header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


With the school year underway, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles experts have developed a safety and health checklist to help kids avoid the emergency room and develop productive extracurricular and learning activities to enhance the classroom experience. What do parents need to consider? Many symptoms of childhood conditions are often discovered in the classroom. Prevention is key and heading off many health issues requires proactive measures. Here are a few back to school tips to keep your child healthy and happy as the school year begins.

 

1. Is Your Child Snoring at Night?
Asking for “five more minutes” of sleep and foot dragging are normal in the transition from late summer nights to the earlier wake-up call for school. However, if your child is getting the recommended eight to 10 hours of sleep per night and still exhibiting signs of sleepiness, Sally L. Davidson Ward, MD, head of the division of Pediatric Pulmonology and medical director of the Sleep Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, recommends checking to see if your child is frequently snoring at night. In overweight children especially, snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea and other breathing difficulties. “Even brief moments of labored or absent breaths can disrupt a child’s sleep cycle and may impact attention and learning,” Ward explains.

 

78328327

With the school year underway, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles experts have developed a safety and health checklist to help kids avoid the emergency room and develop productive extracurricular and learning activities to enhance the classroom experience.

2. Back to School Jitters
Many kids feel nervous about going back to school, and may express apprehension. New teachers, a new school and new classmates can lead to anxiety. Parents can help by listening and asking open-ended questions about their child’s particular worries, rather than making assumptions. “Try to establish a routine and schedule before school starts to ease your child into the rigorous school schedule and help them be prepared,” says Stephanie Marcy, PhD, a psychologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “Encourage your child to be open minded about making new friends, while also allowing them to maintain contact with old friends.”

 

3. Avoid Processed High-Salt Foods and Drinks in Packed Lunches
Once the school year begins, overbooked schedules might tempt parents to send their children to school with prepackaged lunches that are high in sugar, salt and fat. Steven Mittelman, MD, PhD, director of The Saban Research Institute’s Diabetes and Obesity Program, says learning about healthy food choices begins at home, and can be an important step in preventing or reversing obesity. One idea: Prepping a week’s worth of lunches during the weekend can make it easier for busy parents to pack a nutritious lunch. “Try cutting up colorful fruits and veggies and packing them to grab and go,” says Megan Lipton, director of the Kids N Fitness Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “By opting for a recyclable water bottle instead of juice, you can cut down on your child’s excess sugar.”

 

4. Busy and Distracted Children can Encounter Health Issues
As children head back to the classroom, their schedules fill up with activities and homework. Countless hours are spent in front of the computer, television, smart phones and iPads, including texting and playing video games, but the distraction can also cause a child to hold their urge to use the restroom and may lead to constipation or urinary tract infections (UTI). “Kids don’t want to go to the bathroom at school; they don’t have time, so they drink less and move around less,” says Dan Thomas, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “Parents should limit their child’s time in front of electronics and encourage them to take frequent bathroom breaks. Exercise and routine are essential for healthy bowel movements in school-aged children.” If a child experiences symptoms of a UTI or constipation, make an appointment to see a doctor.

 

5. Bullying in the Classroom
Stop bullying before it starts. “Parents need to be a positive role model in how to treat others,” says Gloria Verret, RN, an RN Remedies nurse blogger at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “If your child sees you being rude and offensive to others, they may feel this is a acceptable behavior.” Open the lines of communication with your child by talking about the issue of bullying. Encourage your child to inform you right away when they, or someone they know, are being bullied at school or online. “If bullying is an issue at your child’s school, get involved,” urges Verret. “Go to the teacher, the principle, the PTA or the school board and rally the adults to stop bullying in the school.”

 

6. Annual Eye Screenings
A comprehensive vision exam should be as routine as a normal physical or check-up before school starts. Studies conducted by the American Optometric Association indicate that sixty percent of children with learning difficulties actually suffer from undetected vision problems. As a parent, it is important to ensure that your child’s vision is at its best. “Good eyesight is a fundamental part of learning in the classroom, yet many children do not have the recommended annual eye screenings conducted at school or by pediatricians,” says Mark Borchert, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist in The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “Parents should monitor symptoms and signs of vision problems throughout the school year, especially because eye sight changes as children grow older.”

