LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
As children head back to the classroom, parents should consider an annual safety and health checklist. Experts at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles offer helpful back-to-school tips to avoid the emergency room and focus on healthy extracurricular and learning activities instead.
Topics range from childhood vaccines, bullying, comprehensive vision and hearing exams, playground safety, teens and texting and symptoms to common childhood conditions often discovered in the classroom.
1. Busy and Distracted Children Can Encounter Health Issues As children head back to the classroom, their schedule fills up with activities and homework. Countless hours are spent in front of the computer, television, smart phones, iPads and video games, but the distraction can also cause a child to hold their urge of using the restroom and may lead to constipation or urinary tract infections (UTI). Kids dont want to go to the bathroom at school; they dont have time, so they drink and move around less, says Dan Thomas, MD[1], pediatric gastroenterologist at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Parents should limit their childs time in front of electronics and encourage them to take frequent bathroom breaks. Exercise and routine are essential for healthy bowel movements in school-aged children. If a child experiences symptoms of an UTI or constipation, make an appointment to see a doctor.
2. Avoid Processed High-Salt Foods and Drinks in Packed Lunches Urologists across the country have seen a rise of kidney stones showing up in young children due to high-salt diets. High-sodium foods and drinks such as frozen dinners, sandwich meats, chips, sports drinks and easy-pack meals should be consumed in moderation. Keep an eye on the labels and beware of high-fat and processed foods, says Steve Kim, MD[2], pediatric urologist at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Children may experience stomach pain or find blood in their urine if passing a kidney stone. Prevention can be as easy as staying hydrated with fluids, water is best, and instill a balanced diet for your child.
3. Bullying in the Classroom Stop bullying before it starts. Parents need to be a positive role model in how to treat others, says Gloria Verret, RN[3], a RN Remedies nurse blogger at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. If your child sees you being rude and offensive to others, they may feel this is an acceptable behavior. Open the lines of communication with your child by talking about the issue of bullying. Encourage your child to inform you right away when they, or someone they know, are being bullied at school or online. If your child feels unsafe at school, discuss this with the teacher immediately.
4. Monitor Teen Texting: Setting Boundaries Most schools restrict the use of cell phones, but 64% of teens still manage to text during class. When it comes to the health and academic success of your teenager, parents can provide kids with choices and healthy boundaries, says Kelli Anderson, RN[4], a RN Remedies nurse blogger at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. There are physical and mental pitfalls associated with adolescents who spend too much time text messaging. Issues caused by excessive text messaging include: antisocial behavior, self-esteem issues, cyberbullying, cell phone addiction and low grades are just a few to mention. [Link to longer article[5]]
5. Annual Eye Screenings A comprehensive vision exam should be as routine as a normal physical or check-up before school starts. Studies conducted by the American Optometric Association indicate that 60% of children with learning difficulties actually suffer from undetected vision problems. As a parent, it is important to ensure that your childs vision is at its best. Good eyesight is a fundamental part of learning in the classroom, yet many children do not have the recommended annual eye screenings conducted at school or by pediatricians, says Mark Borchert, MD[6] a pediatric ophthalmologist in The Vision Center[7] at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Parents should monitor symptoms and signs of vision problems throughout the school year as eye sight changes as children grow older.
6. Full Diagnostic Hearing Test Make sure your childs learning is at its best by getting their hearing tested. Kids are susceptible to chronic ear infections which can potentially lead to hearing loss. Not all hearing problems can be detected by a school screening, so its important to have a full diagnostic test, says Bea Smith, AuD, pediatric audiologist[8] at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Hearing loss often goes undiagnosed which can lead to a longer learning curve for children, speech and language delays, and even behavioral problems due to the child not hearing or understanding instructions. Its important to see an audiologist to be sure their hearing is adequate for communication.
7. Asthma and Allergy Action Plans for Teachers and School Nurse Work with your childs doctor or nurse to prepare an action plan for any health issues your child may encounter. Review any medical records or prescription information with the school nurse or teachers to ensure proper dosage and care, says Ronald Ferdman, MD[9], pediatric asthma and allergy specialist at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Children with allergies or asthma may need special accommodations in their food or treatment to maintain normal activity levels. Armed with the knowledge of how your childs asthma or allergies can be triggered, you can take preventive measures. Download a copy of an Asthma Action Plan[10] or Food Allergy Action Plan[11].
