Back to school health tips

August 25, 1:36 PMHealth Care ExaminerChristine Whitmarsh

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Brand new lunch boxes are being christened (unless kids don’t carry cute little “Dukes of Hazard” metal boxes like I used to and I’m showing my age here), tags anxiously torn off back to school outfits and alarm clocks in the kids’ bedrooms going off much earlier than they’ve become accustomed to during the summer. It’s back to school time!

Here are some general pieces of advice to keep in mind as you send your little ones back into academia this year.

1. As impossible of a task as it may seem, it’s important to make sure kids are well rested before the first day of school. This may require readjusting sleep cycles from “summer” back to “school year” a few days in advance and it may result in some protest squabbles, but a well rested child is one who is ready to learn. The child’s level of fatigue may also affect their attitude about the new school year. Do everything you can to start the school year off on a positive note!
2. A healthy breakfast is just as important as a brand new backpack, high tech gadgets and everything else on the all-important checklist of things to remember.
3. Pack a healthy, well-balanced lunch for your child (preferably with their favorite foods so they don’t opt for the lunchroom bartering scene instead). This is the most cost-effective and nutritious way of teaching your child to make good choices for meals away from home.
4. Pay a visit to your child’s pediatrician before school starts. This is especially important if your child is planning to participate in sports, or any other school programs that require regular physicals.
5. A doctor’s visit is also a great reminder to stock up on any prescription medications your child takes regularly and would need to have on hand in the nurse’s office. Each school/country/district likely has its own regulations regarding medications or any other specific type of care that your child requires during school hours, so it’s important to research this information before school starts.
6. Finally, while you’re at the pediatrician’s office, it’s vital to ensure that your child’s vaccinations are current.
7. Watch your back! Or in this case, watch your child’s back. During my freshman year of college, I remember the pain of a strained axial nerve (armpit) caused by packing far too many heavy books into a backpack. Teach your kids to only carry the books and materials they need for the class they are en route to and make good use of their locker for everything else. They may think it’s a hassle, but their healthy necks, shoulders, arms and backs will thank you for it later.

Above all, encourage your child through your own positive attitude that you believe in their ability to succeed! A positive, productive perspective about their school experience from day one and learning can shape a child’s entire academic year.