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Healthy start to a new school year by Dr. Jeremy Jordan

Writer: goldenstateservicesj
goldenstateservicesj
Aug 7, 2022
3 min read

Even though you can still fry an egg on the sidewalk thanks to the Alabama heat, summer vacation is coming to an end and school is starting back soon. Kids are really starting to the feel the heat (pun intended) as they rush to finish their required summer readings and workbooks.

While summer work helps kids keep up with their academics, we must also be sure that their physical and mental health are well prepared for the journey of a new school year. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, researcher, and educator, I have seen the toll that poor physical and mental health can take on children and how easily our kids’ health can slip.

Jeremy Jordan, PhD, CRNP, CPNP-AC, CCRN, CNE is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track.

Whether it is a frantic call to caregivers due to an asthma attack and a forgotten inhaler or a trip to the emergency room for heat exhaustion from dehydration during PE, the change in routine from home all summer to school creates opportunity for trouble. But we can mitigate these risks by taking proactive measures to keep kids healthy and safe as they transition back to school.  

As we begin to prepare for the start of the school year, it is important to remember that healthy kids are better learners. And we can help kids stay healthy by incorporating some health essentials in our back-to-school to-do lists.

  • Wash your hands: It seems like using hand sanitizer has become an unconscious habit, but when kids go back to school their routines are disrupted, and the habit may get broken. Back to school is a perfect time to remind kids to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. Be sure to include a travel size hand sanitizer in your child’s backpack for easy access.

  • Get vaccinated: Another important way to keep the germs at bay is to get vaccinated. Contact your health care provider to ensure vaccinations are up to date.

  • Get plenty of exercise: Schools have some options for exercise but getting enough can be a challenge when we see a reduction of PE time and an increase in homework. Arranging play dates, spending time outside, or going for a family walk can be great ways to get in extra exercise.

  • Play safely, stay cool and hydrated:While exercising and playing outside, make sure kids have a place in the shade or inside to cool down and rehydrate. When offering sports beverages, be sure to mix in some water. A bottle of ½ water and ½ sports drink is a great way to get both water and electrolytes.

  • Eat healthy meals: Along with staying hydrated, healthy snacks and lunches are also important. A packed lunch can help caregivers ensure that kids eat a well-rounded meal at school.

  • Have a plan for emergencies: Emergencies can happen at any time so make sure kids are aware of the family plan. Be sure to set up a password in case you need to send someone else to pick up your kids from school. While a neighbor is easily recognizable, kids should know not to get in a car without first getting the password. The school should have all emergency contact information on file but including that information in backpacks can assist school staff, first responders, and law enforcement in emergency situations.

  • Take time to connect at home: Be sure to spend quality time to connect with your children. After school starts back, you will have less face-to-face time with your children. Family dinners, game nights and after-dinner walks are a great way to reconnect.

The start of the school year is a time of transition but with some preparation, you can make sure your children are happy and healthy throughout the school year. For more resources on back-to-school health, visit the resources below.

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