Kids health in the classroom is everyone’s top priority. And yet, the back to school season usually coincides with rises in illness among children. This typically happens for a few reasons. 

First, many illnesses tend to spread less effectively over the summer months. Second, sickness spreads more effectively in closed, indoor spaces, making a school building susceptible to higher levels of illness.

All of this underlines the importance of healthy practices that boost your child’s immunity. In this article, we outline some of our back to school health tips to keep you and your family feeling your best.

Start Easing Into Bedtimes

One way to boost kids health in the classroom is through healthy sleep patterns. There truly is no replacement for the benefits a good night of sleep offers. And with that in mind, it is time to examine the sleep habits of your children.

The first part of examining your child’s sleep schedule is knowing how much sleep they need. This chart will help you see how much sleep your child needs for optimal health. Use this as a guide in creating your child’s sleep schedule.

Children tend to stay up late and wake up later during the summer, and the adjustment to a school schedule can be difficult. Rather than making the jump overnight, ease your child into their school sleep schedule. You can move bedtime up 15 minutes a night and begin waking your child up at a reasonable hour until they are fully adjusted.

Sports Physicals

One school health element you won’t be able to skip is a sports physical. It may not impact kids health in the classroom, but it is an important part of your child’s health. If your child plans on participating in sports throughout the year, they will need their physical to be completed.

While some schools offer free sports physicals, those often come with limitations. We recommend getting a sports physical at a healthcare clinic to ensure you are seen by a board-certified provider who can offer a wider range of care.

At Live Urgent Care, we offer sports physicals on a walk-in basis at any of our urgent care clinics. Our sports physicals take roughly 30 minutes to complete and include all needed paperwork for athletics.

Regular Wellness Check

Your child’s annual wellness check is to kids health in the classroom what a sports physical is to their athletic life. A wellness check is a powerful tool that can catch potential problems before they become difficult to manage.

This visit should be handled by your child’s regular pediatrician. While Live Urgent Care can help with sick visits, most urgent cares do not offer wellness checks.

Check In On Back To School Nerves

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellness, and for many students, the back to school season is stressful. 56% of young adults have reported anxiety or depression over the last two years, and the school season can add to that.

As your child prepares to head back to school, have a conversation with them regarding their mental health. Open and honest conversations can help alleviate nerves, helping your child go back to school in the healthiest way possible.

Get Supplies Ready

The old saying goes “it’s better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it.” This particularly goes for medical supplies since you often only need those in emergency moments.

Part of promoting kids health in the classroom is being prepared at home. Take time to stock up on any needed supplies, including medications, pain relievers, sanitizers, and other helpful items. This list can help you stock up on any supplies you may need.