Does the very mention of potty training fill you with dread? Parents and caregivers play a key role in this training with direction, motivation and reinforcement. It can be stressful for parents and children alike, but don’t fret. Prepare for the potty training process with these practical tips and suggestions that will reassure you during any setbacks or obstacles.
In recognition of this observance, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication is encouraging individuals, parents, and caregivers to know the signs of hearing loss, language impairment, and other communication disorders.
Extending your life might be as simple as changing your commute. A new study found that both walking and biking to work have health benefits. In fact, active commuting had a positive effect on people regardless of numerous factors, including their sex, age, ethnicity, and smoking and eating habits. Learn more about the benefits of pedal power.
'Tis the season for hugs, kisses, handshakes and the FLU! Check out these five fast facts about the flu, and learn why there's still time to protect your family from this miserable—and sometimes very serious—illness.
According to a new global report a woman in the U.S. has about a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer sometime during her life. Find out the other risk factors and how to increase your chances of being in the 7 out of 8 women who never develop the disease.
Truancy vs. Chronic Absence; what is the difference?
DID YOU KNOW?
Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
Missing 10 percent (or about 18 days) can make it harder to learn to read.
Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two days every few weeks.
Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college, and at work.
DON’T WAIT -----------VACCINATE NOW
FOR ATTENDANCE IN ALL GRADES
4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis*
(1 dose on or after the 4th birthday)
4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)**
2 doses of measles, mumps, rubella ***
3 doses of hepatitis B
2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine or history of diseas *Usually given as DTP or DTaP or if medically advisable DT or Td ** A fourth dose is not necessary if the third dose was administered at age 4 years or older and at least 6 months after the previous dose. ***Usually given as MMR
FOR ATTENDANCE IN 7th GRADE:
1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)
1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
FOR ATTENDANCE IN 12th GRADE:
2nd dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) at age 16 or older.
ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, a child must have had a least one dose of the above vaccinations or risk exclusion. If additional doses are still needed, the dose(s) must be received within the FIRST FIVE (5) DAYS OF SCHOOL, if medically appropriate,-NEW or risk exclusion.
These requirements allow for medical reasons and religious/philosophical beliefs. If your child is exempt from immunizations, he/she may be removed from school during an outbreak.
Pennsylvania’s school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA.CODE CH.23 (School Immunization)
Contact your health care provider or 1-877 PA HEALTH for more information
To help your family get ready, well before the first bell rings, check out these tips for packing healthy lunches, choosing a sturdy backpack and helping your child's school year get off to a good start.
