5 back-to-school to-dos that pay real dividends
Making sure your child’s health is a priority is essential for school-year success. These five recommendations can help ensure that your child is ready to learn and perform their best the entire year.
- Make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations are a great way to protect kids from a variety of diseases, like the flu, measles and COVID-19. Your child’s health care provider can give you a list of recommended vaccines based off their age and individual needs.
- Get you child’s vision checked. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 7% of children under the age of 18 have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. Vision impairment can greatly affect a child’s success in school, as it can make it difficult for them to complete assignments and can also be a source of other discomfort, like chronic headaches. Getting your child’s vision checked ensures that they receive proper treatment for their vision needs.
- Schedule an annual check-up with your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider. Annual check-ups are a great time to discuss any healthcare concerns, track health history and get a physical exam to monitor any changes and track growth and development.
- Create a meal plan for lunches. Healthy eating and adequate nutrients are essential for childhood development. Making sure your child’s lunch is filled with healthy, nutrient-dense options gives them the fuel they need to get through the day.
- Make sure your child’s school health records are up to date, including emergency phone numbers. Make sure to let your child’s school know if your child suffers from chronic conditions like asthma, food allergies or diabetes. Your child’s physician can help to develop an action plan to manage and treat their condition at school. Let your child know that their teachers and nurses are part of their support team, just like you are at home.