August 9, 2024 – As fall approaches, it’s time to start thinking about getting children and teens ready to head back to the classroom. During this busy transition, it’s important to embrace healthy habits to reduce the likelihood of health-related challenges. Joshua Rosenblatt, MD, chair of Pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, shares tips for a healthy start to a new school year.
- Prioritize the basics: sleep, exercise and nutrition
Balanced meals rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients improve brain function, provide sustained energy throughout the day and support proper growth and development. Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity reduces stress, improves mental well-being and supports cardiovascular health, leading to better overall fitness and increased alertness in school. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that children ages 6 through 12 sleep 9 to 12 hours per night. Teens should get 8-10 hours of sleep. To help establish a sleep routine, set a consistent bedtime and put away all electronic devices.
- See your pediatrician
Getting your children and teens ready to go back to school is the perfect time to make sure they are up-to-date on their regular health screenings. An annual wellness exam gives your child’s healthcare provider a chance to check their overall health, look for any emerging problems, answer questions, and offer advice about staying healthy.
- Make sure vaccinations are up to date
Vaccinations protect children from contagious diseases, ensuring a safer, healthier school environment for everyone.When you schedule an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider, you can consult with them about your child’s vaccination record and make sure they’re up to date. New Jersey schools require specific immunizations based on age. View the full list of vaccinations required for all grades in the state.
- Communicate with your child’s school
Inform the school nurse and you child’s teacher(s) about medical conditions your child may have, particularly food allergies, asthma, diabetes, and any other conditions that may need to be managed during the school day. Let your school know of any medications your child takes, and make arrangements with the school nurse to administer any medications if needed.
- Remind your child about healthy habits to prevent spreading germs
These include covering their mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing, not sharing drinks and frequent and thorough hand washing, especially before eating, after using the bathroom and after coughing or sneezing.
- Monitor your child’s health and wellbeing
Watch for signs of illness (cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, etc.) Other important parts of your child’s health include their cognitive (learning and thinking) development, social and emotional growth, and mental health. If you notice signs of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral health problems, seek help from a behavioral health specialist.
- Provide a support system
By providing a supportive environment at home, you can help your child thrive throughout the school year. Encourage your child to share their feelings and experiences, make time to listen actively and validate their emptions, and demonstrate healthy ways to handle stress and challenges. It’s also important to start a dialogue about any potential issues that may be affecting them at school, such as bullying or trouble focusing. These types of conversations can help you to be a partner in your child’s health and wellness.