 

7. Full Diagnostic Hearing Test
Make sure your child’s learning is at its best by getting their hearing tested. Kids are susceptible to chronic ear infections which can potentially lead to hearing loss. “Not all hearing problems can be detected by a school screening, so it’s important to have a full diagnostic test,” says Bea Smith, AuD, pediatric audiologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “Hearing loss often goes undiagnosed, which can lead to a longer learning curve for children, speech and language delays and even behavioral problems due to the child not hearing or understanding instructions.  It’s important to see an audiologist to be sure their hearing is adequate for communication.”

 

8. Asthma and Allergy Action Plans for Teachers and School Nurses
Work with your child’s doctor or nurse to prepare an action plan for any health issues your child may encounter. “Children with allergies or asthma may need special accommodations in their food or treatment to maintain normal activity levels. Review any medical records or prescription information with the school nurse or teachers to ensure proper dosage and care,” says Ronald Ferdman, MD, pediatric asthma and allergy specialist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Armed with the knowledge of how your child’s asthma or allergies are triggered, you can take preventive measures such as knowing the symptoms that precede a reaction.
Download a copy of an Asthma Action Plan or Food Allergy Action Plan.

 

9. Playground Safety
Teaching children safe playground behaviors at home or in a public park is a great way to avoid injury at school. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly sixty percent of all injuries are caused by falls to the ground. “It is critical for parents to actively supervise children, check for broken equipment and make sure children are wearing protective gear,” says Helen Arbogast, MPH, CHES, manager of the Injury Prevention Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. There is no substitution for adult supervision, and whenever possible children should be supervised during play at home and school. “Evaluate your child’s behaviors around others and make sure that they follow the playground rules. Children tend to increase risk by using equipment intended for older children and by improperly using equipment, such as sliding down equipment backwards or jumping off monkey bars. Be sure to stop that behavior in its tracks to avoid a trip to the emergency room.”

 

10. Update Your Child’s Vaccinations
Check with your doctor to confirm that your child has received the recommended vaccinations to protect them from illnesses carried by other students at school,” says Jill Hoffman, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “It’s particularly important that children receive vaccines for pertussis (whooping cough), influenza, chicken pox and measles; these vaccine-preventable diseases continue to circulate worldwide and cause infections in unimmunized children in the United States. To see a list of recommended vaccinations for different age groups, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) offers parents an online immunization schedule.

About Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has been named the best children’s hospital on the West Coast and among the top five in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll. Children’s Hospital is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States. Children’s Hospital is also one of America’s premier teaching hospitals through its affiliation since 1932 with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

For more information, visit CHLA.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn, or visit our blog: WeTreatKidsBetter.org.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

No Comments

    Leave a Comment


    LOCAL SCHOOL LINKS
    Related Content
    LATEST SCHOOL NEWS
    Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
    PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
    Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
    California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
    Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
    California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
    Monday, Mar 25, 2024
    The regular meeting of the Saugus Union School District Governing Board will take place Tuesday, March 26, with closed session beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by public session at 6:30 p.m.
    Friday, Mar 22, 2024
    The regular meeting of the William S. Hart Union High School District’s Governing Board will be held Wednesday, March 27, beginning with closed session at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by open session at 7 p.m.

    Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
    Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
    April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
    College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
    Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
    Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
    County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
    Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
    April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
    The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
    Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
    Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
    March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
    To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
    California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
    The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
    April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
    PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
    PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
    1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
    Bouquet Reservoir
    The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
    California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
    The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
    April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
    The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
    March 27 Ocean Water Warning
    As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
    SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
    Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
    April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
    Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
    SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
    California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
    Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
    Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
    March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
    Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
    April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
    The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
    Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
    California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
    State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
    1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
    C.A. Mentry
    The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
    March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
    SCVNews.com