New rule requires students have Tdap prior to 6th and 9th grades

Illinois students entering 6th grade and 9th grade will now need to show proof of getting a Tdap immunization. This rule will be enforced starting with the 2012-2013 school year.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will require students to have one dose of Tdap prior to 6th and 9th grades. Students can show proof of Tdap three ways. The exact date of the Tdap shot is needed.

• A signed letter or note from their doctor.
• A printout from electronic health records.
• An IDPH certificate of child health examination.

Students entering 6th grade and 9th grade must also have school physicals.

The Tdap vaccine protects against three bacteria-based diseases. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can cause serious illness. Pertussis and diphtheria spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through wounds.

Another name for pertussis is whooping cough. Children who have had whooping cough should still get Tdap. The shot protects against future illness.

Tdap can be given any time after a recent tetanus shot.

The Tdap deadline is October 15, 2012. Exemptions can be made for medical or religious reasons. Without an exemption, children need proof of Tdap, or proof of an appointment to get the Tdap shot during the school year. Children without proof of Tdap risk exclusion from school.

Children can get Tdap from their Primary Care Provider (PCP) at their medical home. Call Illinois Health Connect at 1-877-912-1999 (TTY: 1-866-565-8577) to find your PCP. IHC can help you schedule an appointment for Tdap shot. The call is free!

Local health departments and pharmacies also offer Tdap. Children must be older than 14 years old to get Tdap at a pharmacy.

Stick to the Three Ps to eat well without spending a lot

Eating a healthy diet doesn't have to be expensive. You can get the right foods without spending a lot of money. The key is to eating well on a budget are the Three Ps.

Plan
Plan meals and snacks for the week.
Stick to an established budget.
Find quick and easy recipes online.
Make a grocery list.
Check for sales and coupons.
Consider discount stores.
Ask about loyalty programs at local grocery store.

Purchase
Don't go shopping when hungry or rushed.
Stick to your list.
Stay out of aisles with items not on list.
Buy store brands if cheaper.
Compare unit prices on shelves to get best price.
Buy items that will stay fresh in bulk to save money.
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season.
Buy canned vegetables with less salt.
Avoid pre-cut vegetables, and individual cups of yogurt or hot cereal. They are convenient, but more expensive.
Good year round items are beans, carrots, greens, potatoes, apples and bananas.

Prepare
Some meal items can be prepared in advance.
Pre-cook on days you have time.
Double or triple up on recipes and freeze meal-sized containers. You can do this with soups or casseroles, for example.
Try a few meatless meals. Substitute beans or peas.
Try no-cook meals like salads.
Use leftovers in your next recipe.
Be creative with a fruit or vegetable. Use it in different ways in the same week.

Source: Choosemyplate.gov

ICAAP offers pediatric vision screening resources online

Vision screening resources for primary care providers are posted to the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) Web site. These resources are intended to educate providers about best practices in implementing vision screening for preschool children and more.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and ICAAP are partnering to promote Bright Futures as a standard of care in Illinois. Bright Futures is a national health promotion and disease prevention initiative that seeks to improve the health and well being of children.

The ICAAP Web site features a four-module online training from the Assessing for Strabismus and Amblyopia in Preschoolers study that offers CME/CE credits. The modules introduce the use of the EyE Check Kit as well as the cover/uncover test.

The EyE Check Kit can be used to perform tests of distance and visual acuity in 3-5 year olds. This kit and other vision charts using Lea and HOTV symbols, which Bright Futures recommends, are available for purchase online.