The Top 10 Ways to Get Your Family Healthy and Ready
The start of a new school year can be a stressful time for any family. The carefree days of summer are suddenly gone, replaced by a busier, more demanding schedule. But by planning ahead, you can make that first day, and the rest of the school year, more relaxed and less stressful for everyone. Here are our Top 10 Recommendations to help your family be ready when the school bell rings.
1) Make Sure Your Child’s Vaccinations Are Current: States have different vaccine requirements, so check with your pediatrician to make sure your child’s vaccines are up-to-date. Use the chart on page 2 as a general guideline.
2) Schedule A Physical Exam: Since you’ll be contacting your pediatrician, why not schedule a wellness exam for your child? Children need to have a physical exam every one to two years.
3) Get Game Ready With A Sports Physical: If your child is planning to participate in organized sports, a sports physical is often required in order to detect any potential health problems.
4) Don’t Forget The Eyes: It’s estimated that 25 percent of kids ages 5 - 17 have vision problems, and poor eyesight can have a negative impact on a child’s school performance. So make an appointment to see your family eye doctor, or contact us for a referral.
5) Time To Buy School Supplies: Ask the school for a supply list. And remember that many states offer a tax-free day so families can buy school supplies and clothing at a discount, or without sales tax.
6) New Set of Threads: Kids can quickly outgrow or wear out their clothing. So it’s a good idea to take a close look at each child’s wardrobe and determine what clothes they may need. Check to see if hand-me- downs from older children are going to work.
7) Check That Backpack: A child carrying a backpack that is too heavy or doesn’t fit right can result in injury. A backpack should never weigh more than 20 percent of the child’s weight. Find out how to choose a school backpack that fits your child. Go to our website and click on “Backpack Guide.”
8) New Bedtime Hours: During the summer, your child has become used to going to bed late and sleeping late. That can make the transition to school hours difficult. Make the change easier for your child by slowly adopting a new sleep schedule. During the week before the start of school, move back their bedtime by five or 10 minutes each night.
9) Create A Calendar: The start of school means busy days and plenty of activities. Post a calendar on the refrigerator or another easy-to-see location, to help everyone keep track of all the family’s activities. For a free kid-friendly version of our Top 10 Recommendations to start the new school year, go to our website and click on “Top 10 Game.”
10) Build A Better Breakfast: Experts agree that a healthy breakfast helps children to concentrate and focus more at school. They’ll have more energy and be more alert with a breakfast that includes protein (peanut butter, eggs, bacon) and whole grain breads and cereals.
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