Prioritize Immunizations and Preventive Care While Back-to-School Planning

It’s back-to-school season and we know how busy parents and guardians are with school supply shopping, updating wardrobes and organizing schedules. During the excitement and preparations, it’s crucial not to overlook a vital aspect of your child's well-being: their health.

Ensuring that your children are up-to-date with immunizations and preventive care is essential for a successful and healthy school year.

Norman Regional Health System’s primary care services are here to support you in prioritizing your child’s health during this important time.

Why Immunizations Matter

Immunizations are one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific infections, reducing the spread of contagious diseases within the community.

At school, kids are in close contact with one another, so the risk of disease transmission is heightened. By keeping up with recommended immunizations, you’re not only looking out for your child, but also contributing to the health of their classmates.

Key immunizations to consider before the Oklahoma school year starts include:

• DTaP/Tdap: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough).
• MMR: Guards against measles, mumps and rubella.
• Varicella: Prevents chickenpox.
• Influenza: Annual flu shots are recommended to prevent seasonal flu.
• Meningococcal: Protects against bacterial meningitis.
• HPV: Recommended for preteens to protect against human papillomavirus, which can lead to certain cancers.

The Role of Preventive Care

Preventive care is more than just immunizations. It encompasses regular check-ups, screenings and health assessments that help identify potential health issues early on. These routine visits are imperative for monitoring your child’s growth and development, making sure they are meeting developmental milestones and addressing any concerns.

During a preventive care visit, your primary care provider may:

• Conduct a thorough physical examination.
• Update your child’s medical history and address any new health issues.
• Provide age-appropriate screenings (vision, hearing, etc.).
• Offer guidance on nutrition, physical activity and mental health.
• Discuss and administer any necessary vaccines.

Don’t Forget About You, the Parent!

Your child’s health isn’t the only priority. It's equally important for parents to take care of their own health. A busy school year can be demanding, with sporting events, late-night homework help and packing lunchboxes.

When you’re healthy, you have the energy and vitality to support your child effectively.

Consider these preventive care steps:

• Routine Check-ups: Schedule annual physical exams to monitor your overall health.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep. NMotion Human and Sports Performance Center’s Amanda Sadler, MD, focuses on functional medicine by targeting any underlying causes of decreased performance, addressing factors such as hormone balance, gut health, nutrition and immune function to attain peak physical condition. Even if you're deemed 'healthy' or ‘normal’ by conventional medicine standards, underlying dysfunctions may exist that require attention before they escalate into more serious injuries, illnesses or declines in performance.
• Mental Health: Take time for self-care and stress management, whether through hobbies, exercise, relaxation techniques or medication. Most conditions can be effectively diagnosed and treated at one of Norman Regional's Primary Care clinics. Your mental health matters, and we're here to ensure you get the care and support you deserve!
• Heart and Lung Scans: These screenings can detect potential issues early, providing peace of mind and the ability to address any concerns promptly. You could benefit from a heart and lung scan if you are over the age of 35 for men and 40 for women, have a family history of heart disease or struggle with high cholesterol or high blood pressure. $125 Heart and lung screenings are performed by appointment only at Norman Regional Hospital, Norman Regional Moore and Norman Regional Nine, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Schedule Your Heart or Lung Scan Now

Taking care of your health allows you to be there for your family and enjoy the special moments throughout the school year.

Benefits of Comprehensive Health Services

Norman Regional’s primary care services offer comprehensive health care tailored to your child's needs. Our skilled providers are dedicated to delivering personalized care and supporting families in maintaining their children’s health.

By utilizing our services, you ensure that your child receives the best possible care, setting them up for a healthy and productive school year.

Key benefits of our primary care services include:

• Continuity of Care: Establishing a long-term relationship with a primary care provider who knows your child’s medical history.
• Coordinated Care: Seamless integration of services, including referrals to specialists if needed.
• Convenience: Multiple locations and flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy family lives.
• Comprehensive Support: Access to a wide range of health services, from preventive care to acute care needs.

How to Get Started

Scheduling a back-to-school health check-up is easy with Norman Regional. Our primary care providers are ready to get your child is fully prepared for the upcoming school year.

To make an appointment, call 405-515-5000 and Norman Regional Healers at our Community Call Center will help you find the perfect fit for you and your family based on nearest location, availability and each providers’ specialties.

You can also browse through the list of Norman Regional primary care providers and call their office directly here.

By prioritizing immunizations and preventive care, you are making a significant investment in your child’s health and well-being. We want to help you create a safe and healthy environment for our local children to learn, grow and thrive. Remember, taking care of your own health is just as important in supporting your family’s success!