Broderick Rhyant, M.D.,
chief physician executive,
Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor
As more people have access to COVID-19 vaccines, there›s hope that everyday life, including students returning to their schools, may someday soon get back to normal. In fact, by the time you read this your kids may have already returned to their classrooms.
New guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction is a priority.
This academic year will require schools and families to work together even more than before, and if your child resumes in-person learning at school, it is important to prepare for the possibility of virtual learning if school closes or if your child becomes exposed to COVID-19 and needs to stay home.
The CDC also states that everyone 12 years of age and older should be vaccinated for COVID-19 and that students, teachers, and staff should stay home when they have signs of any infectious illness and be referred to their health care provider for testing and care.
Whether in-person classes for your children have begun or not, it’s incumbent upon parents to stay current with their local school systems in regards to COVID-19 precautions and procedures.
In preparing for kids to return to school, it’s a good idea for parents to get their children to a child’s healthcare provider shortly before school starts for a check-up to ensure that their vaccinations and all medical records are current. If applicable, this is also the time to arrange for your child’s sports physical.
During the summer break, many kids go to bed later than during the school year, so it’s a good idea for parents to start sending them to bed earlier as the first day of school draws closer.
These days the bright illuminations from television, computer, tablet and cell phone screens has become a detriment to youngsters falling asleep on schedule. I know this may be a difficult struggle, but parents should do all they can to separate their children from those bright illuminations well before bedtime.
Parents should also be on the lookout for backpacks that can easily become way too heavy, and if that’s ever the case with your child, work with them and perhaps their teacher(s) to see how the load may become lighter to avoid injuries.
People who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately. If you are ill with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call your health center or clinic before coming to your appointment. If you are an Eskenazi Health patient, please call 317.880.7666 before coming to your appointment. Health care professionals are available 24/7 to answer questions on symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate care.
