Written by Nicole Baldwin FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner
Greetings FBBC Family! Healthy students are better learners. Here are a few health tips for back to school success.
1. Wash Your Hands
Germs are everywhere. Touch a surface where germs are lurking, then touch your face, and you can get sick. It doesn’t have to be that way. Handwashing with soap and water is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of colds, flu, and other diseases to others.
2. Eat well and be active
Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important for children. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children have obesity, putting them at risk for asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Children with obesity are more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem. Sixty minutes of exercise per day strengthens, burns calories, reduces anxiety, and may even help a child focus better in school. Additionally, ensure your child has a well-designed backpack that distributes weight evenly and encourages good posture. Encourage them to use both straps and adjust the backpack to sit comfortably on their back.
3. Limit Sugary Drinks
Limiting sugary drinks is beneficial to prevent over consuming calories. Sugary drinks also lead to a crash of energy when it wears off. Drinking plenty of water every day is a great habit to establish for a lifetime.
4. Get Vaccinated
From newborns to college students, getting vaccinated can help protect children and teens as they grow into adulthood. Making sure their children get vaccinated is one of the most important things parents can do to protect the health of their child and community.
5. Limit Screen Time
With the rise of digital devices, it’s easy to spend long hours in front of screens. Encourage your children to have designated screen-free time, especially before bedtime, as excessive screen time can disrupt sleep patterns.
6. Prioritize Sleep
A good night’s sleep is vital for cognitive function and emotional well-being. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and aim for at least 8-10 hours of sleep for school-age children.
The connection children feel to school and family can have a strong influence on their lives that continues well into adulthood. Create an open and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing any concerns or challenges they may face during the school year. Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Be encouraged, parents and extended family members, to provide support by being actively involved. Supporting kids activities by being present also boosts mood and since of pride. Finally, encourage children to be safe and to look out for one another.
Let’s have a fantastic year! Be healthy and be well!
Content derived from:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(2019). Nine CDC health hacks for back to school success. www.cdc.org