The new school year is around the corner, and parents and guardians are getting their children ready to go back to school. As they prepare for a new school year, it is essential to make sure they return to school healthy. 

Here are some health and wellness tips to make sure your child is healthy before they go back to school: 

• Make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential to protect children and others from various diseases. 

• Make sure your child gets their flu and COVID-19 shots. Every child six months or older should get their yearly flu shots, as flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks between December and February. 

• Make sure your child receives vision and hearing tests. Children should have their hearing and vision tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss and talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you notice any changes. 

• Help your child make healthy food choices, even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole-grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda. 

• Make sure to take care of your child’s mental health. Managing school stress, relationships, and friendships can be overwhelming. Encourage them to talk about their emotional health. 

• Make sure to limit your child’s screen time. Children under the age of two years old should have no screen time. Limit screen time to one to two hours a day for children two years old and over. Parents are encouraged to delay access to smartphones until they are at least 14 years old. 

• Be sure to monitor your child’s social media use. Social media use starting during childhood can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children’s and teens’ growth, development, and mental health. Parents are encouraged to set aside time to discuss social media use, including setting privacy limits on who can see and interact with them. 

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep helps kids focus each day at school and is important for their health. Children between the ages of three and five should sleep 10 to 13 hours (including naps). Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours a night. Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours a night. 

These back-to-school health and wellness tips will help ensure your child returns to the classroom safely and healthy. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.