The school year is nearly upon us! Now that your children are entering back into the school world, it’s a perfect time to get them checked-up. At Honor Community Health, we offer both School-Based Health Centers for this who attend Pontiac and Waterford schools, as well as extensive pediatric care at any of our 11 health centers in Oakland County. There are common health issues that all children face to start year. Here are some ways to prepare your child for the upcoming school year.
- Schedule a well child visit. A full screening for your child is a great way to start off the school year. It’s a great opportunity to assess the general well-being of your child, as well as ensure all vaccinations are up to date. You can also get such information such as: healthy sleep habits, safety tips, childhood diseases, and what to expect as your child matures and grows.
- Make sure immunizations are up to date. According to the CDC, every state requires certain vaccinations at different grade levels for children attending public and often private school. Some schools won’t allow students to attend without verification of these immunizations. Flu vaccines are also recommended for all school-age children, unless the child has an allergy to the vaccine or a health problem that will cause complications from the vaccine.
- Make sure your children eat healthy. Childhood obesity continues to rise and with it, a greater health risk to those affected. By providing healthy meal options for your kids (including breakfast), you can reduce the worst health effects and start their days off on a positive note.
- Get your child on a regular sleep schedule. Studies have shown a correlation between hours of sleep and students’ ability to focus in school. Children 7 to 12 years old need 10 to 11 hours of sleep, while Preteens and teens need 8 to 9 hours. Setting a regular sleep schedule will help your child feel refreshed and ready to take on the day.
- Keep an eye on your child’s mental health. Children and teens face a lot of pressures in school, which can have adverse effects on mental health. Pressure to succeed, the influence social media, bullying, and other factors are very present in their everyday lives. As a parent, some factors to keep an eye include mood changes, intense feelings, behavior changes, substance abuse, physical harm, difficulty to concentrate, and others are signs that your child’s mental health may be suffering. Honor’s centers offer counseling and support that can help your child deal with the most difficult times.