The start of a new school year can be exciting. But it’s also a shift in schedules and routines. To keep your child feeling their best, you can create healthy habits now that will set them up for a successful school year.
Daniela Castano, MD, pediatrician at Atlantic Health, shares seven health tips for back-to-school season.
1. Schedule your child’s annual physical exam
It’s a good idea for children to have a physical, also called a well child check, one or two months before they start school. Some schools require an annual physical or sports physical.
At the appointment, you can expect an overall health assessment, including:
- Review of your child’s past medical history, family history, and social history.
- Assessment of growth and development.
- Review of immunization history and recommended vaccines.
- A head-to-toe physical exam, including hearing and vision screening.
- Anticipatory guidance which includes discussion of nutrition, physical activity, sleep, safety, among others.
- Screening tests for medical conditions and mental health.
- Addressing parental concerns.
2. Stay up to date on vaccine schedules
At Atlantic Health, we follow vaccine recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Following the recommended routine immunization schedule is important because if everyone is protected against vaccine preventable diseases, it helps our communities stay healthy.
3. Check for vision issues
During your child’s well child check, we perform vision screening which helps us detect and treat pediatric vision disorders early. A few examples of conditions we screen for include refractive errors (which may require glasses), amblyopia (known as “lazy eye”), and strabismus.
4. Set good nutrition habits at home
To help your child develop good nutrition habits, start at home. For example:
- Avoid or limit drinking juice and soda.
- Encourage your child to drink more water. Get them a water bottle they like and decorate with stickers. Fill it up before they go to school.
- Provide healthy snacks. Instead of chips, candy, and cookies, choose fruits (like cherries or sliced apples), or carrots and hummus.
5. Limit screen time before bed
Children should get at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Avoid screens at least two hours before they (and you) go to sleep and read a bedtime story instead.
Atlantic Health pediatricians will soon participate in a program called Reach Out and Read. At each annual visit, we will provide a book to our patients and talk to parents about the importance of reading. A book before bed is a good habit to start, especially during the summer. It enhances literacy, supports brain development, and helps kids prepare for school.
6. Practice backpack safety
Make sure your child always wears both straps of their backpack. The maximum weight of the backpack shouldn’t be more than 10-15% of your child’s body weight.
At your child’s physical, we always screen for scoliosis. Talk to your pediatrician if your child complains of back pain.
7. Support your child’s mental health
Finally, pay attention to your child’s mental health. It is important to create a safe environment where they can seek your help if they have any issues.
Be involved in your child’s life, especially as they get older and enter their teenage years. When possible, attend their sports events or any extracurricular activities they participate in.
For questions or more back-to-school health tips, talk to your child’s pediatrician or find a pediatrician at Atlantic Health. Pediatricians are experts in children’s health and can help your child stay well now and in the future.
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