For children to have a healthy school experience and achieve good academic performance, health check-ups conducted before schools open are extremely important. These screenings can identify diseases that families might otherwise miss.
Many diseases that can be encountered in adulthood can be prevented through health check-ups performed during this period.
Specialist Dr. Aşkın Güra Bayık from the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care at Memorial Antalya Hospital shared important information and recommendations regarding a healthy school term.
During a general health examination, the child's growth is evaluated through weight and height measurements. A detailed examination and blood pressure measurement are performed. A complete blood count, iron, B12, vitamin D, zinc levels, complete urinalysis, blood cholesterol-lipid ratio, and stool parasite examination may be reviewed.
Additionally, depending on family history, fasting blood glucose and thyroid function tests may be evaluated. Any missing vaccinations should definitely be administered before school age.
Most hearing loss in children develops before school age and causes disruptions in both speech and language development. Therefore, hearing function should be evaluated at ages 4-5 and during school age.
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Take precautions against vision problems
Eye screenings conducted before starting school should determine whether the child has amblyopia, strabismus, or high-degree refractive errors. Children with refractive errors or alignment problems may require intervention through glasses or surgery.
Amblyopia resulting from untreated refractive errors and strabismus until ages 9-10 can lead to irreversible problems in later life. It should not be forgotten that children with vision problems often become restless, irritable, and underperform in school.
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Provide hygiene education before starting school
Children newly starting elementary school or preschool often have difficulty with hand and toilet hygiene.
For this reason, urinary tract infections and upper respiratory infections occur very frequently. It is important to teach children proper hand hygiene and cleaning after using the toilet before starting school.
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Have oral and dental care performed
Oral and dental care play an important role in children's growth and development. These check-ups should be conducted before schools open for school-age children.
This way, dental problems that may arise during school can be prevented, and children will not need to be away from school for preventive procedures that the dentist needs to perform.
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Ensure breakfast before leaving home
During school age, when children's growth and development accelerate and learning is easier, the importance of nutrition increases. School-age children should definitely have breakfast at home before going to school.
Parents should also advise their children about food choices at school cafeterias, and children should prefer milk, buttermilk, and freshly squeezed fruit juices instead of acidic beverages and ready-made fruit juices.
Additionally, by preparing lunch boxes before leaving home, children should have snacks with nutritious foods such as walnuts, pistachios, and dried fruits.
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Remember that good sleep improves school performance
Good sleep is as important for children's academic success as proper nutrition. Many scientific studies show that sleep apnea can lead to decreased school performance and behavioral problems.
If a child snores when not ill, has difficulty breathing during sleep, experiences restless sleep, sweats at night, or has bedwetting episodes, a specialist should definitely be consulted.
