Courtesy of Physicians Regional Medical Group
Summer is soon coming to an end which means preparations need to be made to help ensure your child will remain healthy throughout the school year. Proper vaccinations are one of the many items to check off your list, and while they have not been without their fair share of controversy and debate in recent years, the fact is they are an effective weapon against disease. According to the World Health Organization, immunization prevents between 2-3 million deaths per year and an additional 1.5 million deaths could be avoided with improved coverage around the world. Nicole Costello, M.D., Board Certified in Family Medicine at Physicians Regional Medical Group, recognizes that immunization for children plays a vital role in keeping kids healthy. “Kids who are healthy and active are the best part of my day,” she says. “However, we need to keep them that way and it is the best way we can avoid many diseases.”
Immunization is a result of vaccines causing the body to create antibodies to a specific germ so that if a person becomes exposed to that germ, these antibodies are already in place to fight it and the person does not get sick. Vaccines can be given to both adults and children, with the majority of child vaccinations given before the age of six. The CDC provides an immunization schedule, however some parents prefer to form their own schedule to space out the vaccines because of their concern about the number of shots given at a checkup or physical. “I think you need to do what is comfortable for the parents,” says Dr. Costello. “As long as we are vaccinating, that is the most important piece.” For parents concerned about the safety of vaccines, Dr. Costello goes on to mention that the most controversial component in vaccines, Thimerosal is no longer used in childhood vaccines.
To help healthcare providers, schools, and parents keep track of immunization records for children, the Florida Department of Health created a free online tracking system called the Florida SHOTS ™. “It’s important to keep an updated copy of your child’s vaccines with you whether you stay with one doctor or transfer to another,” says Dr. Costello.
Dr. Costello notes that keeping up with your child’s immunization schedule is only part of the puzzle when it comes to preparation for a healthy school year and overall well-being. She adds the following recommendations:
1) Eat a good diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables
2) Drink more water and limit the amount of sugary drinks like juice and soda
3) Maintain a healthy weight
4) Get enough exercise, both mental and physical.
“The healthy choices you help your child set in their younger years will often be what choices they carry into adulthood, so let’s help them grow into healthy adults,” exclaims Dr. Costello.
Dr. Nicole Costello, specializes in newborn/pediatric care, well baby, well child, and well exams for men and women of all ages. In addition she specializes in cryotherapy, hypertension, diabetes, preventative medicine, annual physicals, and chronic disease management.
Nicole Costello, M.D. Family Medicine
Her office is located at Physicians Regional – Pebblebrooke Center, 15215 Collier Boulevard, Naples, FL 34119. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call
(239) 348-4221 or schedule online at PhysiciansRegionalMedicalGroup.com.