As students return to school for another year, the American College of Emergency Physicians has put together a checklist for parents and guardians to help their children stay healthy. Most of the tips are pretty simple.
Make sure your child's medical records are updated and available to the school, along with your full contact information. This should include information on any medication your child is taking, as well as any allergies or special needs, and whether the school has your permission to administer certain drugs to your child.
If your child does have allergies, make sure you and the school nurse have an action plan to treat your child as quickly as possible, should they have a reaction.
Do a dry run with your child on their route to school, looking for potential hazards. If your child walks to school, make sure he or she knows how to cross a street, knows not to talk to strangers, and what to do if they are approached by someone they don't know.
If your child takes the bus, make sure he or she has a consistent pick up and drop off point that can clearly be seen by adults.
Develop a family emergency plan in case something happens. Make sure you child has all necessary contact information and knows how to use 911.
Make sure your child's medical records are updated and available to the school, along with your full contact information. This should include information on any medication your child is taking, as well as any allergies or special needs, and whether the school has your permission to administer certain drugs to your child.
If your child does have allergies, make sure you and the school nurse have an action plan to treat your child as quickly as possible, should they have a reaction.
Do a dry run with your child on their route to school, looking for potential hazards. If your child walks to school, make sure he or she knows how to cross a street, knows not to talk to strangers, and what to do if they are approached by someone they don't know.
If your child takes the bus, make sure he or she has a consistent pick up and drop off point that can clearly be seen by adults.
Develop a family emergency plan in case something happens. Make sure you child has all necessary contact information and knows how to use 911.
