Getting your child back-to-school ready

Prepare your child for a safe and healthy return to the classroom.
Back to School
My Health Connection
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July 7, 2023

Back-to-school time is a great time of year to get overall health assessments for your child and ensure they are ready to start learning again. Along with gathering supplies, clothing and planning healthy meals, here are four health care items to check off your to-do list before their first day.

Immunizations and vaccines

Making sure your child is up to date on all required immunizations is one of the most important things you can do to help them stay healthy throughout the school year. You can find vaccination requirements for your child’s age and grade level here. Also be sure to check with your child’s school for any additional requirements the school may have.

Sports physicals

If your child is participating in a sport, their school or team will likely require a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE), which is a physical examination from a health care provider confirming that it is safe for the child to participate in the activity. Regulations may vary from state to state, but the physical exam will generally consist of checking your child’s height and weight, blood pressure, heart and lungs, muscles, bones and joints.

Back-to-school check-ups

Even if your child is not participating in a sport, it’s important to schedule a regular health assessment with your family doctor or pediatrician to check their overall health and well-being before school starts. It’s a great time to discuss your child’s diet, exercise, behavioral health and any other concerns you may have that could impact their success in and out of the classroom.

Eye exams

Back-to-school eye exams are crucial to identifying potential visual learning barriers your child may be experiencing, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism. These problems can affect their ability to read and retain all the new information they’ll encounter throughout the school year, making it a vital part of your child’s back-to-school health checklist.

 

All Evernorth Care Group Pediatricians are accepting new patients

Our board-certified pediatric care team delivers empathetic, skilled care for all your child’s back-to-school health needs.

Learn more about Evernorth Care Group’s pediatric services here. To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician, call 800.233.3264.