Pediatricians share tips to help families prepare to return to the classroom

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As families enjoy the final weeks of summer break, local pediatricians are encouraging parents to get a head start on back-to-school health preparations.

Dr. Sireesha Palkamsetti, a pediatrician at Saint Agnes, said families should schedule physicals and vaccinations early before the new school year begins.

She said younger children entering preschool or elementary school often need booster doses of vaccines, including those that protect against chickenpox, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles.

"So all of them are vaccines your kids already got as a baby. They're just like booster shots, but very essential," Dr. Palkamsetti said.

When asked whether there is a certain number of vaccines that is too many to receive at one time, Dr. Palkamsetti said, "There is no specific number for how many vaccines are too much. I've noticed like, one or two visits, the kids are due for like five vaccines. It's totally okay to give them five vaccines at once. You can always request a physician to do like three and three. All we need is that we know we have a good follow-up and we can schedule your next appointment."

In addition to vaccinations, Dr. Palkamsetti said students can improve their chances of having a successful school year through daily hydration and balanced nutrition.

"Making sure that you include your carbohydrate, protein and then your fruits and vegetables on your plate every day," she said.

Dr. Palkamsetti also encouraged families to begin adjusting bedtime routines before school starts. She said gradually moving bedtime earlier can help children adapt to a school-year schedule and make early mornings easier.

"Just do like 30 minutes for a couple of days so that they slowly kind of acclimatize to the new change. Waking up early is going to be hard, so sleeping early helps them wake early," Dr. Palkamsetti said.

With the start of the school year approaching, Dr. Palkamsetti said early planning for medical visits, healthy eating habits and consistent sleep schedules can help students transition back to the classroom.

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