Dr. Lisa Frees of Acton Road Pediatrics gives tips for getting kids back-to-school ready

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.

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side salad.

Speaking of salads, don’t sleep on the entrée ones at Troup’s. I’m a big fan of the House, add grilled chicken. With mixed greens, spiced pecans, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and balsamic-fig vinaigrette, it tastes special enough to make me forget I ordered a salad at a pizza restaurant. All salads except the Wedge come small or large. My suggestion: Order a small to enjoy alongside your slice (or slices).

Sunday brunch is served weekly, featuring innovative dishes such as Khachapuri—cheesefilled bread and pesto topped with a runny egg—

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Q: What signs or symptoms warrant parent concern or a trip to the doctor?

A: Pediatricians are always willing to see a child who is ill, especially if a parent is concerned. If your child has a fever, seems dehydrated, is having any difficulty breathing, or has been sick for several days and is not improving, then it’s worth a visit to your pediatrician. If you aren’t sure if you should bring your child in, you can always call your pediatrician for advice.

Q: What’s the best way to treat the common back-to-school cold?

A: Common colds are viral illnesses that resolve on their own over time without any specific treatment. Antibiotics do nothing to treat a viral illness. Common colds generally get better in about seven to ten days. It’s important to treat the symptoms to help the child feel better, including staying hydrated, giving Tylenol (or Motrin if over six months of age) as needed for fever or discomfort, suctioning frequently with a nasal bulb for infants, and using a humidifier if necessary.

Q: Is there anything preemptive parents can do to avoid stomach viruses?

A: Stomach viruses are very contagious, so it is important to frequently wash your hands and avoid being around anyone sick with a stomach bug to avoid catching it. It is a viral illness, so it typically lasts several days and will improve on its own without any treatment. However, if you

shrimp and Creole grits, and a sausage, bacon, egg, and cheese pizza. Don’t skip the beignets.

Chef/owner Terrill Brazelton—already known for his “chef-inspired pizza,” focuses on fresh, local ingredients, and it shows in the freshness of the food at Troup’s. He is often around, bussing tables, chatting with customers, and generally adding to the cozy, comfortable, family-friendly neighborhood vibe. I’ve been when the restaurant was crowded and on less busy nights, as well, but the takeout line is always hopping.

Troup’s Pizza is located at 3144 Heights Village in Vestavia. They’re open Monday 4 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. with brunch until 3 p.m.

get a stomach bug, the most important thing is to stay hydrated through it. Parents can monitor their child’s urine output to ensure they are staying hydrated. If they are urinating at least once every eight to twelve hours, then they are hydrated enough and will improve with time. Sometimes, your pediatrician may prescribe an anti-nausea medication such as Zofran for nausea/vomiting.

Q: What are some signs of stress or school jitters parents should look for in school-age children, and when should they be concerned?

A: Grades are often a good indicator of how a child is doing. But, sometimes, when children are dealing with stress or anxiety, the signs can be subtle. Signs of anxiety can include the following: being unable to stop or control worrying, having difficulty relaxing, being restless, becoming easily annoyed or irritable, or feeling afraid as if something awful might happen. Signs of depression can include the following: having little interest or less pleasure in activities they used to enjoy, feeling down/sad/hopeless, having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, feeling fatigued, experiencing changes in appetite, having difficulty concentrating, or having thoughts of self-harm. Speak to your pediatrician if you think your child may have anxiety or depression.

Your pediatrician is here to support you and answer any questions you may have. It is very important to keep up with your child’s routine well check-ups. These are great times to address any concerns, keep your child’s vaccinations up to date, closely monitor their development and psychosocial health, and screen for any serious illnesses.