Back to School Health Checklist
The start of the new school year can be a hectic and trying time for families. For those getting ready to send their kids off to school for the first time, or parents of teenagers set to graduate this year, there are a million things parents need to do to prepare their kids for a new school year.
While buying clothes and school supplies is an integral part of this preparation, safeguarding your child’s health should be at the top of your to-do list.
Helping parents keep their kids healthy is one of Prestige ER’s goals, which is why our experts share their tips to help your kids stay healthy throughout the school year. The start of the new school year can be a hectic and trying time for families. For those getting ready to send their kids off to school for the first time, or parents of teenagers set to graduate this year, there are a million things parents need to do to prepare their kids for a new school year.
While buying clothes and school supplies is an integral part of this preparation, safeguarding your child’s health should be at the top of your to-do list. Helping parents keep their kids healthy is one of Prestige ER’s goals, which is why our experts share their tips to help your kids stay healthy throughout the school year.
Get Your Kids Vaccinated
Vaccinations are the best way to prevent severe and sometimes deadly illnesses. Because your kids will be exposed to a lot of different people, it is crucial that their immune systems be healthy and strong enough to battle off diseases.
Preschool
All children entering preschool must have the following vaccinations:
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- Polio
Grade School
Children entering grade school should have the latest flu vaccine.
Middle School and High School
Kids in middle and high school should have the following booster vaccinations:
- Meningococcal (MCV4)
- Pertussis
- Tetanus
- Flu (influenza)
Talk to your doctor about the benefits of your child being vaccinated with Gardasil®, to protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with risk for cervical and other cancers.
Yearly Physical
In addition to having your kids vaccinated, an annual physical where you and your pediatrician can discuss how to manage other medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, weight and nutrition concerns, activity levels, allergies, as well as attention and behavioral problems is important.
Kids of all ages should also receive screening for vision and hearing.
Disclose Any Medical Conditions
If your child has a health condition which requires them to take medications regularly, or if they suffer from any type of allergies, it is essential that you notify the school before the start of the school year. This will help teachers, nurses, and other administrative staff understand your child’s needs and be prepared in case of an emergency.
Ease Back into a Sleep Schedule
During the summer months, most kids are allowed to stay up later or sleep in, to avoid your child being tired all the time during the first few weeks of the school year, ease them back into their regular sleep schedule a few years before school starts.
Start by waking them up at their regular time, this way they will be tired and will want to go to sleep earlier.
Reduce Their Anxiety
Starting school can be a source of anxiety for kids, especially those who are starting at a new school or will be going to school for the first time.
Our experts have found that the best way to reduce anxiety is to talk about it, having your child share their fears, and giving them advice on what to expect and how to deal with certain situations will give them the confidence they need to face this new adventure.
Backpack Safety
Chances are your kids will use a backpack to carry their school supplies, here are some tips you can follow to reduce the likelihood of back pain and injury.
- Choose a backpack with two wide padded straps and a padded back.
- The bag should never weigh more than 15-20% of your child’s weight
- Adjust the straps, so the bottom of the pack sits at your child’s waist.
Help Them Eat Healthy
While your kids are at school you won’t be able to monitor everything they eat, one way to prevent them from overeating junk food is to pack a healthy lunch and snack for them to eat.
Choose snacks that include whole-grain bread, oatmeal, yogurt, fruits, and nuts. For lunch make sure to add veggies, lean meats, fruits, and low-fat dairy products.
Every child deserves a chance to thrive, by following the advice of the health experts at Prestige ER, you can help your kids start the school year with their best foot forward.
Know Where to Go in the Event of an Emergency
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