How to Keep Your Child Healthy This School Year聽
As students head back to school, families often focus on classroom supplies and schedules. But your child鈥檚 health is just as important for a strong start. Pediatric and family medicine providers at 麻豆学生精品版 see thousands of children each year and know this season often brings questions about vaccines, routines, and illness prevention.
Margaret Solomon, MD, an internal medicine and pediatrics physician at U of U Health, shares five common health topics every parent should consider.
1. Food Allergies
Food allergies can be a serious threat to your child鈥檚 health and safety. Planning ahead ensures your child is protected during the school day.
If your child has a known allergy鈥攕uch as tree nuts, peanuts, milk, bee stings, or latex鈥攊t's important to alert the school nurse, teachers, and coaches to their condition.
鈥淚f your child has been told by their provider that they need an EpiPen, the start of the school year is the perfect time to check in,鈥 Solomon says. 鈥淢ake sure you have a current prescription and schedule a visit with your provider to complete any school paperwork your child may need.鈥
2. Vaccines
Vaccinations are one of the most important ways to protect your child鈥檚 health and the health of others. Important vaccines to consider include:
Influenza: Schools are the perfect breeding grounds for cold and flu viruses. A single sneeze can spray thousands of germs into the air at 200 miles per hour and travel three feet.
Solomon recommends scheduling a nurse visit at your doctor's office to make sure your entire family is protected this season. Flu vaccines are generally available in mid-September.
Measles: The highly contagious respiratory disease can cause serious illness in children and even death.
鈥淢easles is best prevented by having everyone up to date on their measles vaccine,鈥 Solomon says.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
Recommended MMR Vaccine Schedule
- First dose: 12鈥15 months
- Second dose: 4鈥6 years old before school entry
Ask your provider if your child should receive the second dose early (as soon as 28 days after the first) for added protection.
COVID-19: As the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve and create new strains, there are frequently new waves of increased infection.
Solomon recommends that families talk with their provider to see if their child needs a COVID-19 vaccine鈥攅specially if your child is immunocompromised or if you have vulnerable adults in the home.
3. Routine
One of the best ways to set your child up for success in school is to establish healthy daily routines. You can accomplish this by:
- Eating nutritious meals. Eating balanced meals fuels learning and helps kids focus. Check in with your child鈥檚 school about free or reduced-price meal programs.
- Getting enough sleep. Sleep is essential for memory, concentration, creativity, and overall performance. Lack of sleep has been linked to lower academic achievement and school attendance.
- Encouraging more physical activity and less screen time. It鈥檚 important for kids to remain active throughout their day. Help them set boundaries with digital devices to avoid screen time, which can interfere with sleep and social interactions.
鈥淥ur providers see how sleep, nutrition, and activity impact not just school performance but overall health,鈥 Solomon explains. 鈥淕etting into a steady routine before the first day helps kids thrive.鈥
4. Mental Health
Back-to-school season can be exciting but also stressful. Pay attention to your child鈥檚 emotional health, especially during times of transition. Talk openly about stress, friendships, and school challenges. If you notice ongoing changes in mood, behavior, or sleep, reach out to your child鈥檚 provider. Early support can make a big difference.
5. School Illnesses
Kids share more than pencils and textbooks at school; they also share germs. Remind your child to:
- Wash their hands frequently
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home when they feel sick
These small steps go a long way in keeping classrooms healthy.
The Bottom Line
As your child returns to school this year, don鈥檛 forget the basics: keep vaccines up to date, maintain healthy routines, and work with your provider on any medical needs like allergy management. A healthy start sets the tone for a successful year of learning and growth.
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