We are just a few days away from school starting. You probably feel the back-to-school rush all around. Keeping your child healthy throughout the school year is one of the biggest worries among parents as school starts back up. When we put up to 30 kids in close proximity all day, our children are surely going to be exposed to new germs. So here are a few tips to help you prepare to send your children back to school healthy and keep them healthy all year long.
Back To School Also Means Back To A Routine Sleep Schedule
No matter our age, one of the best ways to keep our immune systems healthy and ready to fight disease is through getting a good night’s sleep. School-aged children need between 10 and 11 hours of sleep each night, and teenagers should get at least 9 hours of sleep. Many parents let children stay up later and sleep in longer during the summer. Start establishing and enforcing a healthy sleep schedule now. Set a specific bedtime and wake your child up around the time they will have to get up for school. Doing this now will make going back to school easier.
Active & Engaged Children Are Healthier Children
One of the greatest problems many parents face is pulling their children away from a screen and getting them to be active instead. It is very important for children to have screen-free times and zones. It is strongly recommended that electronic devices be removed from a child’s bedroom as they make it difficult for children to get to sleep and stay asleep. Daily exercise is an essential component of anyone’s overall well-being. Being active helps improve our mood but also helps to boost our immune systems. Make rules regarding electronics for the entire family and prioritize immune-boosting activities such as family time, sleep, and daily exercise.
Defensively Tackle & Combat Germs
Acting defensively against germs will help keep your child and your whole family healthy throughout the year. Defensively tackling germs not only helps prevent your child from getting sick but also prevents them from spreading germs to other people too. Here are a few tips to help you combat germs during the school year:
- Encourage good hand washing habits
- Give your child a small bottle of hand sanitizer to carry with them
- Sanitize surfaces within the home regularly
- Have your children change out of their school clothes when they come home
- Regularly clean and sanitize school supplies such as backpacks and lunch boxes
Finally, immunizations are very important in helping your child’s immune system fight off and combat germs they come across. Make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date before they begin the new school year.
Make Sure Your Child Is Healthy Before Returning To School
Before your child heads back to school contact Children’s Medical Center and makes an annual physical appointment with your child’s board-certified pediatrician. We have four convenient office locations in Palm Harbor, Westchase, Trinity, and Lutz. We also have extended hours and are open 7 days a week! We look forward to helping your child return to school healthy and stay that way all year through!
