TRICARE 'Back to School Sale': annual checkups Published Sept. 2, 2008 FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- In this era of back to school consumerism, don't let children's checkups be overshadowed by trips to the mall. As the world's best integrated health care system, TRICARE wants to make beneficiaries aware of their child's health benefits during this hectic time. Immunizations are an important part of a healthy lifestyle for children and parents. It is crucial to update all immunizations to prevent the spread of disease. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded an increase in measles cases. Out of 64 people infected with measles, 63 had either not been vaccinated or were unsure. TRICARE covers all age appropriate vaccinations from the CDC found at www.cdc.gov/vaccines. School physicals are also important when returning to school. Not only can they serve as early detection but they allow the Primary Care Manager to build a complete medical history. For TRICARE Prime beneficiaries, back to school physicals are covered for ages 5-11 when required in connection with school enrollment. Sports physicals are not a covered benefit. The most effective way to stay healthy is to focus on prevention. Immunizations and school physicals are a great start but efforts must move beyond the doctor's office. A healthy lifestyle includes routines for eating, sleeping, and exercise. Involving the whole family makes it easier to accomplish; and will provide much better results in school than a new backpack from the mall.