Healthy daily habits help children's academic abilities

While new clothes, pencils, paper and book bags are important to children as they return to school, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health reminds parents that healthy habits are also essential to a child's academic success.

As the 2007-2008 school year gets underway, the Division of Public Health encourages parents to make sure their children get vaccines needed for school registration, participate in physical activities and adopt healthier eating habits.

"Now is a great time to reinforce the impact being physically fitand healthy can have on a child's educational achievements," said Dr. Stuart Brown, Director of the Division of Public Health. "We want children to learn these invaluable lessons about health from teachers outside the school setting - their parents."

The Division of Public Health reminds parents to schedule immunization appointments for their children since certain vaccines are needed for school enrollment. The state recently implemented additional vaccine requirements applicable to children and adolescents attending childcare, Pre-K, Head Start and public and private school facilities. Additions to the immunization requirements, which became effective July 1, include: a second dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine and a second dose of Mumps vaccine or laboratory proof of immunity for children entering kindergarten, sixth grade or students entering a Georgia school for the first time in any grade; Hepatitis A vaccine or laboratory proof of immunity for children enrolled in school or childcare facilities and were born on or after January 1, 2006; and the vaccine to prevent pneumonia for children under fiveyears of age and who are enrolled in child care centers, Pre-K or Head Start.

In addition to required vaccinations, the Division of Public Health encourages parents to involve their children in daily physical activity and follow recommended dietary guidelines. With childhood obesity affecting approximately 97,000 of Georgia's middle and high students, Division of Public Health officials recommend decreasing television time and increasing physical activity for children. Activities such as walking, cycling and other forms of vigorous exercise are extremely important to a child's health and even help reduce the risks of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Currently, 68 percent of middle school students and 59 percent of high school students participate in vigorous activity, which is below the national goal of 85 percent.

The Division of Public Health also reminds parents that following a proper diet is an important component to their child's health. Dietary guidelines recommend that individuals, including children, should consume fiveto nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Studies indicate that eating the suggested amount of fruits and vegetables is associated with reducing the risk of developing chronic illnesses and gaining weight. Therefore, parents are encouraged to pack lunches for their children filled with apples and carrots versus meals high in calories and fat.

For more information about the recommended childhood immunization schedule, please visit http://health.state.ga.us. Additional information about the importance of children participating in physical activity and developing healthy eating habits is available at: http:// www.livehealthygeorgia.org/.

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