Back to School: Your Child's Health—Fall 2012
As families approach the beginning of a new school year, both students and parents experience some excitement as well as some anxiety over what that year will bring. There are some things that families can do to help prepare themselves for the transitions that are involved. These go beyond the usual shopping for the coming year’s school supplies and outfits that retailers hope to persuade you to buy.
It is time to start thinking about getting back into routines. Earlier bedtimes and not sleeping in will help get your students ready for that rude awakening on the first day of school. For children starting in a new school, visits to the school may allay some fears. Talk to your child about some of your experiences with school and worries that you may have had. Let your children feel a little nervous about their upcoming experiences. They have every right to be.
Not a favorite subject, but there are some immunizations that are mandatory for students. Students entering kindergarten must show proof of immunization for a multitude of diseases, but NY now mandates a Tdap (tetanus, diptheria and pertussis-whooping cough) vaccine for students who are entering the 6th grade and are 11 years old. Students entering K, 2nd, 4th, 7th and 10th grade are required to have had preventive care visits and health appraisal forms completed.
Most importantly, relish every minute of these experiences because before you know it, your children will have grown up, but the memories will always be there.
Edward Lewis MD, Lewis Pediatrics, Rochester New York
Back 2 School Tip: Making the first day of school easier
Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time. Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus. If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.
To view other Back 2 School Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics such as...
- TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL
- EATING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
- BULLYING
- BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE
- DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS
...visit AAP Back 2 School Tips or CONSEJOS PARA EL REGRESO A CLASES
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Back 2 School Tips from Excellus BCBS and Lifetime Health
Tips for Packing a Fun and Healthful Lunch for Your Child by Patricia Palmisano, Registered Dietitian
read the article
Catching Zzzzz’s to Get A’s—Getting Your Kids on a Regular Back-to-School Sleep Schedule
read the article
New York State Immunization Requirements
The New York State Immunization requirements closely follow the recommended vaccine schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you have take your child to your pediatrician or family physician for all recommended well child checks, your child likely got all the required immunizations.
All physicians have access to the New York State Immunization Registry and can print out a form with your child's complete shot record regardless of where the immunizations were given.
Alice Loveys MD, Pediatrics at the Basin, Pittsford New York
New York State Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance
Source: New York State Health Publication 2370
NOTE: All new entrants and those entering grades K through 10 grades in September will need a Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine or proof of disease. All students entering sixth grade who are age 11 and born after 1/1/94 as well as all students entering seventh and eighth grades in September will need the Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) vaccine as a booster to their early five shot childhood series.
For further information contact:
New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization (518) 473-4437.
Free Immunizations Available for your child through:
Monroe County Health Department 111 Westfall Rd. Rochester, NY 14692
Immunization Clinic (753-5150) Walk-in clinic is Wednesday afternoons 12:00-7:00PM (last check in 6:30 PM). You must bring your child's
immunization record with you. Students enrolled in Child health Plus, or Medicaid must bring insurance card.
Common Myths about Immunizations: read here to learn about common myths and misperceptions regarding immunizations. This information is compiled by the Childhood Immunization Support Program (CISP).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seeks to address barriers to immunization and support pediatricians and their patients through the Childhood Immunization Support Program (CISP). This program works to improve the immunization delivery system across the nation by supporting members with resources for their practice and their patients. CISP also endeavours to provide accurate information directly to parents who have questions about immunization in order to better equip them for visits with the pediatrician.
Related RH Healthnote
Immunizations in Children and Adolescents by Thomas K. McInerney, M.D.
Thomas K. McInerney, M.D. is a pediatrician practicing in the Panorama Pediatric Group since 1971 and is also professor and Associate Chair of Pediatrics at the Golisano Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Sound Advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Immunizations play a vital role in the health of the nation's children. To answer parents' questions
about their children's vaccines, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a collection of interviews with pediatricians, researchers, advocates and other parents. Sound Advice
topics include Why vaccines are important for children, Keeping your family healthy during outbreaks like H1N1, and Dispelling common vaccine myths...
click here to listen to AAP Sound Advice
Dental Health Certificate
New York State law (Chapter 281) permits schools to request a dental examination in the following grades: school entry, K, 2, 4, 7, & 10. Check with your school district to determine if your school requests this. The amended Section 903 of Article 19 of New York State Education Law became effective on September 1, 2008. The amended section relates to school districts requesting dental certificates from parents at the same time that the school requires a health certificate for students. Learn more about the dental health certificates at New York State Dental Foundation and at NYSSMILES
View a sample Dental Health Certificate form
Related RH Healthcast
Pediatric Dentistry featuring Marci Mendola-Pitcher, D.D.S.
Marci Mendola-Pitcher, D.D.S. is a Diplomate of American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and owner of Rosen Pitcher Dental Group Pittsford, NY.
