Back to School: Local Pediatrician Helps Parents and Students Prepare
Michelle Kasprick, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Pediatrics — Schoolcraft Campus. With the fall season right around the corner, she recently spoke with Friday Musings to help ensure parents and their children are healthy and ready for the new school year.
Q: What immunizations do children need before heading back to school?
Dr. Kasprick: There are routine childhood vaccines administered during most wellness checkups for children 2 months old to 18 months old. There is also a set of booster shots, including MMR (mumps, measles, rubella), varicella (chickenpox), and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), and Polio. These are typically given to a child before starting kindergarten. Children should also be protected against meningitis and HPV (human papillomavirus) starting at 11 years old, and then again at 16 years old for meningitis.
Q: Our children’s mental health is also essential to consider. What are some ways to ensure a child’s mental health and wellbeing heading into a new school year?
Dr. Kasprick: For a parent, being aware of your child’s mental health is one of the many ways to support their wellbeing. Checking in with them before school begins and keeping up with them throughout the year is a great way to make mental health a part of everyday conversation.
One of the best ways to promote overall well-being for a child is to connect with others, whether that be through friendships or after-school activities like clubs and sports. Additionally, 9-12 hours of sleep, a well-balanced diet, and regular physical activity are other great ways to promote physical and mental health.
Q: What else should a child get checked out for before heading back to school? Should they get their yearly checkup around this time?
Dr. Kasprick: Summer is a great time to get your child’s annual wellness checkup. Even if you believe your child is healthy, it is a great opportunity for us to check their physical and mental health, provide anticipatory guidance and do any screenings they may be due for, such as hearing, vision, and cholesterol.
Annual wellness visits are also a great way to continue building the patient-physician relationship and have kids involved in learning and caring about their health, which goes a long way in a child’s development.
Q: If a child currently does not have a pediatrician, what should parents think about when choosing one for their child?
Dr. Kasprick: A few important things to consider include location, office hours, and insurance. Even more than that, though, parents should feel comfortable taking their children to their pediatrician’s office. Parents and children should be seen by a physician that takes the time to listen and understand their concerns. They should also be included in shared decision-making when it comes to a child’s health.
Q: Why should a parent take their child to see you?
Dr. Kasprick: Our staff truly cares for our patients as if they were their own children. We pride ourselves on being accessible with same-day appointments and working with families to come up with the best health plan that fits their needs.
Another unique thing we offer is an active online patient portal for direct communication, along with the ability to schedule appointments through the portal or directly through our website.
Lastly, we have a wonderful team made up of triage nurses, care managers, behavioral health specialists, lactation counselors, and dietitians, among others. We are here for you and are ready to care for you and your family.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kasprick, give her office a call at 734-884-5200 or visit www.ihacares.com.
