It is August and kids and parents are gearing up for back-to-school season. There will be fresh school supplies, new teachers to meet and new clothes to show off.
I’d also like parents to keep in mind a few important health issues.
The first issue is backpack safety. A heavy bookbag can strain a child’s back and neck. When you buy a backpack, go for function over fashion. Make sure the backpack has wide, padded straps and that your child does not overload it. If they have a lot of books and supplies to carry, a rolling backpack might be the best option.
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The second health issue to keep in mind is healthy lunches. If you are creative and plan ahead, you can ensure that brown bag lunches are healthy, offer variety and
meet the needs of your child’s body and mind. Focus on the ABCs:
Assemble a lunch with whole grains, fresh fruit and a serving of dairy.
Be prepared by using Sunday night to plan out lunches for the week.
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Consult with your child about which healthy foods they like. If they have a say, they are more likely to eat what you pack.
One other issue parents should keep in mind relates to anxiety. Our children have a lot of deal with on the first day of school from reconnecting with old friends to
meeting new teachers. Talk to your son or daughter about what they are worried
about and what they are excited about. Focus on the good elements and discuss
the worrisome issues.
Lastly, don’t forget your child’s influenza vaccine later this fall and make sure their other immunizations are up to date as well.
I hope you have found this information helpful.
If you have topics you’d like to hear about, please feel free to let me know via the comments.