is available at no additional cost as part of your employee benefi ts. CERTAIN PROGRAMS OR SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES WHO ARE COVERED UNDER THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY HEALTH PLAN ONLY. CONTACT YOUR HELPCARE ADVISOR PROGRAM OR HUMAN RESOURCES REPRESENTATIVE FOR MORE INFORMATION. The information provided is for informational purposes only. HelpCare Advisor representatives cannot diagnose problems or recommend specifi c treatment and are not a substitute for your doctor’s care. They may use or disclose the information you provide in furtherance of the HelpCare Advisor program; or, for employees who are covered under the Montgomery County health plan, other services in furtherance of such health plan. Discuss with your doctor how the information provided is right for you. This is not an insurance program and may be discontinued at any time. The telephonic service should not be used for emergency or urgent care situations. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Call us today for more information on helping your child have a safe and healthy school year.