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This week’s edition of Our Health takes a look at National Immunization Awareness Month as youngsters get ready for school.
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National Immunization Awareness Month 1B ¡ Keeping kids healthy 1B Health inspections 3B
EnrollinG now 713-290-8277 5000 west Tidwell www.oslschool.org
Saturday, August 8, 2015 • Page 1B
By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Appropriately enough for back to school time, August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the Center for Disease Control has rolled out a big campaign to emphasize the importance of timely vaccinations. More than 28,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in the United States in 2014. From 2000 through 2014, there were 277 deaths from whooping cough reported in the United States. Almost all of the deaths were babies younger than 3 months of age, who are too young to get the shots. In 2014, the United States experienced the highest number of measles cases since it was eliminated from the U.S. in 2000. In 2014, there were 23 outbreaks affecting 668 people from 27 states. This year, measles continued to affect the U.S. with over 160 cases reported as of May 1, 2015. The CDC stresses the importance staying on track with the immunization schedule – http:// www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html – to ensure that children have the best protection against diseases like whooping cough and measles by age 2. For parents who are concerned about the number of shots given at one time to their child, they can reduce the number given at a visit by using the flexibility built into the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule. For instance, the CDC says that the third dose of hepatitis B vaccine can be given at 6 through 18 months of age and parents can work with their child’s doctor to get the dose at any time during that age range.
The Houston Independent School District lists their Immunization Requirements at http://www. houstonisd.org/Page/32245. Exclusions from compliance are permitted on an individual basis for medical reasons – they would be medically harmful or injurious to the health and well-being of the child – or for reasons of conscience. Those claiming an exemption for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, need a signed and notarized original affidavit from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The affidavit is valid for two years. Schools and child care facilities are required to maintain an up to date list of students with exemptions, so that they may be excluded from schools in times of emergency or epidemic declared by the commissioner of health. It’s a little ironic that by the time kids are old enough to be brave for their shots - between ages 6 and 11, they get a break from the schedule, excluding the recommended flu shot. For the little ones, Leader readers gave some tips about making it a more pleasant experience. “When my kids were little and were still nursing I would nurse right after to comfort and that helped calm them down a bunch,� said Nicole Aboudaher. “Now with my 4 year old, it’s all about bribes. Lollipops galore.� “Assuring [my 4-year-old] it would only pinch for a second definitely helped,� said Angel Viator Smith. “They react to how you act. Don’t be fearful for them and they’ll do better.� And Julie Wild recommends an ice pack on the location about ten minutes before hand. For more information, visit https://www. nphic.org.
Contributed Photo While kids might not be too thrilled at getting shots, proper immunizations are vital when returning to school.
YMCA to hold back-to school backpack drive for local kids For The Leader
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Keeping kids healthy, happy throughout the school year For The Leader Students are most likely to get sick when school starts because being at school puts children’s immune systems to the test, offers The Mayo Clinic. Young children who are in close proximity to others in large groups tend to spread organisms like bacteria and viruses that cause illness. Breaking the cycle can take some work, but it’s possible to make this a healthy school year. Encourage handwashing Frequent handwashing is a great way to prevent illness. Handwashing habits are essential for school-aged children and should be taught as soon as possible. Children should wash their hands after they use the bathroom and before they eat. If they’ve been playing outside or have interacted with children who are sick, handwashing can help remove some of the germs lingering on their hands. Antibacterial wipes are another option, but they may not be as effective as washing hands with warm, soapy water.
• The Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA collected school supplies for over 200 students To Donate To support Operation Backpack, drop off a backpack filled with school supplies at Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA, participating HE-B or other community locations from July 15 to August 9. Donations can also be made online at YMCAOperationBackpack.org or through at the register when you check-out at your local H-E-B. A list of recommended school supplies is also available online. To Receive Supplies Families who would like to receive supplies through the drive should email ymcaoperationbackpack@ymcahouston.org.
Stop (some) sharing Sharing develops good manners and can foster new friendships. But children should be discouraged from sharing food, drinks and other personal items. Once the item has been placed in a child’s mouth, it should not be shared. Take a sick day Rare is the student who will never come down with an illness. When kids get sick, keep them at home. Schools may have guidelines indicating when it is acceptable for children to return to school, and it’s important that parents adhere to those guidelines so illnesses cannot spread around the school. Promote adequate sleep and nutrition While adults may need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night, children often require more. The National Sleep Foundation recommends eight to 13 hours of sleep a night for school-aged children. Begin adjusting sleep schedules during the latter part of summer vacation so that children can readjust to their regular sleep schedules. Parents also should feed kids nutritious diets consisting of a variety of foods. Avoid high-calorie junk foods, reserving such items only as special treats every so often.
