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It's time for busy schedules with classtime and homework. Are your children prepared? AS THE START of school approaches, chances are good you have a checklist of everything your child needs. Stocking up on clothes, a new backpack, and notebooks and other supplies may dominate your to-do list, but don't forget one important category: healthcare. All children require certain immunizations before they're allowed to attend class, and children who play sports need an up-to-date physical. Children in public schools in the state of Iowa are required to have the following vaccinations: Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTaP) Polio Measles/mumps/rubella Hepatitis B Varicella (chickenpox) Meningococcal — Given in one dose at or after age 10, this vaccine is required only for kids in seventh grade and above. LET'S GET PHYSICAL An up-to-date physical is typically required for kids who want to play sports. Along with providing a full physical examination, this appointment with your child's pediatrician will address issues specific to athletics, such as injury risk, nutrition and approaches to training. Physicals aren't reserved only for student athletes. Every child needs a yearly wellness visit to monitor his or her health and development. Why not schedule this appointment before the school-year rush begins? Talk to your child's pediatrician about immunizations and sports physicals, or visit www.mercycenterville.org/find-a-provider to find a pediatrician near you. Ahead School Days SPORTS ARE A fun way to ensure your child gets his or her weekly recommended exercise and learns skills like teamwork and discipline. Having all that fun without correctly preparing, however, can lead to injury — and nobody has time for that. INJURY PREVENTION To reduce the risk of both acute and overuse sports injuries, work with your child to develop the following best practices: Warm up and cool down. Properly stretching warms and relaxes muscles and reduces the risk of injury during play or soreness after exercise. Wear protective gear. Be sure your child has the correct helmet, gloves, padding or other gear for his or her sport and that everything fits comfortably and correctly. Pay attention. Check that your child knows the rules of the game and stress the importance of watching out for others during play. In addition, model the safe behavior you want to teach. When exercising together, show that you, too, drink plenty of water and take rest breaks. If your child sees you taking care of your body, he or she will be more likely to make smart decisions such as resting when necessary. "Injury prevention is an extremely important, and often overlooked, aspect of a successful athletic season," says Drew Higgins, DPT, Mercy Medical Center-Centerville. "Although some injuries and ailments are unavoidable, focusing on prevention prior to participation in sports can significantly decrease the risk of overuse injuries and even some acute injuries. When prevention is turned into a priority, it can make sports and athletics safer and more enjoyable while ensuring time is spent on the playing field instead of on the sidelines." Don't wait to get your child's sports physical for the upcoming school year! Sports Injuries Keep your kid safe on the field, court or track this season. SKIP the Drew Higgins, DPT MERCY MEDICAL CENTER-CENTERVILLE /// www.mercycenterville.org 6