CHILDREN’S HEALTH
THERE
may have been a lot of
things on your child’s back-to-school
to-do list, but if you weren’t able to
schedule a visit to the doctor’s ofce
before school
started, it’s not
too late to take
care of an im-
portant part of your child’s health.
A back-to-school checkup is a
great way to make sure your child is
healthy and ready for another year
of learning.
Te American Academy of
Pediatrics and other experts recom-
mend annual doctor visits for all
School
days are
here!
But it’s not too late
for a back-to-school
visit to the doctor
school-age children and teens. Tese
appointments are important for a
number of reasons:
Vaccinations.
Te doctor can
make sure your child is protected
against a host of serious diseases, in-
cluding measles,
mumps, rubella,
chickenpox,
meningitis,
tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough
and cervical cancer. It’s important for
children of all ages to get their vac-
cinations at the recommended times.
Milestones and signs.
Regular
exams help the doctor become fa-
miliar with your child’s development
and growth. Tat can make it easier
to spot emerging health problems or
even a learning disability.
Guidance.
As your child gets
older, routine checkups provide time
for your doctor to discuss impor-
tant health issues, such as smoking,
drinking, drugs, nutrition, sexual
activity and depression.
And don’t forget about dental
health.
Tooth decay is the most
common chronic disease among
kids, according to the American
Dental Association. An annual
dental exam should be part of your
child’s back-to-school routine.
To schedule an appointment with
a Columbia Memorial Hospital
pediatrician, call
503-325-7337
.
To schedule an appointment with a
CMH pediatrician, call
503-325-7337
.
FOR
many moms and dads, the
real morning rush hour has nothing
to do with cars or commutes. It’s get-
ting kids out of bed and of to school
with a packed lunch in their hands.
Because time is short, it may be
tempting to resort to prepackaged
lunches, even if they’re high in salt
or fat. But there are healthier options
available that are also no-fuss—
including the sample lunch ideas
featured here.
Turkey on whole wheat.
Sandwiches are a lunchbox staple.
Skip salami and other fatty luncheon
meats and instead pack a turkey
sandwich topped with lettuce on
whole-grain bread. Skinless poultry
is a lean source of protein, and
Make your kid’s lunch the best in the class
whole-grain foods add fber. A
peanut butter and jelly sandwich on
multigrain bread is fne too.
Low-fat string cheese.
A calcium-
rich diet in childhood and adoles-
cence helps prevent fractures from
osteoporosis later in life. So be sure
to pack a low-fat dairy product for
your child. Try kid-friendly string
cheese or plain yogurt favored with
your child’s favorite fruit.
Grape tomatoes.
Rather than salty
chips, pack some red grape tomatoes.
Tomatoes are a super source of
vitamins A and C and potassium.
Lycopene, the pigment that gives red
tomatoes their color, may protect
against heart disease. If your child isn’t
fond of tomatoes, try baby carrots.
Sliced apples.
Make a habit of
including fruit in your child’s lunch.
Even fussy eaters are likely to gobble
up tasty sliced apples. But you might
also pack plums, tangerines, grapes
or dried fruit.
100 percent fruit juice.
Can
the soda—one 12-ounce serving
can contain up to 12 teaspoons of
sugar—and include 100 percent
fruit juice instead. Pack this and
everything else in an insulated
lunchbox or bag. Perishable foods
shouldn’t be lef out of a refrigerator
for more than two hours.
For more helpful tips on healthy
eating, visit www.eatright.org
/public.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Diatetic Association
2
q
call us at 503-325-4321