Back-to-School Checklist for Keeping Kids Well and Safe!

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Getting your children ready for school includes everything from scheduling wellness exams to talking to them about bus and classroom safety.

Temperatures outside may still be in the 90s, but the season of colds, viruses and flu isn’t far away. Children’s immature immune systems make them vulnerable to illnesses that seem to spread quickly during the first few weeks of school.

Make appointments for annual wellness checks, sports exams, and vaccination updates. Wellness exams may include:

  • Growth and development evaluation (height, weight, body mass index);
  • Blood pressure check;
  • Hearing and vision tests;
  • Immunizations, including HPV vaccines for older children;
  • Preventive care;
  • Review of your child’s medications and family health history;
  • Screening for behavioral or emotional issues;
  • Spine check for possible curvatures.

Your child’s physician can also advise about sleep habits, nutrition, physical fitness, and learning.

During summer vacation, you may have relaxed dietary rules. Now breakfast, lunch and dinner routines are back. You can follow the USDA’s MyPlate nutrition guide, which divides your daily diet into four sections—30 percent grains, 40 percent vegetables, 10 percent fruit, and 20 percent protein. It includes a smaller circle for daily dairy intake.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies indicate that breakfast positively affects children’s learning and behavior. Children who do not eat breakfast are also more likely to be less physically active and have a lower cardio-respiratory fitness level.

A breakfast of whole grains, high fiber, and protein-rich foods rather than sugary cereals and processed foods helps them in the classroom and on the playground.

Give your kids choices by mixing traditional breakfast items—eggs, waffles and pancakes with nut butters, cereal and milk, oatmeal or cheese grits, or fruit smoothie (no added sugar)—with more fun choices. Try a banana dog (peanut butter, bananas, and raisins on whole grain buns), breakfast tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches, or yogurt with dried fruits, nuts, and no-sugar added cereal.

When you’re packing lunch boxes, keep it as varied as your children’s tastes. Here are some options:

  • Turkey and cheese rollups, fresh fruit, and yogurt cup;
  • Hummus and pita bread;
  • Cheese quesadilla;
  • Nut butter (check school restrictions) and banana pinwheels on tortillas;
  • Salads with your child’s favorite veggies or fruits;
  • Baby carrots, broccoli, and celery sticks with ranch dressing;
  • Mini pizza on tortilla or pita bread;
  • Water; no sugary drinks.

Add frozen ice packs to insulated lunch bags to keep perishable items cold and safe.

While you’re getting uniforms, backpacks, and supplies ready for the first day of school, also spend time talking to your children about school bus safety. Here are a few reminders from the National Safety Council:

  • When waiting for the bus, stay away from the street and traffic;
  • Wait until the bus stops completely and the door opens before stepping forward;
  • Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting out of your seat;
  • Use the handrail when getting on and off;
  • Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing in front of the bus;
  • Look in both directions before walking in front of the bus.

For more information contact the Wellness Education Center of Thibodaux Regional, 985.493.4765.

 

Katie Richard, MA, BSN, RN, is education and training coordinator for Thibodaux Regional Medical Center.