Back to school health checklist

The first day of school is just around the corner, so take a little time to check in on the health of your kids to ensure them a happy and successful school year. First stop, an eye exam. Children often don’t complain if their vision isn’t normal, so it’s important to look for possible signs such as squinting while reading or watching television. Ideally, school-age children should have an exam at least once every two years. Second stop, the dentist. Oral health equals good overall health, yet tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children. With that in mind, parents should schedule regular dental exams every six months. Lastly, make sure to get your kids their recommended immunizations. Children’s vaccines are 90 percent to 99 percent effective and protect kids from diseases such as mumps, tetanus and chicken pox. They’re also required—so don’t forget to make that appointment. These few steps may give your kids a better chance to succeed inside and outside the classroom.