Are you and your kids ready for the new school year? Preparing to go back to school is more than getting school supplies and new outfits. It requires immunizations, a school sleep routine, and a check-up for your child’s overall health. Shifting back into the school year flow after summer vacation can be hectic. These tips can help ensure your family feels prepared.
Put together a health checklist
Create a checklist to help determine if your child has all their immunizations, is getting enough rest, and if they have any physical barriers to learning – like nearsighted or farsightedness, which can make reading difficult but can be helped with glasses. You’ll want to get them back on a sleep schedule, organize their medical records, and schedule physical and vision exams. Use this back-to-school health checklist for a place to start.
And remember: the COVID-19 vaccine isn’t the only immunization for that list. Back-to-school season also happens to be the start of flu season. Plus, there are other childhood vaccines and boosters to consider before your child goes back to school. Talk to your child’s doctor to see what they recommend.
Be in the know
Along with COVID-19 and the seasonal flu, some parents may be concerned about their children contracting the monkeypox virus at school. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the risk of children getting infected with monkeypox virus is low. Still, it’s important to understand how the virus spreads, recognize the symptoms, and know when to get your child tested to help keep them (and their classmates) safe and healthy. Always rely on trusted sources, like AAP or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), for the latest updates. For more information, speak to your child’s pediatrician.
Start the conversation about mental health
Children can feel as much anxiety as adults. It’s important to encourage them to share their feelings with you. Let them know it’s okay to feel scared or anxious and that you are here to support them. Their mental health matters and help is available when they need it.
Find time for some zen
There are a lot of moving parts when getting your family ready for back-to-school season. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help! At ConnectiCare Centers, we provide no-cost health and wellness classes, including yoga and meditation, for the entire community. Check out our upcoming events. If you can’t make an in-person class, you can always join one of our many virtual classes.