Believe it or not, it’s time for kids to head back to school. The To Do List can be long: get back into a routine, plan schedules, purchase supplies. But that’s not all you need to think about. The Main Street Daily News offers some important tips for keeping kids healthy as the new school year begins:
Annual physicals. Visit your child’s physician every year. Annual physicals are critical to ensuring children are growing and developing properly. …
Be conscientious about what your child eats at school. Healthy students are better learners. School meals should include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you pack your child’s lunch and snacks, try to pack at least two-thirds of their meal with plant-based foods. Strive to include lean protein or plant-based protein, and avoid processed meats and sugary drinks like soda and juice.
Be smart about sunscreen. From gym class and school sports to recess and waiting for the school bus, kids of all ages spend a good portion of their day outside. It’s important to take steps to protect your child from damaging UV rays. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and apply it before sending your kids to school. And as you’re shopping for back-to-school apparel, look for UV protective clothes.
Exercise is key. Children need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily, so check their schedule to make sure they’re getting enough physical activity. Strive to build time for bike riding or walking as a family into the end of each day.
Talk to your children about e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. Make your children aware of the dangers of tobacco products and talk to them about how to resist peer pressure. From 2022 to 2023, the number of middle school-aged children using tobacco products overall increased by nearly 50%, with e-cigarettes being the most commonly used product.
You can read the full article here.
There are many ways you can insure your child gets the best possible start to the new school year. A focus on health and wellness is essential.