Reviewing important tips can help your child be a safe pedestrian.

"Parents need to teach children to be safe, responsible pedestrians before permitting them to walk unsupervised," says Dr. Erin Endom, an emergency-room physician at Texas Children's Hospital. "That means reminders to stop, look and listen before crossing the street."

Walk with your children until you are sure they can cross the street safely. Show them how to interpret pedestrian and traffic signs and signals. Explain the role of school crossing guards. Caution them to remain on the sidewalk until they are ready to cross. Set an example by crossing only at street corners or designated crosswalks.

For added safety, encourage children to walk together. Tell them never to approach a strange vehicle. Use bright colors or reflective clothing to make children more visible.

Establishing Back-to-School Routines

Back to school means new clothes, new shoes and a new routine.

"Parents can help their children get ready for school by establishing guidelines for bedtime, schoolwork, chores and extracurricular activities," says Dr. Michelle Forrester with the Learning Support Center at Texas Children's Hospital.

If there have been no bedtime restrictions during the summer, begin a couple of weeks before school to send your child to bed a little earlier each night until you arrive at an appropriate bedtime. Include time for bathing, selecting clothes for the next day and a bedtime story.

Prioritize activities and establish an appropriate time for your child to complete homework assignments.

Prepare lunch and breakfast items in the evening, when possible. Also gather books and other materials that need to be taken to school and place near the door.

Benefits of a Healthy Breakfast

In the rush to get out the door, do not forget about breakfast.

"Breakfast is important because it refuels the body, supplying needed glucose or blood sugar," says Dr. Ann Scheimann, a nutrition and gastrointestinal physician at Texas Children's Hospital. "Studies indicate that children who eat breakfast tend to have better concentration and perform better in school."

Skip the donuts and soft drinks, which provide empty calories and a short-lived energy spurt. Instead reach for variety and a balanced meal - even if it is a non-breakfast item. Select low-sugar cereals topped with fruit and low-fat milk; instant oatmeal with fruit, raisins or nuts; bagel with cream cheese; toaster waffle with fruit; an egg sandwich; cheese and crackers; or even leftover pizza.

School Bus Tips Help to Ensure a Safe Ride

Riding the bus should be a pleasant, safe experience for your child.

"Children need to practice appropriate behavior both in and around school buses to avoid injuries," says Dr. Teri Turner, a pediatrician at Texas Children's Hospital.

Instruct your child to stay on the sidewalk, away from the curb, until the school bus comes to a complete stop. If possible, wait with your child until he or she is safely aboard.

Remind your child that, once inside the bus, he or she should remain seated and obey school bus rules. Unruly behavior is a distraction to the driver and can cause accidents. Tell your child to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before standing and exiting.

Advise your child to never run or play near the back of the bus after exiting. Children who must cross the street should do so in front of the bus, in view of the driver.

Head Lice Common in School-Age Children

Once your child is back in school, make sure you add an important step to his or her regular hygiene routine - checking for head lice and nits.

"Head lice can spread quickly," says Dr. Moise Levy, chief of dermatology at Texas Children's Hospital. "You may notice a rash or red spots at the back of the neck or your child may scratch his or her head a lot."

Getting rid of head lice takes time and patience. Wash your child's hair with an anti-louse shampoo or rinse. Be sure to protect your child's eyes and follow all instructions.

Vacuum your child's room. Wash in hot water the bedding and any clothes your child may have worn recently. Dry them in a dryer.

Check all family members for lice and have them use the anti-louse shampoo or rinse on their hair, combs and hair brushes. Do not share hair items or hats.

Notify your child's school or others who may have been in close contact with your child. Call your child's physician if problems persist or worsen.

Back to School Means Meeting Immunization Requirements

When preparing your child for school, make sure required immunizations have been administered. Keep a copy of your child's shot record for your files.

"If a child does not receive a vaccine at the recommended age, a catch-up immunization should be given," says Dr. Celine Hanson, a pediatric immunologist at Texas Children's Hospital.

Four- to 6-year-olds need to be vaccinated for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), Polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Haemophilus Influenza b and hepatitis B, if the shots were not given earlier.

Children 7 to 11 should receive an additional MMR and any previously recommended immunizations that were missed.

The Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccine should be given to children 11 through 16.

For more information on immunizations, call the Texas Children's Hospital Immunization Helpline at 713-770-2061.

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/08_01_00/page_19.html