As we roll through August and toward September, it’s time to make an annual back-to-school health checklist so your children start the new semester off on a healthy, strong foot.

Compared to the often lackadaisical, long summer days, getting back into the rhythm of a more structured schedule can be a challenge for children and parents alike.

Luckily, by covering a few basic bases, and setting and holding to new schedules and health practices, most of these issues can be avoided easily enough. Taking the time to ensure your child has everything they need to succeed in school gives them the best opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

If you have specific questions about how best to prepare your child for the upcoming school year, don’t hesitate to contact Community Pharmacy today. Our highly trained team will be happy to share advice and recommendations that are proven to help keep your child healthy.

Back-to-School Health Basics

As you prepare your child to head back into the classroom, it can be helpful to brush up on their medical background records should their school need them. 

This can be a great time to update, view, or request your child’s medical records so you have them on hand as well. In Texas, this can be done by requesting them via your primary physician, sending an email, or mail request.

While fall and winter still might feel far, they will be here before you know it. Review your child’s immunizations, vaccines, and anything else you might need before the busy holiday season arrives.

If you aren’t sure about how best to access or update your child’s medical record, contact us today and we can walk you through the process.

Set Sensible, Healthy Schedules

It’s easy for both parents and children to get swept up in the energy of a new school year, but by setting a schedule that makes sense early, it becomes far easier to maintain both a daily and weekly pattern that feels good and gives great results.

Some classic and critical areas when it comes to personal health include:

• Sleep
  • The American Academy of Sleep recommends anywhere from 8-12 hours per 24 hours
• Nutrition
  • A varied diet balanced between proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy
• Exercise
  • Roughly one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity is recommended

By making sure all three areas receive an appropriate amount of time and nutrition, your child will be well-fueled, rested, and able to keep up with the physical and mental demands of a new school year.

Hygiene and Public Health

Schools aren’t just a place of education but also socialization. On any given day, your child might be coming into contact with bacteria from the school bus, playground, classroom, and other classmates, all of which pose a health risk.

This is all perfectly normal, but taking care to keep your child clean with regular showers, grooming, and maintenance will help ensure their immune system stays healthy and ready to fend off disease should it appear.

Additional supplemental supports such as multivitamins, immune system boosters, and more can also offer a helping hand for your child’s health. Contact us today and we can make recommendations in this area as well.

Feel Good for Fall

Fall is a favorite season for many as temperatures cool, holidays approaching, and the last half of the year begins.

By just taking a few steps to ensure your child has everything they need to stay healthy throughout the school year, you give them an invaluable tool that will serve them well from day one in the classroom and beyond.