Hull in print

Measles, Mumps and other childhood diseases were once commonplace in this country. Over recent years, the numbers of people suffering from these diseases has declined, thanks to an extensive childhood vaccination programme. However, recently there have been several outbreaks - the first 18 weeks of 2006 saw over three times as many confirmed cases of Measles than in the whole of 2005.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Meningitis-C infections are highly contagious, and are spread by coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person.
The best way of protecting children against these serious illnesses is to ensure that your child has been immunised against them. This is particularly important for children and young adults who are just starting school, university or college, as once they have been immunised, their body is able to fight a specific disease if it later comes into contact with it.
The current UK immunisation programme offers vaccinations against the following illnesses:
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Whooping Cough, Meningitis-C, HIB, Measles Mumps & Rubella (MMR).
If your child is starting school you should check that they have received their Pre-School Booster and second MMR jab. For young people starting college or university it is advised that they have had at least one dose of the MMR and Meningitis-C vaccines.
If children and young people are not vaccinated, they are not protected against these diseases.
If you are unsure of your child's immunisation history you should check with your GP to see if any immunisations are outstanding.

Further information on what immunisations are available and when they should be given are available by visiting www.immunisation.nhs.uk *

Give your kids a healthy start

September means back to school for hundreds of children across Hull, and every parent knows how important it is to give kids the best start possible to the new term.
So why not start off by making sure your child gets the right fuel for school? A healthy, balanced breakfast will set your child up for the day, and research shows that concentration levels are better in children who enjoy a regular breakfast than those who don't, so it can help their overall learning as well. If you have trouble fitting this in every day, why not ask if your child's school runs a breakfast club?
Lunchtime is also an important opportunity to ensure your child is getting the nutrition they need. Schools in Hull are offering healthier school meals now, but if you give your child a packed lunch, there are a few simple ways in which you can make their meal healthier but still enjoyable. Why not try swapping fizzy drinks for fresh fruit juice or water, change their chocolate bar for a plain biscuit, swap crisps for breadsticks, and add a few bite-size pieces of fruit or veg in there, such as grapes, carrot sticks or cherry tomatoes?
And don't forget, it's not just about what kids eat. Your child's mental well-being is equally important, so encourage them to join in with things and take part in sports and events as much as they can. If your child doesn't seem happy to be back at school or if you think they are having trouble making friends, or if you suspect they are being bullied, make sure you talk to them about it.

Support for children and parents can be found at www.dfes.gov.uk/bullying/ *

More information about healthier eating for children can be found at: www.eatwell.gov.uk/agesandstages/children/ *

How to get in touch

West Hull Primary Care Trust
The Areas west of the river hull
(01482) 303500

Eastern Hull Primary Care Trust
The Areas east of the river hull
(01482) 335400


< back	top ^