With kids heading back to school, there are ways you can help them stay healthy and happy.
Every school day counts. And too many absences can have a big impact on your child’s education and health. School is where children learn, socialize with friends, eat healthy meals, get exercise, and find support to help them grow and thrive.
Follow these health tips to help your child start this school year strong.
1- Prioritize the basics: sleep, exercise, & nutrition.
Begin with the basics. Make sure your child eats nutritious meals, stays hydrated with water, and gets plenty of physical activity and sleep. All of these are key to success in school and social life. Children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better at school, for example. Many children qualify for free or reduced-price food at school, including breakfast. Contact your child’s school to find out where you can access their application for school meal benefits.
Getting enough sleep is also critical to staying healthy and thriving at school. Not getting enough sleep can affect memory, concentration, creativity, and learning. In fact, lack of sleep is linked with lower academic performance, school attendance, and tardiness.
2- Stay up-to-date on checkups & immunizations.
If your child has not had a well-child checkup in the last year, schedule a back-to-school physical. They may also require a pre-participation (sports) exam if they will be playing a sport at school. And if your child takes medication at school, your pediatrician can go over your child’s treatment plan and update instructions. They can also help you update school medical emergency forms. (See 5 Ways to Help Keep Kids with Special Health Care Needs Healthy and in School)
Your child should also receive immunizations on time so they can stay healthy and in school- including the annual flu vaccine and they updated vaccine.
Recently, a decline in vaccination rates across the U.S. has led to outbreaks of measles and polio. When your child stays up to date on vaccines, they will be much less likely to have a severe illness or be hospitalized if they do get sick.
Was your child recently dropped from health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?
Get help with health coverage for your children under Medicaid, CHIP, or through other insurance options. When children have health insurance, they are more likely to get the care they need to stay healthy and in school.
3- Tune in to your child’s mental health.
Many children and teens have had mental health challenges over the past few years. Let your children know it’s OK to talk with you about how they’re feeling. Some kids may avoid talking about touchy subjects. They may feel like they will be judged, lectured, or punished. Remind your child that they can tell you anything. Point out that these conversations will take place in a judgement-free zone and really listen to what your child is saying. Look for any changes in behavior that worry you or any signs of anxiety, depression, or other serious risks. Keep in mind that the increased risk of suicide is higher for children and teens who live in a home where guns are stored, loaded, or unlocked. If you have a firearm in your home, make sure to lock it up and store the ammunition separately.
Try to prioritize family routines, meals, and self-care breaks, like taking walks together. These can be a great chance to talk. Ask your pediatrician if you are unsure if your child needs help or how to start a conversation. Schools may also offer sources of mental health support.
4- Talk about bullying & kindness.
Talk with your child and encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult if they are experiencing bullying or discrimination or if they witness an act of bullying or discrimination against others. Focus on the value of treating others with respect and how simple acts of kindness can make a big difference. In fact, research shows that kindness can reduce stress and offer health benefits for everyone.
5- Plan for mindful media use.
The change in routine is a good time to create or update your family media plan so you can help your child balance screen time with sleep, exercise, and other healthy activities. Help them choose high-quality programs or games and recognize and avoid false information sources online.
This is also a good time to talk with your child about how they use social media.
Remember:
Reach out to your pediatrician with any questions or concerns about keeping your child healthy so they can stay in school or if your child is not feeling well and you are not sure if they should stay at home. You can also contact the school nurse at your child’s school for answers about their health during the school day.
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