As the lazy days of summer begin to wane, the rush for readying kids for the school year inches closer. Valley pediatrician Dr. Shannon Barker shares some wisdom on the subject. According to ABC15, the key to a smooth transition from summer fun to academic focus is to start adjusting sleep schedules and limiting screen time. "Encouraging our children to go to the library and read some books during this time," Dr. Barker told ABC15, adding that "Really making sure the kids are getting an adequate amount of sleep" is crucial, particularly for younger children who need around nine to ten hours.
Dr. Barker noted that Arizona has experienced a decline in MMR vaccination rates alongside an increase in measles cases. Personal belief exemptions for vaccinations rose to 9% for kindergarteners in the past school year, up from 6.6% in recent years. Public health experts warn that decreased vaccination rates can affect herd immunity and increase the risk of outbreaks.
Meanwhile, on the preventive side of pediatric care, UHS Pediatricians are urging families to utilize the summer break to thoroughly prepare their children's health for the upcoming school year. Early scheduling of back-to-school physicals comes highly recommended. "While flu season in the fall can be extremely busy, the summer back-to-school rush requires special planning to ensure we have the capacity to meet every family’s needs," said Mary DeGuardi, MD, of UHS Pediatrics and Primary Care, in a statement to UHS News. These check-ups are crucial for more than just immunizations; they give doctors a chance to spot early signs of health issues and discuss developmental, safety, or wellness concerns.
UHS pediatricians emphasize the importance of vaccinations in protecting children from preventable diseases. According to UHS, childhood immunizations prevent an estimated four million deaths worldwide each year. The UHS website offers a "Find a Provider" tool to help parents locate pediatric and family medicine providers.
