When you’re a parent, the back-to-school season to-do list can feel like a never-ending responsibility. But when it comes to preparing your child for a positive year at school, nothing may be as important as addressing their health needs. Treating patients of all ages in Anchorage, AK, Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine highlights a few pediatric care recommendations that can encourage a healthy academic year.

If you’re planning a pediatric care visit for your student before they head back to the classroom, it’s important to check the following off your list:

• Catch Up On Immunizations: Children following the recommended vaccination schedule provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention™ have the opportunity to be vaccinated against 16 potentially harmful diseases. Since that’s a lot to keep up with, it’s a good idea to check with your child’s doctor to see what vaccines they are due for. Not only does this protection promote long-term health, but most schools require students to be immunized before starting education.
• Get Medications Ready: If your child has any chronic health conditions, be sure to review any medication needs and order extra prescriptions if it needs to be stored at school. For example, students with allergies may need to have an EpiPen® available in the event they experience anaphylactic shock. If the medication requires special instructions for teachers, make sure to work with your child’s pediatrician to develop an action plan that you can provide them with.   
• Complete Necessary Physicals: Depending on the grade they are entering, some children are required to complete a physical and return a doctor-signed form to the school. Student athletes will also be required to complete a sports physical before joining any sports teams. Even if physicals aren’t required, a wellness exam can help you check-in with your child’s general health.

Closely connected to the Anchorage, AK community, Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine is a reliable resource for back-to-school health needs. Whether your child’s pediatric care needs entail vaccinations, medication plans, or physicals, this clinic can provide it all in a convenient and cost-effective manner. Visit them online to learn more about their comprehensive services or download required sports and school physical forms for the Anchorage School District. To schedule an appointment, call the office at (907) 344-0200.