From catching early morning buses to managing homework assignments, back-to-school season can be hectic. But in the midst of all this activity, it’s critical for parents to keep their children’s health a priority. Specifically, the school environment can be full of germs that may increase your child’s risk of getting sick. Fortunately, if you want to minimize your trips to the pediatrician, you can follow these simple tips to keep your little one healthy both at home and in school.

5 Ways to Keep Kids Healthy After Going Back-to-School 

1. Get Up-to-Date on Vaccinations

Immunizations are specialized formulas introduced to the body that can make it easier to fight off serious health threats—including measles, the flu, and chickenpox. While many essential vaccinations are given to children earlier in life, many shots are still required when they are in school, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’re unsure of what shots your child is due for, talk to a pediatrician.

2. Practice Good Hygiene

To prevent germs from following your child home from school, remind them to wash their hands with soap and water frequently throughout the day. Hand sanitizer products may also be helpful for when kids don’t have access to a bathroom.

3. Establish a Healthy Sleep Schedule

Getting enough sleep every night not only helps kids’ grow and develop properly but also helps restore their bodies to face another day in good health. For this reason, you should make sure your child is going to bed early enough so that they get enough rest before they have to wake up for the next school day.

4. Pack Nutritious Lunches

Consuming a balanced diet full of essential nutrients and vitamins is critical to immune health, especially among growing kids. To make sure your child is eating healthy pack nutritious lunches every day that contain fruit, veggies, whole grains, and protein. If your child eats cafeteria lunches, encourage them to make healthy choices when they select meals.

5. Don’t Skip Pediatrician Visits

Every year, your child should visit the pediatrician for a complete physical to detect and catch potential health problems early on. Also, don’t wait to schedule pediatrician visits if your kid develops an illness. In many cases, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent symptoms from progressing, allowing your little one to get back to school sooner.

Whether your child needs preventive care or has troublesome symptoms, Pediatrics, P.C. is equipped to help your little one stay healthy. This team of trusted pediatricians can address a wide range of health concerns, provide physicals, administer vaccinations, and help manage children’s medication. Focused on patient comfort, these doctors also make it a priority to deliver care in a friendly and gentle way that is stress-free for both kids and their parents. To learn more about the services they offer in Lincoln, NC, visit this pediatric clinic online. For appointments, call (402) 489-0800.