Talk of early bedtimes and back-to-school clothes — no kid wants to hear that in July. But now’s the time to begin looking toward this busy season when it comes to your family’s health care.

Back-to-school checkups

Now’s the time to schedule back-to-school preventive checkups, because clinic appointments can get filled up as we look to August. Most health insurance plans cover an annual preventive visit for every member of your family. If you or your family members have not yet had this visit in 2024, consider scheduling now before summer turns to fall.

This visit is an opportunity to check in with your provider on several points:

• Current health status

• Immunizations

• Potential health risks

• Preventive screenings

• Current prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or minerals you’re taking

This appointment is also the time to bring up any concerns or changes you’ve noticed so that your provider can help you take the next steps in care.

If you have a child who’s an athlete in school sports, they will be required to have a sports physical before participating. A yearly child checkup can count as a sports physical, but a sports physical is not a substitute for an annual well-child checkup. If you have a student who will be starting college, they may be required to have a physical exam before embarking on this next big adventure.

Preventive care for adults

An annual preventive visit is not just for school kids. Moms and dads need preventive care to ensure that a potential health problem like high blood pressure or cancer is caught early, while it’s more treatable. Even if you don’t have kids in your home, don’t overlook your own health.

Stay up to date on cancer screenings recommended for your gender and age group, whether that’s a mammogram or screening colonoscopy. During our adult years it’s also important to keep tabs on vital numbers like weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. This can all happen during your annual preventive visit.

Immunizations

As kids go back to school, this is a good time to review immunizations for the whole family:

• Children should follow the recommended immunization schedule that begins in infancy with boosters needed at later ages. You can get caught up on this schedule if you missed something along the way.

• Some diseases now are rare, but we should continue immunizing to protect our society.

• Everyone can get immunized each year to help protect against ongoing threats including COVID and influenza.

• Adults age 50 and older may want to consider the shingles vaccination to guard against this painful condition.

• Adults over age 65 and others who are at risk can be vaccinated against pneumonia.

• Shots are safe, effective and prevent serious illnesses like polio, diphtheria, measles and HPV, which can cause various types of cancer.

Remember mental health, too

Depression, anxiety and just general stress are very common conditions that should not be ignored. These conditions can affect anyone from young children to seniors. If you or a loved one is showing signs that concern you, please reach out for help. This may include:

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Acting withdrawn, no longer enjoying things they used to enjoy

• Easily becoming angry or upset

• Abusing substances

• Poor school or work performance

Asking your primary care provider for their input is a great way to begin this journey.

Transitions take time, patience

If you have children who will be heading back to school this August, plan now to transition their routines. Over the course of a week or two before the start of school, move bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night, and set wake time 15 minutes earlier, too. Know how much sleep your child should be getting for their age, and allot the recommended hours so they can get the rest they need. Eliminate screens from their bedrooms, and make sure they have a dark, comfortable and quiet place to snooze. A lack of sleep can sidetrack anyone, especially kids preparing for the big change from summer to schooltime.

There’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy. Yet right now is the best time to make sure you and your family are ready for the busy school year and harvest season ahead. Call your local clinic to make an appointment today.

— Debbie Streier is regional president/CEO of Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center