8. Playground Safety Teaching children safe playground behaviors at home or in a public park is a first step to avoid injury at school. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 60% of all injuries are caused by falls to the ground. It is critical for parents to actively supervise children and check for broken equipment and make sure children are wearing protective gear, says Helen Arbogast, MPH, CHES, coordinator of the Injury Prevention Program[12] at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Evaluate your childs behaviors around others and that they follow the playground rules. Children tend to increase risk by using equipment intended for older children and by improperly using equipment, such as sliding down equipment backwards or jumping off monkey bars to enhance their adventure. Be sure to stop that behavior in its tracks to avoid a trip to the emergency room.
9. School Year Sleep Schedule Transitioning from later summer vacation days into early school mornings is often difficult for children and teenagers. On average, children should get 8 to 12 hours of sleep per night. A sleep schedule will help establish a routine for your child throughout the school year and can improve study and homework habits as well. Poor sleep habits can lead to mood swings, behavioral problems, hyperactivity and cognitive problems, says Michelle A. Thompson, MD[13], a pediatrician at Childrens Hospital. All of these problems can affect the way your child learns and behaves in a classroom.
10. Update Your Childs Vaccinations Check with your doctor to confirm that your child has received the recommended vaccinations to protect their health and from exposure to illnesses carried by other students at school, says Jill Hoffman, MD[14], a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Its particularly important that children receive vaccines for pertussis (whooping cough), influenza, chicken pox, measles and other common infectious diseases.
To see a list of recommended vaccinations for different age groups, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) offers parents an online immunization schedule[15].
About Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has been named the best childrens hospital in California and among the top five in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll. Childrens Hospital is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States. Childrens Hospital is also one of America’s premier teaching hospitals through its affiliation since 1932 with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.
For more information, visit CHLA.org[16]. Follow us on Twitter[17], Facebook[18], YouTube[19] and LinkedIn[20], or visit our blog: WeAreChildrens.org[21].
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50387746&lang=en[22]
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50387746&lang=en[23]
References
- ^ Dan Thomas, MD (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Steve Kim, MD (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Gloria Verret, RN (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Kelli Anderson, RN (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Link to longer article (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Mark Borchert, MD (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ The Vision Center (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ pediatric audiologist (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Ronald Ferdman, MD (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Asthma Action Plan (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Food Allergy Action Plan (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Injury Prevention Program (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Michelle A. Thompson, MD (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Jill Hoffman, MD (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ online immunization schedule (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ CHLA.org (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Twitter (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ Facebook (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ YouTube (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ LinkedIn (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ WeAreChildrens.org (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50387746&lang=en (cts.businesswire.com)
- ^ http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50387746&lang=en (www.businesswire.com)
Resources:
Sole Source TIPS Cuticle Conditioner – Liquid Filled Cotton Swabs (Misc.) tagged “health tips” 8 times
Mon, 7 Jun 2010 04:18:28 GMT
Sole Source TIPS Cuticle Conditioner – Liquid Filled Cotton Swabs (Misc.)By Sole Source Click for more info Customer tags: cuticle care(8), health(8), cuticle(8), cuticle conditioner(8), health tips(8), beauty tips(8), beauty favorites(8), b003o1x4yq http://www.amazon.com/Sole-Source-TIPS-Cuticle-Conditioner/dp/B003NSETFI/ref=tag_rso_rs_edpp_url?ie=UTF8&creative=381421&tag=thedays-20
