September – Back-to-school health

Your healthy back-to-school guide

As summer winds down, it’s time to gear up for a healthy back-to-school season. Set the stage for a smooth transition back to school. Here are some practical tips to get you started. 

Prioritize sleep 

Ensuring your child gets enough sleep is an important part of a healthy back-to-school routine. Quality sleep helps with concentration, mood and overall well-being. In the weeks leading up to the start of school, gradually adjust your child’s sleep schedule so they can adapt to the new routine. Aim for nine to 11 hours of quality sleep per night. 

Eat well

Support your child’s learning and development with scheduled meals and snacks. Breakfast kick starts their morning, while snacks and lunches nourish them throughout the day. Pack a water bottle to help them stay hydrated. 

Boost immunity 

As with any public environment, school exposes children to various germs and viruses. Ensuring they are up-to-date on their vaccinations helps protect them and others. Specific immunizations are recommended for children prior to entering Kindergarten as well as in grades six and nine. Help your child avoid the spread of illness by encouraging them to wash their hands regularly, teaching them to cover their coughs and sneezes and keeping them home when sick. 

Keep active 

Adding physical activity to your child’s routine sets them up for success. Activities like walking or biking to school, playing sports, dancing, swimming or helping around the house are great ways for your child to stay active. Set limits on screen time and promote outdoor play as much as possible for overall well-being. 

Make time for talking and connection 

Going back to school can be a cause of anxiety or stress for children. Make it a point to encourage open communication and support your child to talk about their feelings and help them feel heard and understood. Integrate downtime into their routine where they can relax or focus on a special interest or hobby. 

Find more school health tips and resources on Fraser Health’s website: https://ow.ly/gS1S50Pegic