New School Year Preparation

Here are some quick back to school health tips from healthline, to help ensure a safe and smooth transition to the school year.

1. Wash hands, sing a song

The most effective way to avoid spreading or catching germs is hand washing. To encourage kids and make sure they’ve spent enough time on this healthful task, ask them to sing the alphabet song or “Happy Birthday to You” from start to finish as they wash the fronts and backs of their hands and in-between fingers.

Simple soap and water is best, but hand sanitizers will do when soap and water aren’t available. Remind your children to always cough or sneeze into the crooks of their elbows or into their sleeves.

2. Don’t forget the shots

Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date and in line with the required vaccinations needed by their public or private school. Feel free to contact us, regarding any needed verification of these immunizations.

Flu vaccines are also recommended for all school-age children, unless the child has an allergy to the vaccine or a health problem that will cause complications from the vaccine.

3. Schedule a check-up

An annual physical exam will help ensure your child is healthy before going back to class. In many school districts, a physical is required for those students who want to participate in school sports. You can schedule your child’s annual or sports physical here – Physicals Form

4. Prescription and medication check

We recommend vision and hearing exams for students, especially for those starting school for the first time. This is also a perfect time to update any prescriptions and have medication or other forms signed by your child’s doctor as needed.

5. Reinstate routines

Shift your kids from summer carefree sleep hours to bedtime schedules more in line with the school year. It’s also time for them to cut back on playing computer games and watching television. Help your child with this transition by encouraging reading an hour before going to bed.

6. Check for head lice

Notice any excessive head scratching? Stress the importance to your child of not sharing combs, hats, and clothes, and send your child’s own pillow on a sleepover.

Do a visual head check at least once a week, particularly for younger children. This time of year, it’s a good idea also to do a body-check looking for ticks.

7. Power up with good nutrition

Provide healthy meal options for your kids. This includes breakfast. Students who eat breakfast are more alert during class than those who don’t. Plus, the right foods combined with adequate rest will help their bodies fight off infections.

8. Be aware of allergens

A new school year coincides with a new allergy season. For some kids, it means a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. For others, these allergens can trigger asthma or lead indirectly to sinus infections.

Also, eating in the cafeteria can present a number of problems for those suffering with food allergies. Discuss any allergy concerns with your child’s school nurse as soon as possible at the start of the school year.

And remember we are here for you, if you have any questions or concerns you would like to discuss. Here’s to a safe and happy school year. 😎