School is back in session, bringing with it new classes, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for growth. As students adjust to their new schedules and routines, it is essential to make healthy habits a part of their daily lives. Here are some back-to-school tips to help your student prioritize their physical and mental health and set them up for a productive and successful year.
Wear a backpack properly
Students carry a lot of weight on their backs every day, so choosing a well-fitting backpack and wearing it properly is essential to avoiding back and shoulder pain. Backpacks should have padded backs, and wide, adjustable straps to maximize comfort. To avoid strain, both straps should be worn rather than slinging the backpack over one shoulder. Help your student manage the weight of their backpack by removing unnecessary items and placing textbooks closest to the center of the back to distribute the weight evenly.
Establish a sleep schedule
Sleep is crucial for mental health, physical health, brain performance, and overall well-being. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that children 6-12 years old get 9 to 12 hours of sleep while those 13-18 years old get 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Setting a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends, and encouraging your student to avoid electronics at least an hour before bed can help them fall asleep quicker, have better sleep quality, and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Limit screen time
Excessive screen time can significantly impact a student’s ability to concentrate and be productive. Finishing homework becomes more difficult when students are distracted by notifications from their smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Establish an electronics-free zone for your student while they are studying so they can put their full attention on their schoolwork.
Practice good hygiene
Returning to the classroom brings an increased risk of spreading illnesses like colds, flu, and other infections. Remind your student of the importance of practicing good hygiene techniques such as proper hand washing, covering their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoiding touching their face.
Stay home when sick
If your student shows symptoms of illness such as a sore throat, a cough, fever, or gastrointestinal issues, keep them home to lower the risk of spreading infections. Generally, students shouldn’t return to school until they are symptom free and without a fever.
Get up to date on vaccinations
Another way to prevent illness is to make sure your student is up to date on their vaccinations. The beginning of the school year also coincides with flu season, so it’s important to get flu shots early.
For more information about recommended immunizations, visit the CDC webpage for vaccine schedules for you and your family.
Student Health Services at Care Medical Group
At Care Medical Group, we understand the unique healthcare needs of students and their families as they navigate a busy school year. We are committed to providing comprehensive medical care that fits into your family’s schedule, offering both Primary Care and Urgent Care services with extended evening and weekend hours. From sports physicals to vaccines to treating common illnesses and injuries, we offer healthcare solutions for your student so they can have a happy and healthy school year.
Give us a call at 360-734-4300 to learn more about our services, schedule an appointment, or simply discuss how we can best support your student’s health throughout the school year. Our clinic is located at 4043 Northwest Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98226. We are open Monday to Friday, 8 am – 7 pm, and Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm on a walk-in and by-appointment basis.