Body Mass Index (BMI) for Grades K, 2, 4, 7, and 10 (Selected Schools)
Beginning with the 2008/2009 school year, selected schools will be required to report aggregate (summary) data concerning Body Mass Index to the NY State Health Department. No names or individual student information will be sent. You may choose to have your child's information excluded from this report. If you wish your child's information excluded, send a letter to your child's building nurse. Requests must be renewed for each physical. Check with your school district to determine if your school has been selected for this requirement or visit New York Statewide School Health Services Center
"Healthy Snacks A-Z"
Dr. Alice Loveys of Pediatrics at the Basin has compiled a list of healthy snacks to include in your child's school lunch or to send in for snacktime.
| Almonds | Apples | Apple Sauce |
| apricots | avocado | bagels whole wheat |
| bananas | blueberries | cantaloupe |
| carrots | celery | cheese |
| cherries | cherry tomatoes | corn on the cob |
| corn muffins | cucumbers | fresh fruit |
| fruit cups/salad | grape fruit | grapes |
| honeydew melon | hummus | melons |
| milk | nectarines | nuts |
| oranges | peas | peaches |
| peanut butter | pears | peppers |
| pistachio nuts | plums | prunes |
| quiche | raisins | strawberries |
| string beans | tomatoes | tuna |
| turkey | veggies | watermelon |
| yogurt | zucchini bread |
Rochester-Area School District Health Forms:
Many school distrcits have the District Health Forms online. Below is a list of RH-area school district websites - if the health form for a district cannot be found on the district website please contact the district directly.
| Orleans County | Orleans County |
| Albion Central School District | Lyndonville Central School District |
| Holley Central School District | Medina Central School District |
| Kendall Central School District |
H1NI and Seasonal Flu Information
A 2012 message from Dr. Andrew Doniger, Monroe County Director of Public Health
Protect Yourself. Protect Your Family: Get a Flu Shot!
Flu vaccine has begun to arrive in our community and it's time to make plans to get vaccinated.It is important to note that influenza, or "flu", is a serious illness that causes many thousands of deaths and hospitalizations each year in the United States. It is equally important to understand that it is largely preventable. Each year, world and federal health officials determine which strains of flu are most likely to circulate. Three strains are then produced and combined into the seasonal flu vaccine. This year's seasonal flu vaccine, like last year's, will again contain the novel H1N1 strain as health experts believe it will likely circulate. Getting a flu shot (or nasal mist if appropriate) each year is by far the single most effective way to prevent getting the flu. The vaccine is safe and highly effective. Unlike most other vaccinations, you must get a flu shot every year. The CDC now recommends that all persons 6 months and older get vaccinated. Other 'prevention' tools including thorough and frequent hand washing, covering your cough, and staying home from work or school when sick all will slow the spread of illness in our community. So, whether you see your doctor, visit a public clinic, get one from your employer or a local pharmacy, get a flu shot and protect yourself and your family.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands
- Put used tissues in the trash.
- Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Wash with soap and water, or with alcohol-based hand cleaner
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school, and limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them. Adults should not leave home until 7 days after symptoms begin; children should stay home 10 days after the onset of illness.
New York State Influenza Hotline: 1-800-808-1987
New York State Department of Health H1N1 (Swine Flu) information page
Center for Disease Control and Pervention H1N1 information page
CDC H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Seasonal Flu Information for Schools & Childcare Providers
check back on the RochesterHealth.com website for further updates on H1N1
Seasonal Flu Information
Monroe County School Kids Influenza Prevention Project (MCSKIPP)
The Monroe County Department of Public Health was recently awarded a federal grant to assess the feasibility of administering flu vaccine in school settings. We call this project MCSKIPP (Monroe County School Kids Influenza Prevention Project). We are working closely with school officials to design a system to administer flu vaccine to children (with parental permission of course) in select schools within Monroe County during the Fall, 2010. Nursing professionals from the University of Rochester's Health Checkpoint Program—who annually administer tens of thousands of flu shots at community clinics—are our clinical partners on this project: MCSKIPP website.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 6 months through 18 years receive the Influenza vaccine every year. For more information: click here.
School Backpacks
American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation:
- Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
- Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the your child’s body weight.
- Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
- Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Health Insurance for Children
Health insurance may be vailable for your child through Child Health Plus. New York State has a health insurance plan for kids, called Child Health Plus. Depending on your family's income, your child may be eligible to join either Children's Medicaid or Child Health Plus. Both Children's Medicaid and Child Health Plus are available through dozens of providers throughout the state.
To be eligible for either Children's Medicaid or Child Health Plus, children must be under the age of 19 and be residents of New York State. Whether a child qualifies for Children's Medicaid or Child Health Plus depends on gross family income. Children who are not eligible for Medicaid can enroll in Child Health Plus if they don't already have health insurance and are not eligible for coverage under the public employees' state health benefits plan. Some children who were covered by employer-based health insurance within the past six months may be subject to a waiting period before they can be enrolled in Child Health Plus. Determining whether your child is subject to a waiting period will depend on your household income and the reason your child(ren) lost employer-based coverage. Check the income charts to see whether your child will most likely qualify for Children's Medicaid or Child Health Plus.
Child Health Plus 1-800-716-4885 (Hearing Impaired 1-800-421-1220)
Related Websites of Interest
click on a website to visit...
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| American Academy of Pediatrics | Childhood Immunization Support Program | CDC Vaccine Information | New York State General Flu Information |
This page sponsored in part by:
The information presented was reviewed by:
Edward Lewis, MD
Edward Lewis is the sole proprietor of Lewis Pediatrcis in Rochester, New York. Dr. Lewis is a gratuate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and a board certified pediatrician.
Alice Loveys, MD
Alice Loveys MD is owner of Pediatrics at the Basin in Pittsford, New York. Dr. Loveys is a graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and a board certified pediatrician.
FAAN’s Back to School Checklist for those managing food allergies... click here...
CNN Health: Young athletes in the heat: Doctors revise guidelines... read the article...
Free Physicals Offered for Rochester Area Students: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry students, faculty and residents again will conduct free physicals for Rochester area students on four evenings in August and September... information...
