The screening

process is a simple one. The child's back is observed in the standing,

and forward bending positions. The more obvious signs of scoliosis are:

One shoulder

higher than the other.

One hip higher

than the other.

One leg which

seems shorter than the other (child walks with a limp or leaning to one

side).

Protrusion

of one side of the upper back.

Bones of the

spine not in a straight line.

The school

screening process is by no means meant to be diagnostic. Please note that

if parents prefers not to have their child evaluated, they can indicate

this by signing the permission slip and returning it to the school. The

permission slip clearly states: "If you do not want

your child screened, please complete the information, and return it to

school." There is no way for school personnel or Public Health staff

to know that a parent does not wish to have their child screened unless

a permission slip with a negative reply is returned to the school .

This service can be refused by any parent, but must be offered to every

sixth and eighth grade child in the school system according to state law.

Children are first evaluated by trained school staff. If the staff member

detects anything or their findings are unclear, the child is given a second

evaluation by a public health nurse. If any curvature is suspected by

the nurse, a letter is sent home addressed to the child's parent. This

notification explains the findings and encourages parents to have the

child evaluated further by their family physician.

Scoliosis screening-related

activities (beginning with sending home parental permission and information

sheets with children) will begin in late August and early September. If

you have any questions or concerns about Scoliosis or the screening process,

please feel free to call the Fayette County Health Department at 770-461-1178,

ext. 5416. Our staff would be happy to assist you.

The Fayette

County School System and the Fayette County Health Department hopes that

this has clarified at least one middle school mystery. Have a safe and

happy school year.