Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/853291
BY SARAH HANEY NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE With the start of school just around the corner, there are several challenges to face when children return to the classroom. Vaccinations, eating healthy well-rounded meals, and getting enough sleep and exercise are a few of these challenges for which teachers and parents alike have to prepare. With the percentage of children with obesity in the United States having more than tripled since the 1970s, about one in fi ve school-aged children ages 6-19 has obesity today. Children with obesity are at higher risk for having other chronic health conditions and diseases that impact physical health, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and risk factors for heart disease. In the long term, childhood obesity also is associated with having obesity as an adult, which is linked to serious conditions and diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and several types of cancer. Sports Physicals Many parents encourage their children to participate in sports. This helps keep them active, reducing the many risks associated with childhood obesity. The fi rst step to getting children involved in school sports is by completing a sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). The exam helps determine whether it's safe for your may have now, such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy. • Any episodes of passing out, dizzy spells, chest pain, or trouble breathing during exercise. • A list of all medications they are on, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and prescription medications. It's important to help your child fi ll out the medical history questions form to the best of your knowledge. If possible, both parents should share information about family medical history. By learning and knowing about your family's medical history, you can have a good idea of what possible conditions your child may have. The physical examination is the second part of the PPE. This part of the exam is equally important to the medical history and will usually consist of: • A recording of height and weight. • Checking blood pressure and pulse, including heart rate and rhythm. • A vision test. • An examination of heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat. Some standard questions a medical professional will ask during the PPE include questions about use of drugs, alcohol, or dietary supplements, including steroids or other "performance enhancers" and weight- loss supplements. In most cases, once the exam is complete, the doctor will fi ll out a form saying everything checked out alright. Sometimes, the doctor will recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specifi c treatment for medical problems. private school who has also not been immunized against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, red (rubeola) measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, pneumococcal disease and varicella. Each immunization has its critical purpose and it's important to keep all immunizations up-to-date. • Tdap: A booster to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Recommended for preteens (11-12), as well as any teens (13-18) who haven't gotten this shot yet. • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4): Protects against meningococcal disease. First dose is recommended at age 11 or 12 followed by a booster (2nd shot) at age 16-18. • Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: Protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. HPV vaccine is given in three doses over a 6-month period to boys and girls starting at 11-12 years old. • Infl uenza (fl u) vaccine: Protects against different strains of seasonal infl uenza. A yearly dose is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Also, check to confi rm that your teen has received all recommended childhood vaccines, or if they need to catch up on any vaccines they have not yet received. Preparing for a healthy school year including heart rate and rhythm. • An examination of heart, lungs, • An examination of heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat. Some standard questions a medical professional will ask during the PPE include questions about use of drugs, alcohol, or dietary supplements, including steroids or other "performance enhancers" and weight- In most cases, once the exam is complete, the doctor will fi ll out a form saying everything checked out alright. Sometimes, the doctor will recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specifi c treatment for medical problems. • Infl uenza (fl u) vaccine: Protects • Infl uenza (fl u) vaccine: Protects against different strains of seasonal against different strains of seasonal against different strains of seasonal infl uenza. A yearly dose is recommended infl uenza. A yearly dose is recommended infl uenza. A yearly dose is recommended Some standard questions a Some standard questions a Some standard questions a medical professional will ask during medical professional will ask during the PPE include questions about the PPE include questions about use of drugs, alcohol, or dietary use of drugs, alcohol, or dietary supplements, including steroids or other "performance enhancers" and weight- In most cases, once the exam is complete, the doctor will fi ll out a form saying everything checked out alright. Sometimes, the doctor will recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specifi c treatment for medical problems. infl uenza. A yearly dose is recommended infl uenza. A yearly dose is recommended infl uenza. A yearly dose is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. for everyone 6 months and older. for everyone 6 months and older. Also, check to confi rm that your Also, check to confi rm that your teen has received all recommended teen has received all recommended teen has received all recommended childhood vaccines, or if they childhood vaccines, or if they childhood vaccines, or if they need to catch up on any need to catch up on any vaccines they have not yet vaccines they have not yet received. received. "Children with obesity are at higher risk for having other chronic health conditions and diseases that impact physical health." HEALTHY continued on page 14 12 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST AUgUST - BAck TO SchOOl | SATURdAY, JUlY 29, 2017