Many public schools have started, as have some private schools and universities. With the start of a new school year, you are likely preparing yourself and your kids for another season of sniffles and sicknesses. We want to help you avoid sick days with some of our ExperCARE back-to-school health tips. Between Independence Day celebrations and kids returning to school en masse, it’s no secret germs spread like butter on a hot biscuit this time of year. And ExperCARE is here with open arms. We offer on-demand care at convenient community locations throughout Southeast Georgia and Northwest Alabama. Forget long waits, impersonal care, and specialists who can never make room on their schedules. We’re a modern healthcare partner that provides the compassionate service your family deserves. Here’s how to stay healthy this school year.
6 Vital Back-to-School Health Tips for the 2024-2025 School Year
When flu season arrives, we want to ensure you are ready for it. From vaccinations to getting enough sleep, here are essential tips to help you, your child, and your entire family stay healthy and happy this school year.
1. Vaccines & Flu Shots
We understand immunizations can be a difficult decision for some patients, but we encourage you to keep your child’s vaccination up to date. Our team at ExperCARE can let you know which vaccines your child needs and should have.
Getting the flu shot is also important to protect your child from this virus when flu season hits. Flu season can start as early as October, which will be here before you know it, so being proactive and getting the necessary vaccinations ASAP is crucial.
After all, you don’t want your family’s stomachs to be turning when the leaves are and have to miss out on all the fun this season has to offer. From the fall sports events to Halloween Trick-or-Treating to Labor Day family vacations, falling under the weather could get in the way of making memories that will last a lifetime.
And remember, just as you care for the kiddos, you might need to nudge mom and dad to get their flu shots and vaccinations, too. We have multi-generational family patients that practice wellness together.
2. Hygiene
Thorough hand-washing throughout the day is one of the most vital back-to-school health tips. Germs are on every surface of the classroom. So, teach your child to wash their hands after using the restroom, lunch, and recess.
You should also reinforce these habits and model these behaviors. And for all you homeschool moms, we know you keep a tight ship at home, but pay extra attention to your child’s home workstation.
Make sure your kids have access to hand sanitizer as well. And if your child does get sick, they should wear a mask to prevent spreading germs.
We also advise stressing how important it is for your children to avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, headbands, and other hair accessories. You should try to avoid doing the same with them. Lice are all too common among school-aged children.
3. Annual Physicals, Vision, and Hearing Tests
Some back-to-school health tips can provide benefits for years to come, and this is one of them. Find a family doctor you trust and ensure you and your child receive annual physicals. Monitoring your health is an invaluable part of maintaining it.
You should also ensure your child’s hearing and vision are routinely tested up until they graduate high school. If you notice any signs of hearing or vision loss in them, talk to your family doctor. Having a family doctor you trust is vital to preserving your family’s health.
If your kids play sports, especially if they play for their high school team, you’re used to sports physicals – and yep, we do those, too. An annual physical is just like a sports one, but it keeps you going on the field of life.
4. Nutrition and Hydration
Your child should start their day with a healthy breakfast. If possible, avoid using convenience foods for lunch, like prepackaged snacks and grab-n-go lunches. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads or wraps, lean proteins, and cheeses.
These will give your child’s body the best chance to fight off back-to-school germs. Still, as a parent, we know time can feel scarce. Easy-to-eat foods like baby carrots, apple slices, grapes, melon chunks, and nuts can all be portioned and packed easily.
Make sure you also have plenty of healthy snacks for after school. You can get plenty of fresh produce for snacks at places like farmers markets. Healthy meals and snacks will go a long way in keeping your kid’s immune system.
Also, make sure you aren’t neglecting your diet with all the chaos of the new school year. You need a strong immune system, too!
5. Exercise and Safety in the Sun
Children should get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, so ensure they have plenty of opportunities to move around and be active.
From taking your child to a nearby park to kick a soccer ball or for a bike ride, there are plenty of activities you can do together to ensure they get their exercise. Building this habit in them when they’re young will benefit their health for a lifetime.
Still, you and your child should be safe in the sun. The sun’s UV rays can be dangerous. Explain to your kids how and why to protect their skin.
6. Sleep
Your kids may seem to have an endless supply of energy, but they need rest, too. Most importantly, they need to get enough sleep. Setting a good bedtime (and sticking to it) is one of the most important back-to-school health tips to follow.
Adults need a full 7-8 hours to maintain good health, but children need even more sleep than that:
- Preschoolers: 10-13 hours
- School-aged children: 9-11 hours
- Teens: 8–10 hours
For children and adults alike, poor sleep can affect mental and physical health. Getting enough sleep is crucial during such a busy time of the year – by having a schedule in place, you can ensure everyone is well-rested and that you have a designated time to prepare meals for the next day.
If your child is experiencing difficulty falling asleep, we advise reducing screen time before bed. Studies show they disrupt your body’s ability to fall asleep. Try to ensure they spend some time screenless for at least 2 hours before bedtime. A relaxing pre-sleep ritual can make a huge difference.
And most importantly, moms, make sure you’re getting enough sleep, too! You’re likely the one running around and holding it all together – and we’ve got your back!
Are You or Your Child Needing Primary Care or Urgent Care Services? Book an appointment online or walk in at your closest ExperCARE Location in Southeast Georgia and Northwest Alabama.
The surest way for you and your child to enjoy a healthy school year is by scheduling a wellness exam and learning back-to-school health tips to keep your entire family healthy. At ExperCARE, we believe healthcare should be simple, accessible, modern, and compassionate. Your healthcare should be on your terms and schedule. With over 100 years of combined experience, we can provide you with peace of mind as a trusted healthcare partner and help you take care of your entire family, from your youngest to your oldest. We will treat you and your family like our family.
If you or your child are seeking a back-to-school wellness exam, primary care services, or urgent care services, book an appointment online or walk in at the closest ExperCARE location to you to keep your family healthy and thriving all year.