RALEIGH, N.C. -- It's back to school time for kids across our state.  And that has many of us frantically working to get them ready for the upcoming school year.  So Spectrum News is also working to make that check list a little bit easier for you today.  Our Caroline Blair sat down with Minute Clinic nurse practitioner Deborah Heath, who offers these five tips and reminders.  

Even before you start buying pens and paper, it's important to make sure you have your kids vaccinated or they won't even be allowed to attend class.  Heath said early childhood vaccinations are necessary before any child in North Carolina attends kindergarten.  She says if you’ve moved from out of state or the country, she says to check with your local school system or health department’s website for vaccine requirements.  Heath also says middle schoolers in our state must receive a dose of meningitis vaccine and a Tdap booster for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis before seventh grade.

It’s also really important to make sure your child sees a healthcare provider every year for a physical.  But in some cases it’s required.  In North Carolina, students enrolling in school for the first time must complete a health appraisal and physical within 30 days of attendance.  Also, if your child plays recreational or school sports, they also likely need a pre-participation physicals in advance of beginning practice.  She says to contact your local medical provider or walk in facility like MinuteClinic for these exams and vaccinations.

Many of our kids are also on vital medication, but schools do not allow students to self-administer those meds.  So if your child is starting a new school and has medication for chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes to name a few, you must contact the school nurse in advance to figure out how those meds will be dispensed and administered.

And speaking of health, studies show that a healthy breakfast and lunch only help students stay focused and alert in the classroom.  So Heath says it’s important to not let your kids skip meals, and provide them with the proper amount of nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables.  Healthy options are now offered at school for lunch, or you could always pack a nutritious meal.  Giving your kids options will also encourage them to make that important healthy happy plate.

It’s also vital we remember we’re sending our kids off to school in the heat of summer.  So make sure if they’re going to be outside they have at least SPF 30 sunscreen on hand, proper sun protection for their eyes, and a baseball cap if they plan to out for long periods of time.  Lastly, if your child is riding a bike, make sure they always wear a helmet, bright clothing and have a strobe light on their bike even in the daytime, so that they are easily seen.