“I chose pediatric medicine because I believe long-term wellness starts in childhood. A child’s wellness is dependent on every aspect of their life; physical, emotional, educational and interpersonal health are equally important,” said Sunaina Suhag, MD, FAAP, Pediatrics at ARC East 7th. “I approach care visits as a team, where you and your child are both actively involved in health care decisions. This creates well-rounded, well-empowered children with the confidence to transition into autonomous, healthy adults.”
Here are five health tips from ARC Pediatricians to help navigate this exciting yet often stressful time.
1. Make sure vaccinations are up to date
Vaccinations are vital to safeguarding a child's health, especially when returning to a school setting. Speak with a pediatrician to ensure they are current on all recommended vaccines. By protecting children against preventable diseases, parents contribute not only to their child’s well-being, but to the well-being of the entire school community.
Many school districts reported a dip in their vaccination rates during the pandemic. In the 2022-23 school year, Austin kindergarteners had vaccination rates of between 86% and 92% compared to 2018-19, when rates were between 94% and 96%.
There are two key times when schools look at vaccination records: kindergarten and seventh grade. Kids who haven't completed the required vaccine schedule for that grade cannot attend class, with a few exceptions.
Children can request exemptions for medical reasons or for what is called "Reasons of Conscience." Kids with medical exemptions have their doctor sign an exemption form, which is good for one year, unless the child has a lifelong disease, in which case the exemption is valid for the rest of their school career.
Frequently asked questions about vaccinations:
- Why are children vaccinated?
- Vaccines help prevent diseases, such as measles, mumps, diphtheria and polio. Illness can last days or weeks, along with possible side effects and lifelong complications or sometimes death.
- What happens if not enough kids are vaccinated?
- Any time vaccination rates decrease, the risk of illness increases.
- How to know which vaccines are needed?
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a schedule of which vaccines children need at what age. The CDC also has a catch-up schedule for children (and adults) who have never been vaccinated or are behind in their vaccines.
- What are possible side effects of a vaccine?
- Soreness, swelling or redness at the vaccine site is normal, as is a fever within the first 24 hours. Most vaccines are well tolerated in children, but parents should reach out to their child’s doctor if they have concerns.
Adequate sleep is crucial for a child's physical and cognitive development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a minimum of eight hours of sleep, depending on the child’s age.
3. Promote good hygiene
In a school environment where children interact closely, good hand hygiene habits are essential. Teach children the importance of washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, as recommended by the CDC, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
4. Promote healthy eating habits
Nutrition plays a crucial role in a child's growth and cognitive function. By providing nutritious meals and snacks, parents lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle that will benefit children long after the school years.
5. Help manage stress
School can bring about various stressors for children, including academic pressure, social challenges, or extracurricular commitments. Create a safe and open environment where children feel comfortable discussing their worries and concerns.
ARC Pediatricians recommend wellness checks
The pediatricians at ARC follow the AAP recommendation for routine well-check exams. For children ages 6-18, annual exams are recommended. For school-aged children, summers are a great time to schedule a well-check exam.
If a child had a sports physical for an organized activity, do they still need an annual well-check exam? The short answer is yes.
A well-check exam focuses on maintaining a child's health and is a time to discuss preventive care. Children can also complete sports and camp physicals at their visit.
What the pediatrician will cover:
- Growth and development
- Immunization updates
- Health and safety
- Nutrition and physical fitness
- Teen topics like puberty and acne
- Learning and behavioral questions
- Family and social concerns
A summer well-check exam also offers a safe space for pediatricians to screen for signs of depression, anxiety and other issues. By addressing these concerns in the summer, pediatricians can provide support, connect families with resources and offer guidance tailored to each child's needs before the back-to-school rush starts.
A sports physical, also known as a preparticipation physical evaluation, is typically required by schools or sports organizations before a child can join a sports team or participate in organized physical activities.
While both a sports physical and a well-child check involve assessing a child's health, there are some key differences between the two:
- Focus: Well-checks focus on overall health; sports physicals focus on sports readiness.
- Depth: Sports physicals are more targeted, while well-checks are comprehensive exams.
As parents prepare their child for another successful school year, remember that their health and well-being are integral to their overall success. By following these tips and annual well-check recommendations from ARC Pediatricians, parents can create a foundation for their child to thrive academically, emotionally and physically.
“I chose to be a pediatrician because children are the future. It brings me joy knowing I can be part of how a child grows and develops into a healthy adult,” said Ricardo J. Chapa, MD, Pediatrics at ARC Dripping Springs. “I believe every patient is unique, and it is important to sit down, slow down and really listen to the patient’s and parents’ concerns. Working collaboratively, we can then come up with a treatment plan that will work best for each individual.”
Make an appointment today
When school is out, that's the time to check in with an ARC pediatrician for a child's health.
Parents can schedule a well-check exam in the following ways:
- Book at ARC MyChart if parents have proxy access to their child's account.
- Click BOOK NOW on your doctor's or APC's website bio page.
- Click BOOK NOW at ARCcheckup.com.
- Call 512-272-4636 for 24/7 phone scheduling services.
The above story was produced by Community Impact's Senior Multi Platform Journalist Sierra Rozen with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
