SEND HEALTHY KIDS BACK TO SCHOOL

(Article published in HWW September 2008)

by Lizanne Fontaine, R.N.,J.D, Care for the Homeless

Although your children may be enjoying their summer vacation, it is a good time to think about how to make sure they stay healthy in school. Here are some tips:

1. 1.Make sure they have had their shots: Make an appointment with the children's doctor or other health care provider for a check-up. At this time, the provider will see if your child needs any vaccinations (shots). Vaccinations are an important way to fight disease. If you have your child's vaccination records (yellow card), take it with you to the appointment. If you have lost it, the provider will still be able to figure out what your child needs.  If your son or daughter has missed some of his or her shots, the provider can figure out a schedule so that the child will soon be up-to-date.
   

2. 2.Talk to your doctor about checking vision and hearing: Schools are supposed to check your child's vision and hearing during some school years. But these are very basic tests and may not uncover problems. If your child has had difficulty in school (such as behavior problems or trouble reading), it may be because he or she cannot see or hear well. Talk to your doctor about having your child's vision or hearing tested.
   

3. 3.Make sure your child gets enough sleep: Summer days are long and children often stay up later than they do during the school year. It is important to remember that children need lots of sleep. Children who are well rested stay awake and do better in school. Though children differ, kids ages 6 to 9 need about 10 hours of sleep a night. Before the new school year begins, try to get your children used to getting a good night's sleep.
   

4. 4.Have your child eat a healthy breakfast: The brain needs to be fed, just like the rest of your child's body! Make sure your child has some breakfast before leaving for school. Try to get them to eat healthy foods; some examples are unsweetened cereals, toast, low fat milk, and bananas and other fruits. Chips and cookies may be a treat, but are not good breakfast foods. They will leave your child hungry before the school day has even started.
   

5. 5.Talk to your child about bullies: Every child gets teased in school sometimes. But no child should be made fun of regularly, and no child should be hit by another. If your son or daughter complains that he or she is being badly treated by another child or group of kids, talk to the teacher. Talk to the principal. And let your child know that it is not his or her fault.
   

6. 6.Encourage your kids to wash their hands: Good hand washing will help your kids stay healthy in school -- and help other children, too. Show your kids how to wash their hands with warm water and soap. Tell them to sing a little song to themselves (like "Happy Birthday to You") and wash the whole time. This will help them get rid of as many germs as possible. Remind them to dry their hands well on a towel, not by rubbing them on their shirt or pants.
   

7. 7.It is normal for kids to worry about the new school year: Kids can be excited and nervous about the new school year - at the same time! As September gets closer, children may have more bad dreams, or stomach aches, or cling to their mothers more. Try to get your children to talk about their worries. You can tell them that other kids (and even teachers!) worry too, and that talking can be very helpful.