MEDICAL CITY SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT
ASK A PHYSICIAN GETTING KIDS BACK-TO-SCHOOL READY Q: Do children need a physical before starting the school year? A: Children need an annual well child check-up with their pediatrician, and this is frequently done before going back to school. Oftentimes, if a child is involved in sports, he or she will also need a sports physical to participate. Q: What steps can parents take to keep new school year germs at bay? A: It’s important to encourage frequent handwashing to minimize the spread of germs. I would encourage families to get their flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines if they meet the current age group of approval (12 years or older for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine). If your child is unvaccinated, encourage he or she to continue wearing a mask to minimize getting themselves or others sick from airborne illnesses.
Dr. Lisa Frees is board-certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics. She practices at Acton Road Pediatrics. Dr. Frees attended Our Lady of the Lake College, where she graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Biology, and Louisiana State University Shreveport School of Medicine, where she also graduated summa cum laude. She completed her Pediatric Residency at UAB and Children’s Hospital of Alabama. She is currently accepting new patients. Visit actonrdpeds.com to make an appointment online. PHOTO COURTESY OF ACTON ROAD PEDIATRICS
Q: What types of vitamins or supplements do you recommend for school-age children? A: Most children who eat a varied diet do not need vitamins or supplements, as we get these from our regular diet and fortified foods. However, discuss this with your pediatrician if you have a concern about your child’s nutrition. Q: What should parents do to determine extracurricular sports readiness? A: It’s really up to the parent and the child to decide when they would like to get involved in extracurricular sports. If a child is interested, it’s a great time! Sports can be excellent for team building and making friends, as well as a great source of exercise. Q: What are some practical ways to encourage good health at home? A: Eat a nutritious, varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Drink mostly water and avoid sugary drinks. Remember, we have more control at the grocery store than at the pantry or fridge. Minimize screen time to less than two hours per day. Get at least one hour of physical activity per day. Encourage regular bedtimes and proper sleep hygiene (no electronic devices at bedtime). Kids tend to have more success at adapting these healthy lifestyle changes if the whole family does it together. CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
26 Bham Family August 2021
