It’s that time of year again when parents and children gear up for the back-to-school season. Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation reminds you that as you prepare your child for another year of learning, it’s important to remember to schedule a back-to-school “well-child” health checkup. This checkup can help ensure that your child is healthy and ready to tackle the school year ahead.

During a well-child checkup, your child’s doctor will perform a physical exam to check for any signs of illness or underlying health conditions. They may also ask questions about your child’s overall health and well-being, including their diet, exercise habits, and medications.

A critical aspect of a well-child checkup is ensuring that your child is up to date on all their vaccines. Vaccines are an essential tool in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and they are especially significant in a school setting where children are in close contact with one another.

In North Carolina, children are only allowed to attend a childcare facility or school (whether public, private, or religious) if they have received all immunizations appropriate for their age.  Vaccination records are checked when they enter a childcare facility, kindergarten, seventh and twelfth grade, and when they enter a college or university.

It’s important to talk to your child’s doctor about their vaccine needs and to ensure they are up to date before the start of the school year. 

In addition to vaccines, there are other steps you can take to help keep your child healthy during the school year. Encouraging regular handwashing, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet can all help boost your child’s immune system and prevent the spread of illness.

It’s also important to talk to your child about the importance of hygiene and staying home when they are sick. By teaching your child good health habits, you can help prevent the spread of illness and keep your child healthy throughout the school year.

The Health Foundation believes a back-to-school health checkup is an essential step in ensuring that your child is healthy and ready to learn. By making sure your child is up to date on their vaccines and following good health habits, you can help keep them healthy and happy throughout the school year. So schedule that checkup today and give your child the gift of good health!

Blue Ridge Health-Highlands Cashiers offers a full range of vaccinations, immunizations, and well-child services by appointment. These services include well-child appointments for established and new patients, as well as vaccination-only appointments. Most of these appointments can be completed within an hour, with some completed in as quickly as fifteen minutes.  For more information or to make an appointment with Blue Ridge Health-Highlands Cashiers, please call 828-482-6160.