The start of a new school year is just weeks away which means it’s time to think about your back-to-school to-do list. It’s school supplies, new clothes, and lunch box snacks, but it’s also check-ups and vaccines. Back to school is a great reminder to get annual immunizations, such as MMR, DTaP, and annual screenings and exams such as hearing tests and eye exams. And don’t forget dental check-ups which should happen twice a year!
If you have kids who play school sports, remember to get a sports release form on file with your school so your child can participate in their chosen sport. A sports evaluation or annual physical is needed to be cleared for play. And, if your child requires medication at school, such as an inhaler, EpiPen or allergy medicine, be sure to have those ready for day one, as well as the needed forms from your doctors.
It’s also a great time to get into healthier routines with sleep and diet to be ready for success for this school year. Slowly start shifting wake times earlier and earlier to ready your child for their school start time and start making bedtime earlier and earlier each night. Even adjusting by just 15 minutes each day will make the big adjustment to their sleep schedule easier to manage.
And, don’t forget about diet! It’s time to fuel up for brain power and success in school. Leave summertime treats and unpredictable mealtimes behind and plan meals that will keep kids’ energy levels up and minds sharp to last a long day at school. Think proteins, whole grains and fresh produce.
Be sure to also check in on your child’s mental health especially if this year is a big year of change for them. Perhaps they will be attending a new school? Maybe they will be taking a heavy courseload? Maybe they will be in their senior year and stressed about their plans for after graduation? Check in with your college kids as well. Even though they aren’t little kids anymore, they still need structure and a plan for success, and they too could be struggling with mental health concerns related to school and life living away from home.
The EWTF Health Plan has comprehensive coverage for well-visits and immunizations for dependent kids up to the age of 26. Your eligible children are covered under this Plan for regular wellness visits and examinations. Your benefit includes the required childhood immunizations. Benefits will be covered at 100% with no cost sharing or deductible according to the following maximums:
- Children from birth through age 23 months for a maximum of ten visits; and
- Children age two through age 26 for a maximum of one visit per year.
Immunization and well-visit information as well as mental health care coverage can be found in the Health Plan’s Summary Plan description at www.ewtf.org/health-care-plan/plan-overview/.
Revive is also at the ready, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help our members and their dependents work through mental health concerns. Our EWTF Health Plan also allows for counseling sessions and in-patient and out-patient mental health treatment. Additional mental health resources can be obtained by registering for the Revive program by calling 800-327-2251 or via https://member.myrevive.health/selfsignup?code=IBEW. Use code IBEW. You can also download the Revive app for your smartphone or tablet to explore all that the program can offer you.