Tips for a healthy school year
As summer winds down and the kids get ready to go back to school, now is the time to book appointments, communicate health concerns with schools, and talk to young people in your life about issues that may impact their mental and emotional health. When kids feel healthy and supported, they can stay in school and do what they love. It may be easy to overlook some steps in the chaos, but Jackson County Public Health has some tips to keep you on track.
Back to school is the perfect time to make sure kids are up to date on their recommended vaccines. Vaccines are a safe, well-studied, and effective way to protect kids, and everyone around them, from harmful diseases like whooping cough (pertussis), measles, and meningitis. If your child or grandchild is behind on routine childhood vaccinations, make an appointment today to get caught up. Reach out to your regular medical provider or a local medical facility to schedule an appointment. In addition, Jackson County Public Health offers Immunization Clinics on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 9 am to 4:30 pm at 421 County Rd R in Black River Falls. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Call 715-284-4301 for more information.
Consider talking with your child’s healthcare provider to schedule a blood lead test. All children should receive a test at ages 1 and 2 and any child between ages 3 and 5 who has not had a previous test. Childhood lead poisoning is a serious public health threat and early detection is the best way to prevent long-term physical and mental health impacts.
It is also important to maintain regular medical and dental checkups. If your child has a chronic illness, such as asthma, use this opportunity to identify ways to stay healthy through the year and beyond. In Wisconsin, 1 in 2 children with asthma miss school due to the illness which can impact academic success. Creating an asthma action plan and communicating it to the school is highly recommended. Other asthma management tips include carrying a rescue inhaler, bringing medicines to the school nurse, and staying current on vaccines.
Emergency department data shows a large increase in self-harm among young people when school resumes after summer break. Some signs to look for include increased secrecy, reduced time with friends and family, unexplained wounds, and keeping arms and legs covered even when inconvenient. Some actions to take if you suspect your child is self-harming include not ignoring the problem, listening without judgment, and recognizing that professional help may be necessary.
The recently released Jackson County Youth Risk Behavior Survey results for 2023 showed that 36% of the youth surveyed had used a vape at least once. Make sure to learn about these new tobacco products and talk to your kids about how damaging these products can be. Wisconsin’s Live Vape Free program offers a free text-based program for young people who vape and a companion program for supportive adults. Text VAPEFREE to 873373 or visit livevapefree.com to learn more. At the same time, talk to your kids about underage drinking which can have a lifelong impact on health and wellness. Start around age 8 to prepare them to make a lifetime of good decisions. Get talk tips, facts, and more about alcohol and tobacco at SmallTalksWI.org.
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.