Back-to-school tips to keep your child healthy

As the summer holidays come to an end, it's time to gear up for the new school year. Along with new textbooks and uniforms, ensuring your child's health is important too.

With increased exposure to germs in the classroom, it's necessary to implement strategies to boost their immune system and protect them from illness where possible.

Here are seven essential back-to-school health tips to keep your child healthy and thriving throughout the academic year:

1. Good hygiene habits

• Handwashing: Teach your child to wash their hands thoroughly - front, back and between fingers - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.
• Hand sanitiser: When soap and water aren't available, encourage your child to use hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Respiratory etiquette: Teach your child to cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow or ideally a tissue. Dispose of used tissues properly and wash their hands afterwards.

2. Head lice prevention

• Avoid sharing: Advise your child not to share combs, brushes, or hair accessories with others.
• Regular checks: Inspect your child's hair regularly for signs of head lice, such as tiny white eggs (nits) or live lice. If you notice any, treat them with a medicated lotion and a fine-toothed comb – tackling the lice as soon as possible will make it easier to remove them from the scalp and help prevent infestation on others.

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3. Stay active

• Continue physical activities: Encourage your child to maintain their physical activity levels from the summer. Regular exercise helps boost their immune system, improve mood, maintain better focus in lessons and enhance overall health.
• Find fun ways to stay active: Explore activities they enjoy, such as swimming, dancing, family bike rides or playing sports.

4. Choose the right backpack

• Comfort is key: Opt for a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
• Pack light: Ensure the backpack is not too heavy, ideally weighing no more than 10-20% of your child's body weight.
• Proper fit: Adjust the backpack so that the bottom sits at your child's waist.

5. Eat healthy

• Fuel your child's body: Studies show that a nutritious breakfast provides children with the energy needed for a productive day.
• Pack healthy lunches: Fill your child's lunchbox with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
• Stay hydrated: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive caffeine.

6. Get enough sleep

• Establish a sleep routine: Create a consistent bedtime routine to help your child wind down and prepare for sleep.
• Limit screen time: Turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime to avoid disrupting sleep patterns.
• Create a calm environment: Ensure your child's bedroom is quiet, dark, and comfortable.

7. Manage allergies

• Identify triggers: If your child has allergies, work with your paediatrician to identify potential triggers, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
• Take preventative measures: Avoid allergens when possible and discuss management strategies with your child's doctor and teacher.
• Treat the symptoms: Fatigue, headache, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itchiness can get in the way of attention and concentration at school, and even cause missed days. These can be managed with targeted treatments; syrups for infants and young children, and antihistamines for children over 6 years old.

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Quick tips on how to minimise illness transmission during visits to other households:

• Limit visits if sick: If your child or someone in your family is feeling unwell, it's best to postpone visits to friends and family to avoid spreading germs.
• Wash hands frequently: Remind your child to wash their hands before and after visiting others, especially if they've been coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces.
• Practice good hygiene: Encourage your child to avoid touching their face and to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay updated on vaccinations: Ensure your child is up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations to protect them from preventable illnesses.

By following these tips, you can help your child stay healthy and happy throughout the school year. Remember, a strong immune system and healthy habits are essential to support academic success and overall well-being.

Sources: www.lincoln.edu.ar