As the new school year approaches, it is important to prioritize your child’s health to ensure a healthy and successful year.

Well-child Visits

Well-child visits are essential to help children stay healthy, track growth and developmental milestones. These visits allow parents to discuss concerns they may have about their child and ensure they are current with recommended vaccines. Childhood vaccines are essential in supporting immunity and helping to protect from long-term preventable diseases. For more information regarding the vaccine schedule and to understand why vaccines are recommended at various ages, their safety and effectiveness, please refer to the CDCs childhood immunization schedule.

The Internet can be misleading with health information; please schedule a visit with your child’s primary care provider if you have any questions or concerns. If your child does not have a primary care provider, Island Health can help! We have several family medicine and pediatric providers who specialize in helping children stay healthy and happy as they grow. Search our provider listing to find your new provider.

Getting Ready for the Game

Sports physicals, also known as the preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE), are important for keeping athletes safe and healthy while participating in all sports and activities. They provide critical information for parents, healthcare providers and coaches to prevent injury and help identify health issues early on. Unlike well-child visits, sports physicals may include additional testing such as vision and hearing assessments, a review of prior sports injuries, an evaluation of family history, bone health screening, and strength testing.

Contact your child’s primary care provider to schedule a sports physical or visit the Island Walk-in Clinic (open seven days a week, no appointment necessary). 

Teenage Trust

As children transition into middle school and high school, this is a good time for them to become comfortable with understanding their healthcare provider is someone they can trust and confide in.

Physicians can counter the influence of social media pressures, provide additional social or emotional support, and counsel on topics such as puberty. Children may provide information to their healthcare provider that they may not be willing to open up about at home, making these visits even more valuable.

Off to College

Whether a first-year student or nearing graduation, college students need to prepare for the upcoming school year. It is important for students to stay in touch with their mental health and identify supports, such as campus counseling services and educational counselors, to help them navigate personal and academic challenges. Additionally, having a copy of their health record, including an updated immunization record, ensures that required vaccines, such as meningococcal vaccines, are completed before arrival. Look at the school’s required vaccines if you need more information.

Health emergencies can happen at any time. Help your young adult be prepared by encouraging them to keep a list of emergency contacts in their dorm and phone, along with their health insurance card. If your college student needs any prescription medications, make sure they head to school with full refills and help them transfer their pharmacy care to a local pharmacy near their school.

Prioritizing Student Health for Academic Success

From well-child visits and vaccinations to sports physicals and mental health support, each step plays a vital role in fostering a healthy and successful year ahead. Engaging with healthcare providers, staying informed about necessary medical evaluations, and maintaining open communication with trusted professionals can help parents and students navigate the complexities of health and wellness at any age.