Preparing for Back to School

Posted: Monday, August 9, 2010 by Westside Sol Newspaper

SAN ANTONIO, TX - As summer draws to a close and we all prepare for our children to return to school, I would like discuss children’s health issues.

Before school starts, please make sure your children have all of their required immunizations. There are new vaccine requirements this year for some age groups. The key ages are the pre-school/kindergarten, middle school and high school. The
Metropolitan Health District can provide a list of vaccination clinics at (210) 207-8750.

As the school year approaches, take the opportunity to make changes to your child’s lifestyle to help make their year healthy and successful. Childhood obesity is a significant problem in the Unites States in general and particularly in San Antonio. Nationally, 22 percent of Hispanic children 6 to 11 years old are overweight. Thirty percent of San Antonio children between the ages of 8 and 10 are obese. Being overweight during childhood increases the risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The added weight also puts increased strain on bones and joints.

Increased calorie intake from junk food, decreased physical activity, genetics and economics all play a role in childhood obesity. The approach to solving the problem needs to address all of these issues.

Children learn by example in many areas of their lives and food choice is no different. Limit fast food and junk food as a family and everyone can be healthier. Many years ago, a patient of mine was being raised on fast food, sodas and junk food in outrageous quantities. His weight was more than double the average child of his age. Through education and persistence, his family changed his diet and he began to grow into his weight and it began to become more normal. I have seen what better food choice can do
for a family and it is possible.

The same is true for physical activity. Turn off the television, computer and/or game console and go outside. Take a walk, play a game, play catch—anything but sit on a cough doing nothing. Children need at least an hour of activity everyday—join them!

For more information please contact our office or you can visit the following website for more information: http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/resources/mpk_tips.pdf .

Michael Dominguez, MD, FAAFP is board certified in Family Medicine. His office is located at Health Texas at Holy Cross, 590 N. General McMullen, 78228; phone: 210-249-0212.