Page 7 - Healthy Kids Now - Fall 2021

Back-to-School
WA ellness Checklist
s more children return to in-person schooling, we know they will be in
close contact with each other during the school day. In this setting, it is easier to catch illnesses that spread. Follow these healthy habits to help your children stay well during the school year.
• Talk with them about washing their hands often during the school day.
• Teach children to cough and sneeze into their elbows, not their hands.
• Remind children to avoid touching their faces, especially their eyes, nose,
and mouth.
• Create healthy sleep schedules, as children need more sleep than adults.
Make sure your child is up to date on their immunizations and has
a physical exam each year before going back to school.Talk with your child’s doctor about these recommended vaccinations:
• DTaP(diphtheria,tetanus,andpertussis)andTdapcombination
vaccine — Children need 5 doses of DTaP between ages 2 months old
and 6 years, and 1 dose of Tdap at age 11 or 12.
• Flu shot — Children ages 6 months and older should get a flu shot
once a year.
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) combination vaccine —
Children need their first dose between 12 and 15 months old, and a
second dose between ages 4 and 6.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine — Children between ages
9 and 18 should receive 2 or 3 doses, depending on their age at the
initial vaccination (often recommended to begin at age 11 or 12).
• Meningitis vaccine — Children should get their first dose at age 11
or 12 and a booster shot at age 16.
• COVID-19 vaccine — More young people are becoming eligible for the
COVID-19 vaccine, and more doses are available. The vaccine is safe and effective. Please visit www.pa.gov/guides/get-vaccinated for the latest vaccine information in your area.
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Does Your Child Have a Safe, Fun Home Workspace?
For remote learning or just everyday homework, it’s important for children to have their own workspace. This will help them focus and avoid eye, back, and neck strain. Follow these tips for a safe and fun learning space at home:
• Choosepartofacounter,table,oradeskthatwillbeusedonlyforschoolwork.
• Makethespacefeelspecial.Wallofftheareawithposterboardandletthem decorate it.
• Addadesklampforawell-litspace.
• Findachairthatallowsyourchild’selbowstorestgentlyonthearmrests.
The back of their knees should be about 3 to 4 inches from the edge of the seat. Use pillows, rolled up towels,
or other kinds of padding on the seat, back, and arms to make an adult-sized chair work.
• Makeafootrestusingbinders,boxes,orbooksifyourchild’sfeetdon’treachtheground.
• Lineupthetopofyourchild’selectronicscreenwithyourchild’seyestokeeptheirspineinaneutralposition.
• Tomakethescreenhigher,placeitonbooks,boxes,oranotherkindofstable,safeplatform.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Occupational Therapy Association; U.S. Department of Labor; South African Journal of Physiotherapy; Surgical Neurology International; Kentucky Department of Education; South Dakota Department of Health