Back to School 2012: Student Health Checks

Many parents know that children need to be immunized to attend Washington State schools, or have a physicians note (). But there are other health check-ups that students should have before returning to school, according to Sandie Tracy, registered nurse and health service supervisor for Northshore School District.

“Getting a physical is a good first step toward getting kids ready for the school year,” Tracy said. “As parents, if our children are pretty healthy we get into our routines and sometimes forget that annual check-up.”

In most school districts, an annual physical examine is needed before a student can join a sports team, but a year check-up is a good idea for all students, according the American Academy of Pediatrics. The doctor can make sure the child’s growth rate is on track and get a base understanding of the child’s overall health.

And for teens, it’s an opportunity for the doctor to talk them about drugs, alcohol and smoking, Tracy said.

“Today’s pediatricians or family practitioners are more about having conversations on preventing health problems than they were in the past,” she added.

Students in the Northshore School District do get a basic health exam at school which includes vision and hearing screenings in grades K-3 and again in 7th grade. It’s a very basic exam and Tracy recommends any student with a pre-existing health problem should see their family doctor.

“Also, if a student needs medication during the school day, those medications need to be in the nurse’s office on the first day of school,” said Tracy. “And if your child has developed on ongoing health problem since the end of the last school year, it’s a good idea to go and talk the school nurse and let them know what the student’s new needs are.”

District nurses will be back at schools the first week in August. Parents needing assistance with health care can find resources on the District’s website here and ParentHelp123. For students in the Lake Washington School District, check here.

Tracy also recommends getting children a dental check-up before school starts to avoid missing school.

The first day of school for Northshore students is Sept. 4, for students at in the Lake Washington School District, the first day of school is Sept. 5.