Prepare Your Kids for a Healthy School Year

Believe it or not, school is right around the corner. In addition to buying school supplies and digging out backpacks, it’s important to focus on a few health-related “to-dos”.

See the Doc

Make sure a yearly check-up with the pediatrician is on the calendar to monitor and address your child’s overall health and development. If your kid plans to participate in sports, you can likely get any required release forms signed at the same time.

Get Vaccinated 

At a well-child visit, your pediatrician should check that your child is up-to-date on all required childhood immunizations. If he or she has missed any, it’s important to play catch-up to avoid illness. This includes getting a yearly flu vaccine. Getting the flu shot is the best way to help your young one stay clear of the illness.

Plan Power Meals

Start the day with a healthy breakfast, which is proven to help kids concentrate, do better in school, and have more energy. When packing lunches, aim for something nutritious and fun. Think healthy kid-friendly pizza made with whole-grain crust and loaded with veggies.

Set a Schedule 

Getting enough sleep is vital to your child’s ability to focus and learn. Remove devices from bedrooms to promote healthy sleep habits. And set a consistent bedtime before the school year starts to make sure you’re in a routine before the first day. Younger kids should get about 10 to 12 hours a night while adolescents (ages 13 to 18) should get at least 8 to 10 hours.

Sweat Your Stress

School pressures and academic expectations can take a mental toll. Encourage your child to manage stress with exercise. Experts report that exercise can reduce tension, elevate mood, improve sleep, and boost self-esteem. Get your child involved in sports or even a neighborhood game of tag.

 

Although no one wants to think about it, school will be back in session soon. Taking care of your child’s health care needs before classes begin, can relieve some of the school year stress. Annual well-child check-ups, immunizations, and sports physicals should be on the top of your to-do list. Schedule your child’s appointment today with one of our pediatricians.

Schedule your appointment through MyChart or call (541) 706-2555.