As summer winds down and the excitement of a new school year approaches, parents across Great Falls are busy preparing their children for success. While shopping for school supplies and new clothes tops most back-to-school lists, ensuring your child’s health and wellness should be your first priority. The Great Falls Clinic Pediatric Department is here to help you navigate the essential health preparations that will set your child up for a successful and healthy academic year.

Start With an Annual Physical Exam

The foundation of back-to-school health begins with scheduling a comprehensive pediatric check-up with a trusted pediatrician. Annual school physicals serve as a crucial health baseline, allowing your child’s family doctor to assess their overall development, identify any potential health concerns, and ensure they’re physically ready for the demands of the school year.

During these visits, your pediatrician will evaluate your child’s growth and development, check vital signs, and discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s health or behavior. This is also an ideal opportunity to address any questions you may have about your child’s sleep patterns, nutrition, or physical activity levels that could impact their academic performance. If you think your child might need a mental health evaluation, please know you can set up a pediatric psychiatry appointment with us as well.

The Critical Importance of Up-to-Date Immunizations

One of the most vital components of back-to-school preparation involves ensuring your child’s immunizations for school are current and complete. Vaccines protect not only your child but also the entire school community from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.1

Required vaccines typically protect children from measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and varicella (chickenpox). Many schools also require vaccines for hepatitis B and meningococcal disease. These immunizations create a protective barrier against diseases that once caused widespread illness and death among children.1

Measles, for instance, can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Pertussis can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children, causing severe breathing difficulties. By maintaining up-to-date vaccinations, you’re contributing to community immunity that protects vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions.1

Sports Physicals: Essential for Active Students

For children participating in school athletics, sports physicals are mandatory and serve a different purpose than routine check-ups. These specialized examinations focus on your child’s cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal system, and overall fitness level to ensure safe participation in physical activities.

During sports physicals, your pediatrician will review your child’s medical history, assess their physical condition, and identify any potential risk factors that could lead to injury during athletic participation. This examination is crucial for preventing serious complications and ensuring your young athlete can participate safely in their chosen sport.2

Essential Back-to-School Health Checklist

Beyond medical appointments, several practical steps can help ensure your child’s health throughout the school year:

Start by checking the expiration dates on all medications your child may need, including prescription medications, inhalers, and over-the-counter items like pain relievers or allergy medications.

Update your child’s emergency contact information with the school and ensure any medical action plans are current and accessible to school staff.

If your child has allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions, work with your pediatrician to develop a comprehensive management plan that school personnel can easily follow and implement.

Creating Healthy Habits for Academic Success

Establishing healthy routines before school starts can significantly impact your child’s academic performance and overall well-being. Gradually adjust bedtime schedules to ensure your child gets adequate sleep for their age group. Most school-age children need 9-11 hours of sleep per night to function optimally.3

Focus on nutrition by planning healthy lunch options and discussing good eating habits with your child. Proper nutrition supports cognitive function, energy levels, and immune system health throughout the school year.

Partner With Great Falls Clinic Pediatric Department

From infants to teenagers, the Great Falls Clinic Pediatric Department is committed to supporting your family’s health needs throughout the school year and beyond. Our department offers a comprehensive range of pediatric services designed to support your child’s health and development from infancy through adolescence. These services include well-child visits, same-day sick appointments, ADHD evaluation and management, as well as specialized care for asthma, allergies, and ENT conditions. We also provide integrated behavioral and developmental support, chronic disease management, newborn services, nutrition education, and therapeutic services, including physical therapy, psychiatry, and speech and language therapy, to ensure every aspect of your child’s well-being is addressed under one roof.

Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your child’s school physical or sports physical. Contact our pediatric department today to ensure your child is healthy, protected, and ready to thrive in the upcoming school year. Together, we can help your child achieve their full potential while maintaining optimal health and wellness.

Ready to schedule a consultation? Call us at (406) 205-1915 or Great Falls Clinic Northwest Pediatrics at (406) 268-1600. To learn more, visit us online at gfclinic.com/department/pediatrics/.

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