Scoliosis Screenings Next Month

The Stephens County Health Department will conduct Scoliosis screenings at Stephens County Middle School next month.

On Thursday, December 10, health department staff will conduct scoliosis screenings for 7th and 8th graders at Stephens County Middle School.

Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, screening is designed to find abnormal spinal curvatures among children in grades 7 and 8.

Health Department officials say this is a simple and painless examination that is conducted in just a few seconds by trained professionals.

According to officials, the purpose of this test is to detect spinal irregularities, because they are easier to correct if found early.

Too often, officials say, back curvatures are not discovered until so late that permanent damage has been done and drastic treatment is required.

According to the Health Department, signs of scoliosis are found in about five to ten percent of children screened.

When detected early, scoliosis does not interfere with most activities.

Public health and school officials strongly urge parents to allow their children to have this simple examination. Students in grades 7 and 8 will bring home letters from the school regarding this program.

The Health Department says that if you want your child to be screened, you do not have to do anything, but parents who do not want their children screened should return the letter to the school.

Health Department officials say parents of children found to have signs of scoliosis will be notified by mail.