Getting your children ready to go back to school each fall requires much more than a quick trip to the mall to get supplies. Making sure they are practicing healthy habits will ensure they are physically prepared to be back in the classroom.
Here are five tips to help you and your kids stay healthy this fall:
1. Teach good hygiene habits. Effective hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs. Encourage your children to sing the alphabet each time they are washing their hands to ensure proper hand washing is done. Everyone should wash both the front and back of their hands as well as in between their fingers. Hand sanitizer is a good alternative when soap and water are not available. Additionally, teach your children to cough and sneeze into their elbows when tissues are not available. This small action significantly reduces the spread of germs at schools.
2. Visit the doctor’s office. Taking your kids to the doctor’s office for an annual check-up will ensure your child is healthy and virus free before returning to school. This is also a good time to make sure their immunizations are up to date.
3. Provide Healthy Meals. Make sure you are providing healthy meals for your kids, as the right foods with adequate rest help fight off any infections that may come. Make sure your children are eating a healthy breakfast so that they can stay more alert and focused in class.
4. Stay Hydrated and Active. Keeping your kids hydrated with healthy drink choices like water and milk has many benefits. It will help prevent fatigue, improve mood, aid digestion and maintenance, and enhance brain function. Most children have been active all summer, and it’s important to keep that going throughout the school year. Children typically sit most of their school day, so incorporating sports and exercise into their daily routine will keep them focused, improve behavior and boost positive attitude. If possible, enroll your child in after-school activities. Enjoy a family walk or bike ride and encourage them to keep moving. If you engage in physical activity, they will follow along.
5. Check for head lice. More than 12 million Americans get lice every year, and most are between the ages of 3 and 11. School-age children are in close contact during the day and are more likely to share combs, brushes, and hats. Check your child for head lice once a week if possible. They are most often found behind the ears and at the back of the neck, near the neckline.
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