News

As families across Oklahoma prepare for a new school year, INTEGRIS Health Grove Hospital and INTEGRIS Health Miami Hospital are encouraging parents to prioritize their children's health by scheduling annual wellness visits and addressing important back-to-school health needs before classes begin.

The start of a new school year is the perfect time for parents to ensure their children are healthy and ready to learn. Annual wellness exams allow healthcare providers to monitor growth and development, identify potential health concerns early and help children establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

“Back-to-school season can be busy for families, but taking time for a wellness visit is one of the best ways parents can support their child's health and success in the classroom,” says Lori Finley, M.D., with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Grove Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. “These appointments give us the opportunity to assess a child's overall health and address any concerns before the school year begins."

In addition to annual checkups, parents should consider several key health factors as children return to school:

• Schedule sports physicals for student-athletes participating in extracurricular activities.
• Address vision and hearing concerns that may affect classroom performance.
• Encourage healthy sleep habits to help children stay focused and energized throughout the day.
• Promote proper nutrition and regular physical activity to support growth and development.
• Discuss mental and emotional well-being, especially for children experiencing anxiety about returning to school or transitioning to a new school environment.

For families in rural communities, establishing a relationship with a primary care provider can help ensure children receive consistent preventive care and timely treatment when illness or injury occurs.

"Preventive care plays a critical role in helping children stay healthy and avoid unnecessary absences from school," says Finley. "By addressing health concerns early, we can help children focus on learning, growing and enjoying their school experience."

INTEGRIS Health pediatric and family medicine providers are available to help families prepare for the upcoming school year with wellness visits, immunizations, sports physicals and preventive care services. Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments early to avoid the back-to-school rush and ensure their children are ready for a healthy and successful school year. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 918-786-9900 or visit integrishealth.org/doctors/lori-finley.