Sole Source TIPS Cuticle Conditioner – Liquid Filled Cotton Swabs (Misc.)By Sole Source Click for more info Customer tags: cuticle care(8), health(8), cuticle(8), cuticle conditioner(8), health tips(8), beauty tips(8), beauty favorites(8), b003o1x4yq Healthy Living (Fit to 100: Secrets to Health and Longevity) (Kindle Edition) tagged “health tips” 8 times
Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:22:02 GMT
Healthy Living (Fit to 100: Secrets to Health and Longevity) (Kindle Edition)By C.D. Shelton Buy new: $0.99 Customer Rating: 
Customer tags: long life(8), healthy living(8), health tips(8), live long(8), health and wellness(7), longevity(7), live longer(7), healthy lifestyle(7), health(7), health and fitness(7), healthy aging(7) Juicing For Health: Basic Tips To Get Started | universalhealthtips.com
TIP! Listen to your body if it reacts negatively to any of the juice that you drink. Many people have trouble with some juices and can react badly. Everyone. http://universalhealthtips.com/juicing-for-health-basic-tips-to-get-started.html
State PTA's Apple for You: Safety and Health Tips for New School …
California PTA provides lots of resources for parents and teachers to support the health of children. http://santee.patch.com/articles/state-ptas-apple-for-you-safety-and-health-tips-for-new-school-year
Great Health Hints and Handy Tips : More Than 4,000 Ideas to Help You Look…
27 Aug 2012 17:12:06 GMT-07:00
End Date: Saturday Sep-1-2012 15:24:59 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $2.99
Buy It Now | Add to watch list
Great Health Hints & Handy Tips Book by Readers Digest Look and Feel Your Best
27 Aug 2012 17:12:06 GMT-07:00
End Date: Monday Aug-27-2012 17:46:52 PDT
Bid now | Add to watch list
Health & Vitality: the Way to Good Health
Start living a healthy life now: Here is your 7-day plan ==> Having sworn to yourself that you’ll go to the gym in the morning, how many times have you changed your mind after you woke up and did not feel like working out? We all have days when we lose our motivation to get […]
Science-based Suggestions for self-confidence
A recent study shows your perception of your own image has a profound effect on how you present yourself to the rest of the world. Those findings could be empowering since even small changes to your self-care routine can significantly boost your self-confidence. The study by researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business found […]
5 ways to feel good while getting fit
(BPT) – Setting intentions is a powerful thing. Then when you have that shiny new gym membership in hand, you feel like nothing stands between you and your goals to get in shape once and for all. Trouble is, lack of motivation, unpreparedness and busy schedules have a way of interfering with our plans. If […]
When buying hearing aids: 6 essential things to know
(BPT) – Being an informed health care consumer is hard work. There is information everywhere. But how do you sift through it and make sense of it all? And how do you know what is reliable and what isn’t? Sorting through the noise when buying hearing aids is no exception. In the past several months, […]
Health Tips…….? Well i’m looking to become more healthy with my life and my habits. I’m not trying to loose weight just be healthy. Any tips…..like water tips or ways to avoid the unhealthy foods? ….also any fun activities or workouts?…..once again i’ll remind you i’m not looking to loose weight just become healthy =]
Eat healthy, no fast food or junk food, and remain active !
A little exercise (30 mins) everyday is all you need.
Health Tips? Is it bad for the health when after eating, I immediately lie to sleep?
Yes it is you should wait at least 2 hours after eating before going to sleep or else the food you just ate won’t burn up! you shouldn’t eat after like 6pm
Any Health Or Beauty Tips You Know About Weightloss, Looks, Health Etc? I want to try and be heathlier and feel better about myself because at the moment I have really low self esteem and I want to know any health tips you guys can give me.
Examples:
– How to lose weight safely
– How to brush your hair or teeth properly
– How to apply makeup
– A good cleanser that won’t harm your skin.
Basically just anything you know about being healthy or anything you can think of.
Person with the most tips gets best answer!
Hi Kara!
I have dealt with this problem of weight lose (and low self esteem too!) for a couple of years now. But now I reached a point where I know if I will not do something for myself, no one will do it…So, here is a list of some questions/ideas that I think you will find useful and by answering to these question you will have some ideas on what to work on.
1. Make the time to focus on health.
2. Take a long hard look at what you are putting into your body.
3. How much are you eating?
4. Drink WATER!
5. How much do you move each day?
Hope you will be ok soon!
Kindly,
Irene