VIDEO: Preparing For A Healthy Start

STARKVILLE, Miss.(WCBI)—As students prepare to hit the books again, pediatricians say parents need to prepare too.

Medical professionals say a having a check-up before classes begin can help your child and there are some requirements.

The beginning of the school year can be a confusing rush of lists for parents.

“A lot of times the parents don’t even know what the kids are supposed to have when they start school. When you get my age, you will wish you had done it when you were younger, said parent Patricia Hodges.

Dr. Keith Watson says no matter what’s needed, kids of all ages should have a health screening or physical before going back to school.

“Lets mom or dad ask questions, discuss concerns about their child appetite, activity level, how much sleep they need, what they need to eat and how much they need to eat to be ready for school,”said West Point Pediatrician Keith Watson.

Jade Johnson is starting the 7th grade this year. She plans to get her summer physical soon because it could impact her grades.

“You have to take physical education, so you have to have good health so you can be active in that class. You also need good health so you can pay attention in class,”said seventh grader Jade Johnson.

Mississippi requires kindergartners to have several vaccines before entering school and one more before the 7th grade.

Watson says the best way to tackle those requirements is for parents to get ahead of the curve.

“We encourage our parents not to wait a week or two before school starts. If everybody waits till a week before school it’s hectic on use getting them done and it’s hectic on parents getting them in,”said Watson.

“I just have to get ready for school and this is the best way beside getting school supplies,”said Johnson.

*Mississippi School Entry Immunization Requirements:

-Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis

-Polio (IPV)

-Hepatitis B

-Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

-Varicella (chickenpox)

*Mississippi 7th Grade School Immunization Requirements

-Tdap(7th grade entry)