chiropractic care
Northwest ChiropraCtiC George G. Junkin, D.C. D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com
Major Hospitals
Memorial Hermann Northwest 1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE
St. Joseph Medical Center in The Heights 1917 Ashland Street Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-757-1000 Physician Referral 713-757-7575
Medical Suppliers
Complete Medical Supply 1714 W. 18th Street (At Ella Blvd) Houston, TX 77008 Tel: (713) 880-4000 www.CompleteMedicalSupply.net
Texas Medical Supply, Inc. 1906 W 18th St. Between Ella Blvd. & 610 N. Loop West Tel: 713-864-7636 www.txmedicalsuply.com
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TAKE THE FIRST STEP
As summer vacation winds down, thoughts turn from jaunts to the beach to readying for a new school year. To-do lists include many of the typical tasks that precede going back to the classroom, including shopping for new clothes, purchasing school supplies and finishing summer reading assignments. Another essential requirement parents must find time for is completing their children’s health screenings and immunizations so youngsters can return to school. Health screenings may include, but may not be limited to, routine physical exams, eye exams and dental cleanings. Each school district may have its own set of health requirements that must be met in order for children to attend school. Many schools require that children are up-to-date with all immunizations before they can begin a new school year. While the issue of vaccinations has inspired debate in recent years, parents should recognize that many schools will only exempt students from receiving certain vaccinations due to religious reasons. For a list of state vaccination requirements and possible exemptions for schools in the United States, visit www2a.cdc. gov/nip/schoolsurv/schImmRqmt.asp. Students who have specific learning disabilities or medical conditions that require classroom modification should obtain recent documentation from any therapists or specialists prior to beginning a new school year. Doing so facilitates the process of setting up procedures within the school while ensuring children have what they need to excel in the classroom. All parents may want to ask doctors to provide copies of medical and immunization records so that schools will have the most recent copies on file. Parents should schedule eye examinations well in advance of the first day of school so they have ample time to fill new prescriptions for youngsters before school begins. This ensures kids won’t be starting off on the wrong foot because of vision problems that could already have been addressed. Parents of adolescents or students on the verge of adolescence may want to address the subject of bodily changes before the school year begins anew. Address which changes can be expected, including the start of menstruation for girls. This will help children better understand what is happening when they witness changes in themselves and fellow classmates and give them a chance to receive accurate information rather than gossip from their peers. Keep in mind that health screenings conducted in advance of the school year may not preclude students from school-sponsored screenings. Schools may offer their own vision and hearing screenings and may take physical measurements to ensure students are growing on schedules in line with normal development.
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• More than 93,000 students received new supplies • 47 school districts impacted • The YMCA raised $2.33 million to fund supplies for local students
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With the end of summer just around the corner, YMCA Operation Backpack, Houston’s largest back-to-school supply drive has begun. The drive runs July 15 through August 9. This year the YMCA of Greater Houston has set a goal collect 100,000 backpacks to help children and families in the Houston area who otherwise could not afford new school supplies. Many families face the daunting expense of purchasing school supplies for their kids at the end of summer; a price tag of up to $200 per child. In Harris County, more than 25% of children 17 and under live below the poverty line (KIDS COUNT Data Center, 2009-2013) making the purchase of new supplies unattainable. The Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA is collecting 200 backpacks to serve to our community. “Many parents face the heartbreaking reality that they simply cannot afford the supplies their kids need to start the school year,� said Rosemary Lengefeld, Foster Family YMCA Community Executive Director. “Providing a child with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom can be a life-changing experience. The YMCA is proud to advance academic achievement and serve those families so children start the school year on a positive note.� Operation Backpack has grown to one of the largest back-to-school events in Texas. Some highlights from last year’s campaign include:
Health screening tips for the new school year
Preferred Health
Advance H e
National Immunization Month
AHS
Advance Healing Solutions of Houston 5740 W. Little York Houston, Texas 77091 Tel: 281-447-7648
Women’s care
Sharon Smith, M.D. & Amber Dobyne, M.D. The Preserve 2010 N. Loop West, Suite 260 Houston, Texas 77018 Tel: 713-697-8555 www.obgyncaretx.com
Contact a Memorial Hermann Joint Center. And start living pain free. Staying active is key to staying healthy. That’s why Joint Center specialists use the most advanced treatments to get you moving again. From new prescription options, to minimally invasive surgical interventions, our affiliated body of experts is ready to help you find the best path to the life you want to live. Call 713.272.1888 or visit jointpain.memorialhermann.org for more information or to make an appointment.
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