Keep kids healthy this school year

by Dr. Sarah Smith and Dr. Kelsey Izzo, pediatricians at Oak Orchard Health in Brockport

Now that kids are back in the classroom, we want to help you make sure they get as much out of their school days as possible. That means staying healthy, getting plenty of rest, and practicing all-around good habits. Here are some tips to help your family thrive this school year.

Avoid sickness – and prevent spread.
Start by getting your kids this year’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccinations can help protect your kids from getting these viruses (and minimize symptoms if they do). Good hand hygiene goes a long way, too. Be sure kids wash their hands with soap and warm water and use hand sanitizer throughout the day.
If your kids get sick with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea they must stay home until symptoms have resolved. They can return when symptom free including fever-free without medicine for 24 hours.

Fuel their day.
A good day at school starts with good nutrition. Make sure your kids eat breakfast, whether at home or through a school meal program. Remember, a nutritious breakfast should include some form of protein or fruit. Protein at breakfast could come from eggs, and if you’re short on time, prepare them ahead as grab-and-go egg bites baked in muffin tins (here’s a great recipe: loveandlemons.com/egg-bites-recipe). Other protein sources include Greek yogurt, peanut butter, cheese, and nuts, which you can sprinkle over cereal.
If your school permits it, send your kids to school with a snack, too, so they have something to munch on during the day if they feel hungry. Granola bars, cheese sticks, and prepackaged small bags of nuts are good options.

Teach good backpack habits.
Kids can develop sore muscles and injuries from improperly packed or oversized gear. Make sure the backpack is the appropriate size for your child, and work with them on how to pack it so that the items inside are distributed evenly. Make sure they wear the backpack using both shoulder straps to avoid putting a strain on one side of their body. Make sure the straps are adjusted so that the bottom of the backpack sits just above the student’s waist. We recommend that parents routinely remind their kids to remove unnecessary items from their backpack to reduce excess weight.

Make sure they get their rest.
Getting back into a good sleep routine after summer break is vital. Create a good bedtime routine that eases them to sleep, such as a bath or reading books together. Consistency is essential – make sure that routine happens every night, even on weekends. Be sure your kids shut off all their screens and devices at least an hour before bed to help them wind down.

Watch for signs of anxiety.
The school year can be a source of great anxiety for kids. If you are struggling to get a child ready for school, it may be anxiety. Tummy aches – especially on a Sunday night – can be a red flag, too. So can frequent trips to the nurse’s office. Talk with your kids to reassure them. Bring them to school and drop them off for a few days if your schedule allows. And if symptoms of avoidance continue to the point that they are missing school, talk to your pediatrician. At Oak Orchard Health we have an expanded Behavioral Health Program for Children and Adolescents. We have therapists with a specialty in pediatric behavioral health that can collaborate with your pediatrician.

Encourage safe travel.
Do your kids know how to look both ways before crossing the street to get to their bus? Be sure they do. If their bus has seatbelts, remind them to wear them during the ride. If you drive your kids to school, the same rule applies to seatbelt use, of course. If you have a child who requires a car seat or booster seat, make sure they have the proper one for their height. Remember, children should always ride in the back seat until they turn thirteen.

Help your preschoolers adjust, too.
Watching their older siblings leave for school every day can be upsetting for preschool-aged children. Help them manage expectations by talking with them and creating a routine that includes when to expect their big brother or sister to return. There are also children’s books on this subject that can be helpful for preschoolers.

Need support as a parent? We’re here.
Oak Orchard Health (OOH) pediatricians are happy to work with parents on the issues they face with their growing families. To make an appointment, contact your nearest office at 585-637-3905 or find an OOH pediatrician online at https://bit.ly/4eD6yhZ .