5 Back-to-School Health Tips for Your Kids

If you want your kids to get the most of the school year, make sure they are in good health. Here's a list of five health tips parents should consider:

1. Make sure your kids are up-to-date on vaccinations

Here's the list of required immunizations for the 2013-2014 school year from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. One of the changes this year is that the whooping cough vaccine is now required for rising seventh-graders this school year. If your child, hasn't already gotten the vaccine, DHEC is holding a free clinic this week.

2. Make sure you give your children all medications they need

If your child needs to take medication during the school day, make sure you talk to the school nurse and give them permission to administer the medication. 

3. Check your child's hearing and vision 

Make sure your child's pediatrician checks for any hearing or visual impairments that would prevent your child from learning.

4. If your children have food allergies, be prepared for an emergency

Make sure you inform the school nurse of any life-threatening food allergies your kids may have and talk to your kid's pediatrician about prescribing an EpiPen. That way, the school nurse can have it in case your child has a severe reaction to food. Read more from Web MD.

5. Watch the weight of your child's backpack 

The American Chiropractic Association recommends that your child's backpack not be heavier than 10 percent of your child's weight. Read more tips about backpack safety.