LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Before kids head back to school, they have to register, shop for school supplies and maybe grab a few new outfits.
But one of the first stops is the doctor's office.
Dr. Keturah Bowe, who works at Parkland Urgent CarePlus in west Louisville, said it's important to make sure kids are up to date on everything before the year starts, including physicals for school, sports and vaccinations.
"We want to make sure that we are cultivating an atmosphere where kids can continue doing the activities that they enjoy," Bowe said Friday.
Mikiel Tenon, who takes her daughter to visits regularly, said it's parents' obligation to make sure kids are taken care of.
"We aren't taking care of them if we don't bring them to the doctor," Tenon said. "We need to know what's going on with our bodies. We need to know if we are sick or not."
People who live in underserved communities don't see the doctor as much. Oftentimes, that's because there's a lack of access to health care. But it's more important now, than ever to make sure your children are vaccinated.
"People are hesitant, but the vaccines, especially the measles vaccine, has been out for a long time, and it has been well studied and very safe," Bowe said.
It's also a good time for parents and caregivers to bring up concerns like eating habits, weight loss or gain, and making sure kids are meeting certain milestones.
"They have to get over the crying stage so they can be comfortable," Tenon said. "We use to go through it all the time."
For more back-to-school information, click here.
More back-to-school news:
Kentuckiana's back-to-school guide for 2025-26 school year
Greater Clark County Schools classrooms come to life as students return for the school year
Cellphones banned in Kentucky classrooms, districts will set their own policies
Bus drivers, crossing guards ready to ensure Louisville kids safely navigate school day
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