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Back-to-School Tips to Keep Kids Healthy and Safe
Special to The Truth
Back-to-school prep means
more than a trip to the office supply store. Help kids stay
strong, healthy and safe this school year by putting
wellness front and center.
“Thinking about
back-to-school now can help parents keep kids on track for a
healthy summer and start to school,” says Dr. Sandra Hassink,
MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
With that in mind, Hassink
recommends taking the following steps.
Ease into the School Schedule
Ease the back-to-school
transition by keeping bedtime and meals scheduled during the
summer and adjusting timing as school approaches. If your
child has been going to bed later than usual, begin
adjusting his or her bedtime earlier toward the end of
summer. Depending on age, children and teens need between
8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep nightly.
For young children,
arranging to see their new classroom and meet their new
teacher before school starts can calm first day jitters. Go
over the school schedule with your child, including how she
will get to school and what the plans are for after school
time.
Schedule a Pediatric Visit
The back-to-school season
is a good time for scheduling a pediatric exam. Create a
list of items you want to discuss with your child’s
pediatrician. This list should include ensuring your child
is up-to-date on vaccinations, a crucial part of preventive
care.
It’s a good idea to build
a medical home with a pediatrician by sticking with one
doctor or medical practice throughout childhood and
adolescence. The doctor will be better informed of your
child’s medical history and aware of any emerging problems.
Beyond medical testing,
pediatricians are well-equipped to counsel patients and
parents on emotional and social issues, as well as issues
that often crop up during adolescence, such as smoking,
drugs, drinking, sexual activity and depression.
“Parents can ask a
pediatrician about anything related to the care of their
child or teen, medical or not,” says Dr Hassink. “The visit
can be a good way to bring up these issues.”
Consider Sports
Sports can foster
confidence, cooperation and healthy habits, and the start of
the school year brings many opportunities to join various
programs.
Courtesy StatePoint
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