Back-to-school health essentials

Preparing for a successful back-to-school season 

It’s that time of the year again; the time when children, weary from all the fun they’ve been having, go back to school. As parents prepare for this, these are some common issues they will face. 

The importance of back-to-school immunizations 

For many children, back-to-school season means getting immunizations.  Vaccines are a critical aspect of pediatric healthcare. Immunizations protect children from serious diseases and are the leading reason why many of these diseases are virtually non-existent in the United States. Parents should contact their child’s school to see if they need any immunizations.  

Common illnesses during the school year 

This time of year also means exposure to a host of viral and bacterial pathogens. The majority of which are either minor or easily treatable. It is common for preschoolers to have as many as 12 viral upper respiratory infections (aka “colds”) in a year. School-age children can have as many as eight and teenagers around four per year. Parents should pay attention to any health announcements from their respective schools and not send their children to school if they have a fever.  

Tips for confronting bullying

Unfortunately, bullying is a common occurrence. One out of every five students report being bullied. Bullying can be verbal, physical, and in today’s age of smartphones and social media, written. It is important for parents to have regular discussions with their children about their day at school. Asking open-ended questions is a great way to get more than a one-word answer from children and to encourage a conversation. It's also important to recognize changes in behavior that can be a sign of bullying; children will often have a decline in their school performance. They can also develop vague physical complaints and have issues with sleep. If suspected, parents should engage with their child’s school. 

Ensuring your child gets enough sleep 

The transition from staying up late during the summer to having a regular bedtime can be challenging. Getting enough sleep is important for children and helps with attention, memory, mental health and physical health. It is important for parents to set regular bedtimes and to adhere to them, with minimal variation, even on weekends. A common barrier to adequate sleep is the use of tablets, smartphones and computers. The light emitted by these devices disrupts children’s circadian rhythms, melatonin production and reduces overall sleep quality. Parents should limit the use of these devices one to two hours prior to bedtime. 

Back-to-school season is an exciting but stressful time. With a little preparation, parents can set their children up for success.