Des Moines University is helping ensure local students have a healthy start to the school year by offering free back-to-school physicals. Jumpstart, presented in collaboration with the Polk County Health Department, Des Moines Public Schools and other community organizations, will take place Saturday, July 26 2014 at East High School, 815 E. 13th St.
Families with students in grades K-12 who do not have adequate health insurance or access to health care are encouraged to take advantage of free physicals, dental screenings and immunizations. Interpretation services will be available for non-English speakers.
“Summer is a very busy time for both parents and students, juggling vacations, sport schedules and getting ready for a new school,” said Rick Kozin, director of Polk County Health Department. “Jumpstart is a great way for students to get their necessary school physicals, immunizations, dental screening and other health resources all at one location.”
Jumpstart screenings help ensure students have a healthy start to the school year. Lead poisoning and other diseases can affect a child’s ability to learn and socialize with other kids. When a child has difficulty seeing, they can lose focus and miss out on important lessons during class. If they catch a contagious disease, such as the flu, measles or pneumonia, they can end up missing weeks of school and fall behind their classmates.
Health care professionals and Des Moines University students will conduct:
- Physicals – required for children entering kindergarten, seventh grade and students playing sports.
- Vision screenings
- Immunizations – required for all students; ALL seventh graders need the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) booster before entering school in the fall.
- Dental screenings – required for children enter kindergarten and ninth grade.
- Lead poisoning tests
- Behavioral health screenings
- Health and dental insurance application
“Jumpstart gives our medical students the opportunity to serve a diverse patient base and positively impact our community on their way to becoming highly competent and compassionate health professionals,” said Brianne Sanchez, Community Relations Manager at Des Moines University.
For more information regarding Jumpstart, please visit https://www.dmu.edu/event/jumpstart-school-physicals/.
