Healthy Bodies Checklist

Oral Health

Having a healthy mouth and teeth plays an important role in your child’s overall health and well-being. For example, problems with their teeth or gums can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning.

Things parents can do to help their child have a healthy mouth and teeth:

• Schedule a dental checkup for your child to see a dentist prior to starting school
• Teach and supervise your child with brushing their teeth twice daily
• Teach and supervise your child with flossing their teeth and brushing their tongue once daily
• Learn what foods and snacks are better for your child's teeth and where possible, make them part of your child’s school lunches

Did you know? Halton Region Health Department provides financial assistance for dental work. To find out if you qualify, call 311 or visit Halton Region's Dental Financial Assistance and Healthy Smiles Ontario

Vision

It is important to have your child's eyes checked before they start school as problems with their vision can impact learning.

Visit visual health for children to learn more.

Immunization

Making sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date prior to starting school is one way of protecting your child from getting sick. Booking a full physical check up for your child with their healthcare provider is the best way of ensuring they are growing well and up-to-date with their immunizations.

Did you know? You need to update the Halton Region Health Department every time your child gets an immunization from their healthcare provider as your healthcare provider’s office does not report these records for you.

Report your child’s immunization online (external link)

Staying Healthy

Getting enough sleep, eating well and staying active support children’s growth and development and help to keep them healthy. But there are other everyday things parents can do:

• Be a good role model for your child.
• Teach and encourage your child to wash their hands before eating, after using the washroom and when they become dirty or sticky.
• Show and remind your child to sneeze into their elbow or sleeve – this reduces the spread of infection.
• Plan ahead by making arrangements to deal with your child’s sick days.
• Be informed and review the links below.
  • Periods of Exclusion (ie. How long to keep your child at home when they are sick)
  • Learn more on how to implement routines to help keep order and structure at home and school.