Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Summer 2021

Back to school, back to the doctor Beat the back-to-school rush Summer just started. Before you know it, you’ll be fill - ing out permission slips and looking for backpacks. But your to-do list isn’t complete unless you’ve scheduled a back-to-school doctor visit for your child. This might be a well-child visit or—if your child is an athlete—a sports physical. In either case, it’s the only visit many kids and teens have with their doctor each year. Get this done in the beginning of summer, and beat the end-of-summer rush for appointments. The doctor can give your child a physi- cal exam and check for any hidden health problems. These visits are also a chance: ● To be sure your child’s vaccines are up-to-date. Childhood vaccines help keep your child safe from 14 different diseases, some life- threatening. And kids don’t outgrow their need for them. Even preteens and teens need vaccines. ● For you to bring up any concern you have about your child’s health and development. What are signs of emotional stress in your child? How can you help your child eat better or exercise more? What’s the best way to discourage your child from smoking or help them cope with peer pressure? Any question you have is an important one. And as long as you speak up, your child’s doctor will guide you. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HealthReach 1837 4 Focus Your Health What am I? Find healthy foods for your list Here’s a fun game. How to play: 1. Trace the shapes. 2. Read the clues. 3. Unscramble the words. I am sweet and juicy. Please pardon my fuzzy skin. EHCPA _____________ Answers: 1. APPLE 2. CARROT 3. MILK 4. BREAD 5. PEANUT 6. PEACH Creamy or crunchy? Try me on celery or apple slices. NTAEPU __________ butter I make great sandwiches. Whole-grain ERBDA ____________ Put me on your cereal. Or drink me with dinner. Low-fat KIML _________ Rabbits love my sweet crunch! Kids do too. TRORCA __________ I am round and grow on trees. I might be red, green or yellow. LAPEP __________ Just for kids 1 2 3 4 5 6