BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH CHECK-LIST

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

With summer coming to an end and school starting back up, families have to start purchasing school supplies. While getting school supplies is essential, they aren't the most important thing for a successful school year. The biggest factor that families overlook is the child's health. Before they head back to school, families should make sure their children are mentally and physically prepared for the school year. Using a back to school health checklist can help the families prepare, and help the students avoid health problems that could stop them from having a successful year.

Before the new school year begins, parents should schedule a yearly checkup for their children. Checkups help your child stay healthy during the school year. The checkup helps the doctor monitor and evaluate your child's normal growth and development. During the checkup, you have the opportunity to ask the doctor any questions about your child's eating habits, sleeping patterns, behavior, learning activities, and concerns you may have. It's also a good time to ask the doctor to complete a sports physical for participation in after-school sports activities.These checkups can help find health problems early before they become more serious. Having regular doctor visits also helps children stay healthy throughout the school year.

Part of the back to school routine and preparation, includes getting your child's vaccinations up to date. As school is an environment for spreading diseases , unvaccinated children put themselves and the school community at a greater risk of illness. Many schools require students to have routine vaccinations. Updating your child's vaccination records makes the registration process easier. Included in the back to school routine should be a checkup for your child's vision and hearing, as a student with hearing or poor visual ability will be at a disadvantage in the classroom. Even problems with hearing and sight can be identified early to help a child in their area of need.Visiting the dentist before school starts is also important because healthy teeth and gums help children avoid pain and stay focused in class.

 Just like going to the doctor, healthy daily habits give students the calendars vitamins they need to make it through the school year. Consistent bedtimes help students adjust to the earlier and more consistent bedtimes they'll need during the school year. Eating healthy foods and snacks not only provides students with the energy they need to sustain their focus, but helps them to avoid a crash during the day. The human body needs to be hydrated, and especially during the Arizona summer heat, students need to make sure they are drinking enough water. Exercise is important because it helps students be active and be better with their healthy habits. Students also need to help stop the spread of germs. Getting in the habit of always washing hands with soap and water, carrying a reusable water bottle and hand sanitizer pump will help them remain healthy while at school. 

Don't overlook mental and emotional health when preparing for the return to school after the summer break. Many new beginnings can feel scary for some kids, especially the start of a new grade or new school. Parents should expect to hear lots of feelings of nervousness, anxiety, or even fear and should reassure them that those feelings are completely normal. Encourage them to talk about what worries them and use their concerns to build their confidence. High levels of anxiety and fear, or when anxiety begins to interfere with everyday life, matters should be taken more seriously and parents should consult a healthcare professional. While preparing for the school year, families should make sure to update the emergency contact, allergy, medication, and health information. The school must have all this information in order to effectively assist in providing help when the need arises during the school day.

Back to school preparations involve more than just going shopping for supplies. Parents must ensure their kids have healthy minds and healthy bodies. This makes them feel confident. Several families schedule back to school physicals and check ups to ensure their kids are clear to start the school year. Healthy living habits and routines can also help kids stay healthy. During the school year, children should start building their emotional well being until the end of the year. The holiday break should not be a disruption to healthy routines.

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