August is just around the corner, as is a new school year. Many students prepare for the first day of school by purchasing new school supplies, picking up their classroom schedules, and visiting their physicians for preventive care. The 2021-22 academic year also highlights the importance of establishing some healthy habits to help promote your children’s and teen’s physical and psychological well-being.
Here are some healthy habits to consider establishing this school year.
Ease Their Concerns
It is only natural for children and teens to be nervous, possibly even stressed or anxious about the upcoming school year, especially if returning to in-person instruction. Help ease their concerns by talking about them, answering any questions, and providing reassurance. Equally important is recognizing the signs of chronic stress – behavioral changes, difficulty sleeping, shifts in eating, etc. – and when you should make an appointment with their physician.
Ensure Adequate Sleep
Sleep can help improve your children’s or teenager’s ability to focus on their studies and extracurricular activities so that they can perform optimally. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends preschoolers get 10 to 13 hours of sleep, elementary students get 9 to 12 hours of sleep, and teenagers get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. You can help promote good quality sleep by establishing bedtime routines and removing electronics from your children’s bedrooms.
Settle into Daily Routines
An excellent habit that helps support a healthy immune system is to offer nutritious after-school snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and granola bars. Make it a habit to provide your children a snack and allow them ample time to complete any assigned homework and study for assignments. It is also a good idea to establish time limits for electronic devices and weeknight bedtimes, which may vary depending on their age.
Schedule Back-to-School Checkups
Take charge of your child’s health by scheduling annual back-to-school checkups. These appointments are a form of preventative care that allows their doctor to perform a thorough physical exam, track their development, and address any concerns. Depending on specific factors, such as your child’s age and grade level, immunizations and tests may also be required. You can also ask the medical professional to complete, and sign required athletic-program documentation during these appointments, as necessary.
Woodlands Diagnostic Clinic is an internal medicine practice providing compassionate, quality patient-centered care at our conveniently located medical clinic in Shenandoah, Texas. Our physicians are committed to optimizing the health and well-being of patients through preventive care and diagnostic care. To schedule a back-to-school checkup or another appointment with our internal medicine practice, please contact us at (281) 863-9554.
Resources:
“Back-to-School Tips.” American Academy of Pediatrics, June 8, 2018.
“Get Enough Sleep – The Basics: Overview.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, July 8, 2021.
“How to help children and teens manage their stress.” American Psychological Association, October 24, 2019.
