The Portland Clinic Advises Oregonians on How to Keep Kids Healthy This School Year
As Oregon children head back to school, there are several things that parents can do to make sure that their child stays healthy and performs at their peak potential this school year. Oregon families are faced with a number of challenges ranging from picking healthy school lunches to the more serious threat of childhood diseases and viral infections. The Portland Clinic, Oregon's oldest private multi-specialty medical group, wants to advise families on some simple ways to keep your family healthy this school year.
H1N1 and How to Keep Your Kids Safe
According to The Portland Clinic's Dr. Annie Mack, infants, children, young adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases such as asthma are at the highest risk of having complications after contracting the H1N1 virus. The initial vaccination group includes those at highest risk as well as their caregivers and includes: pregnant women, children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years old, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, and those with chronic diseases. As the vaccine supply becomes more abundant and the demand for the high risk group has been met, it will then be recommended to all individuals.
"Parents should stay versed on the risk levels of H1N1 in their community and the basic ways to protect their family including consistent hand washing, covering coughs, keeping hands away from the eyes, nose or mouth and keeping your kids home from school when they have a fever," comments Dr. Mack.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends many ways to help prevent the spread of the virus, aside from the vaccine that will become available in mid-October. These include covering your nose with a tissue when sneezing, washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol based hand rub, avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose and, most importantly-stay home if you have a fever. This is a common concern for parents who cannot financially afford a babysitter or a missed day of work, but is essential in limiting the spread of viral infections such as H1N1 amongst children at school and their caretakers.
Yearly Vaccinations, Preventing Childhood Disease
"Besides feeding, clothing, sheltering and loving your children, the most important thing you can do for their health is to protect them from serious childhood diseases," comments Dr. Mack.
School-aged children in Oregon are required to follow a schedule that includes nine different vaccinations from birth through their conclusion in the Oregon Public School System. In addition to the nine required and standard vaccinations, Dr. Mack suggests that families stay educated on the latest vaccines and boosters now available. These new vaccinations include protection against H1N1, Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Gardasil, and Meningococcal vaccine. Gardasil is a vaccine that protects girls through their adulthood against HPV, the virus responsible for cervical cancer. The Meningococcal vaccine protects against some strains of bacterial meningitis and is recommended at the age of 11 or older . Also, a second Varicella shot to protect against chicken pox is recommended at the age of 4, but can be given as a catch up shot at later ages too.
Healthy Childhood Nutrition and an end to Childhood Obesity
A recent study conducted by the CDC found that the prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 has more than doubled in the past 20 years, going from 6.5% in 1980 to 17.0% in 2006. It is important for parents to consider the long-term benefits of raising healthy children and the impact that physical activity and complete nutrition can have on the health of their growing bones, overall energy and attention levels. The eating habits children learn when they are young will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle when they are adults. It is vital to instill the importance of a healthy lifestyle at an early age.
Parents can start the day off right for their children by making a breakfast that includes whole grains, protein, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables. A well-balanced breakfast has been shown to increase the levels of concentration, problem-solving skills, alertness, creativity and physical activities in children.
Healthy lunches, after school activities, and family dinners at the table are all ways in which parents can boost the health of their children and families. There are many resources that families can visit to help find ideas on keeping your kids healthy and active, including: