As summer winds down it’s time to start thinking about the new school year. Protecting your child’s health as they head back to school can make a significant difference in their academic performance and overall well-being. While it can be difficult to keep kids healthy during summer vacation, most of the illnesses our children experience are infections they acquire while at school. But many of these can be prevented. Here are some essential back to school health tips from our medical experts at CapRock Health.
Importance of Immunizations and Vaccinations
Stay Up-to-Date with Immunizations
Immunizations are a critical part of back to school health and preventing the spread of disease to other children. Make sure your child’s vaccinations are current to protect them from preventable diseases. Texas state law requires certain vaccinations for school attendance, so check with your healthcare provider to ensure your child meets all requirements.
Flu Shots
Flu season (influenza season) coincides with the school year. Since the flu is common, it’s easy to dismiss it as trivial. But not only does influenza cause children to feel miserable and miss several days of school, several hundred children die each year from the flu. So, while flu vaccines are not required for your child to attend school, getting a flu shot reduces the risk of your child contracting the flu and spreading it to others and almost eliminates the risk that your child will die from the flu. It’s a simple step that can prevent missed school days and keep your child healthy.
COVID-19 Shots
Similar to influenza, COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to attend school in the State of Texas. But, the same facts apply. COVID-19 causes serious illness in some children and the best way to protect them, and their classmates and teachers, is to be sure they are vaccinated and have received a recent booster shot. Furthermore, even if a child’s COVID-19 infection is mild, they are often the vector that introduces the infection to a grandparent or other person who is at higher risk of complications or death.
HPV Vaccine
For older students, it is important to have your children vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This is the virus that causes genital warts, but most infections are asymptomatic. Sadly, most cervical cancers, penile cancers, and throat and mouth cancers are the result of HPV infection. Fortunately, there is an effective vaccine to prevent this but it should be given before a child becomes sexually active. Since the widespread administration of this vaccine, we have begun seeing the rates of these deadly cancers plummet.
Establishing Healthy Routines
Balanced Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet is fundamental for your child’s physical and mental development. Furthermore, a hungry student’s brain is not as effective at concentrating and learning. Be sure they arrive at school after a healthy breakfast. Pack nutritious lunches and encourage healthy eating habits. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins to provide essential nutrients.
Importance of Sleep
Adequate sleep is vital for your child’s growth and learning. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure they get the recommended amount of sleep. Children aged 6-12 years need 9-12 hours of sleep per night, while teenagers require 8-10 hours.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Addressing Back to School Anxiety
Starting a new school year can be stressful for many children. Talk to your child about their feelings and provide reassurance. If anxiety persists, consider seeking help from a counselor or mental health professional.
Encouraging Social Connections
Social interactions are an important aspect of school life. Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities and make new friends. Building strong social connections can enhance their emotional well-being and academic success. However, early research has identified reason for concern with young people using social media. Consider limiting your child’s access to social media or speak with your doctor or a counselor to get more guidance.
Promoting Physical Activity
Daily Exercise
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases. Encourage your child to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. This can include sports, walking, biking, or playing outside.
Screen Time Management
Limiting screen time is crucial for your child’s health. Excessive screen time can lead to sedentary behavior and negatively impact sleep. It has also been associated with emotional problems. Set boundaries on the use of electronic devices and promote outdoor activities instead.
Healthy Habits to Prevent Illness
Hand Hygiene
Teaching your child proper hand hygiene can prevent the spread of germs. Encourage them to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Studies indicate that hand washing or using hand sanitizer hourly during the school day cuts absenteeism by about half!
Hydration
Keeping your child hydrated is essential, particularly in the hot Texas climate. Make sure they drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and maintain optimal health.
Avoiding Spreading Infections
This may seem like an obvious statement, but every person who suffers or dies from an infection almost always caught that infection from another person. Therefore, in addition to keeping ourselves healthy, we need to be considerate of others and work to prevent spreading our infections. The most effective way to achieve this is to withhold your child from school when they are sick. Outside of COVID-19, we don’t have good knowledge about the exact contagious period for most infections that students contract. But, it’s safe to assume that anyone with a fever is contagious. Additionally, coughing, sneezing and lots of nasal secretions also increase contagiousness. When in doubt, either hold your student out until they are well, or have them wear a mask for a few days after returning if they still have lingering symptoms.
Final Thoughts
By following these back to school health tips, you can help your child start the school year on a healthy and positive note. CapRock is here to support you and your family in achieving and maintaining good health. If you have any concerns or need further advice, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let’s work together to make this school year the healthiest one yet!