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Check-Ups and
Physicals
Getting ready for school often includes making sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date. Some requirements for immunizations have changed, so check with your child's physician and the SC DHEC school requirements. See requirements >>Find a physician >> |
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Greetings!
It seems like summer just started, and already it's back to school time! As you fill your days with meeting new teachers, coordinating carpools and picking perfect school supplies, keep your family's health a top priority. We have great suggestions for keeping your child's lunch healthy and fun, as well as tips for choosing a safe backpack ... class is now in session!
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Backpack Safety
from the experts at St. Francis Outpatient Rehabilitation
Of all the shiny, new school supplies that you'll purchase this year, the backpack may be the most important. A proper backpack can protect your child's back muscles and spine from injuries caused by heavy loads.
When buying a new backpack, choose one with:
- A padded back to reduce pressure on the back, shoulders, and underarm regions
 - Hip and chest belts to transfer some of the backpack weight from the back and shoulders to hips and torso
- Multiple compartments to better distribute weight, keep items secure, and ease access to the contents
- Reflective material to enhance visibility of the child
During the school year, follow these tips to keep your child's spine in line:
- Make sure your child wears both straps to evenly distribute the weight of the backpack.
- Adjust the shoulder straps so that the backpack rests evenly in the middle of the back, not higher or lower.
- Keep the load at 10-15% or less of the child's body weight, and place the heaviest items closest to the back.
If your child's posture changes when wearing a backpack, he or she experiences pain, tingling, numbness or red marks on the shoulders, the backpack is too heavy. Look for ways to lighten the load, and decide if it's time to invest in a new backpack.
Meet some of our Spine Experts >>
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Lunchbox Makeover
A healthy diet is just as important for children as it is for adults. When packing your child's lunch, making some simple swaps can improve your child's health: - Replace high-fat lunch meats like bologna and salami with lean deli meats like roast turkey, lean ham, and grilled chicken breast.
- Replace white bread with 100 percent whole-wheat and whole-grain bread.
- Replace fried chips and high-fat, low-nutrition snacks with fiber-rich snacks like plain popcorn, reduced-fat cheese sticks, a handful of nuts, and veggie dippers.
- Replace fruit canned in syrup with fresh fruit or fruit packed in its natural juices.
 - Replace cookies and cakes with low-fat, artificially sweetened yogurt, sugar-free gelatin, or sugar-free pudding.
- Replace sugary fruit drinks and sodas with water or low-fat or fat-free milk.
For more information about healthy family diets, set up a Nutrition Consultation with one of our registered dietitians. Call 675-4323 for an appointment.
More links and tips >>
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