5 Children’s Health Tips for Starting the School Year Right!
Even though it seems like we only just started the long, lazy days of summer, every parent knows that back to school is right around the corner. Between shopping for new clothes and school supplies, there is a lot to do, and at Briarcliff Pediatrics, Dr. Ray Deeb and Dr. Ashley Brown know that keeping parents well-informed about health topics is one of the best ways to care for all children. That’s why we put together a list of five things that you can do to keep your kids healthy as they start off a new school year.
Prepare for Illnesses and Emergencies
Many children have special health accommodations, and sooner or later just about every child will have some illness that sends them home from school. Be sure you are prepared to deal with these situations when they arise. Develop a backup plan that includes a trusted family member or family friend who can care for your child for the day, if necessary. If your child requires special medication during school hours, don’t forget to provide specific instructions and consent forms to the school staff.
Keep Your Immunizations Up to Date
Vaccinations save children from unnecessary pain, illness, and death. That’s why all 50 states require school-aged children to be immunized against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, and chickenpox prior to being admitted to school. Be sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date for their safety, and for the safety of others.
Plan for Nutritional Lunches
Preparing healthy lunches for your child can be difficult and time consuming, but even relatively small changes can make a huge difference in your child’s health. Take a little extra time while shopping for groceries to seek out healthy options like colorful fruits and vegetables. Consider substituting whole grain breads in place of white bread to add more fiber to their diets. Teaching your child to appreciate what healthy food tastes like will make them healthier over the long term.
Establish Routines for Healthy Sleep
School-aged children need at least ten hours of sleep every night, and teens need between nine and ten hours to perform at their best. For good sleep hygiene, get kids accustomed to the same bedtime every night. Additionally, try removing screen devices like cell phones, tablets, computers, and TVs, from their rooms at night, as high energy blue light from electronic screens may actually cause less restful sleep.
Get Them in for a Checkup
It’s always a good idea to bring your kid in for a regularly scheduled well-child checkup before they start a new school year. Not only will this help you keep up with their growth progress and catch any health concerns that might arise, but it will also give you an opportunity to check off the medical physical they might need to participate in athletic activities. Making sure your child is healthy will help you feel more confident and secure when you send them off to school.
Dr. Ray Deeb and Dr. Ashley Brown provide comprehensive healthcare for newborns and children up to the age of 18, and they are currently accepting new patients. If you would like to learn more about us, you are welcome to come in for a complimentary meet and greet so that you can talk in person with Dr. Deeb or Dr. Brown and get a tour of our newly renovated office. Contact Briarcliff Pediatrics to schedule an appointment, and don’t forget to follow us on social media to get the latest health tips and news in children’s health care.
