As summer begins to wind down and students prepare to return to school, it’s never been more important to buckle down and get organized – especially as it relates to your child’s health. Between scheduling carpools and making dorm-room shopping trips, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. That’s why it is important for physicians to use back-to-school as an opportunity to check in with patients and their families about health and wellness tips to keep in mind during this hectic time of year.
- Required examinations and immunizations: Most, if not all, schools in the country require students to have updated shot records, and if your student is also an athlete, he or she will need a physical before getting back onto the field or court. Doctors’ offices get very busy this time of year, so be sure to schedule your check up appointments well in advance.
- Early to bed, early to rise: With some schools starting the day as early as 7 a.m., students will have to get back in the habit of getting proper rest for the day ahead. That means restricting the hours that your child spends staying up late watching Netflix or Snapchatting with friends. Parents should do all they can to make sure children are getting at least eight hours of shut-eye each night.
- Healthy diet and exercise: Electronics aren’t the only source of tired teens. Researchers have found that kids that drink soda, do drugs, or lack physical activity have more trouble sleeping than students that avoid these unhealthy habits. Encouraging your children to change these behaviors will let them stay focused in and out of the classroom.
- Mental wellness: Parents should also take an active role in a child’s mental health. Transitioning back into such a structured routine with academic pressures and athletics is difficult, and students can sometimes have trouble juggling it all. If you notice a change in your student’s energy, eating, or sleep, it’s important to ask them what’s going on, and if need be, seek out a healthcare provider for a professional opinion. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.
Going back to school is an important milestone each year, so don’t miss this opportunity to reflect and evaluate your family’s health for the coming year. Remembering these easy tips should make for an easier transition until next summer!
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