Members of the public at a book-to-school fair at Chinese Benevolent Association, on Hope Road, St. Andrew, on Saturday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

1. It is highly important to avoid impulse shopping and ensure that shoes are of the highest quality workmanship. Look to see whether bottoms are lifting and whether sections are properly attached.

2. Parents, try not to be fooled into believing that 'name brand' shoes are always of better quality than other brands, which may not be as popular. Caregivers should insist on comfort and durability rather than style.

3. Additionally, you should make sure that shoes are in compliance with the school's guidelines before purchasing them, by checking what colours and styles are allowed.

4. Purchase shoes in which the child can grow. As such, ensure that they do not fit too closely. If two pairs are purchased to take advantage of a bargain or sale, ensure that the second pair is one or two sizes larger.

5. The same consideration should be given when buying bags, because you may be tempted to go with how fancy the bag looks, rather than how practical and durable it is.

6. One thing parents could do is to reinforce the bags before the child begins using it by taking it to a shoemaker, dressmaker or tailor for extra stitches to be added at those areas which are normally the first to start pulling apart.

Immunisation - how much do you know about it?

In the upcoming school year, parents need to recognise the importance of immunisation and how it can protect children against the following diseases:

1. Tetanus, also called lockjaw is a painful disease that can cause death, especially in new-born babies.

2. Tuberculosis or TB commonly affects the lungs. It is very contagious but can be prevented.

3. Diphtheria is a dangerous and contagious disease that kills many young children who have not been immunised against it. It starts in the throat and can prevent the child from breathing.

4. Whooping cough, which is called Pertussis, affects babies under three months old. The cough causes the baby to make a 'whooping' sound as he/she struggles to breath.

5. Measles is often thought to be a harmless childhood disease, but it can cause serious problems for a child. The illness is very contagious and is especially dangerous for children under five years old.

6. Poliomyelitis, commonly called polio, attacks the nervous system. Anyone who catches polio can be crippled for life, or can die from the disease.

7. Rubella also called 'German Measles', may cause death in an unborn child, mental retardation, loss of hearing or eyesight as well as other birth defects.

8. Mumps is caused by a virus that affects the gland in the neck and painful swelling of the scrotum in boys.