Your kids are trying to soak up every last bit of summer before the new school year begins. To help make the transition back to class a smooth one, it’s a good idea to visit your health care provider for a checkup and to establish some healthy habits. Below are some ways to start the school year off strong and keep your child healthy all year long. 

4 Ways to Start School Off on a Healthy Foot

1. Schedule an Appointment With Your Health Care Provider

Back-to-school is an ideal time for an appointment with a physician for an annual wellness checkup. You can also set up a sports physical if your child is planning on joining a team. A sports physical is often required for young athletes to ensure they are healthy enough to play. A back-to-school checkup also ensures that your child has all of the immunizations required for school, and helps identify any issues with physical or mental health that need additional attention. 

2. Check Your Child’s Vision

Your health care provider will likely do a basic eye exam during a wellness appointment, and may recommend a follow up with an eye doctor. Because children don't always speak up about their vision, it’s important to have an annual exam to identify any problems. This is especially true if you notice signs of trouble like complaints of headaches, squinting, difficulty concentrating, or sitting too close to the television or computer screen. Even if your child already has glasses or contacts, an exam will ensure no changes to the prescription are necessary. 

3. Establish a Sleep Routine

It’s easy to ignore bedtimes during the summer. The sun goes down later and your child might often sleep in. But kids and adolescents need an average of 8-12 hours of sleep per night to stay healthy. Sleep deprivation is a significant health issue among kids. Before school starts, make a point of getting back into a bedtime routine so the early wake-ups aren’t so jarring when school starts. Shut off any electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime, and encourage your kids to read before going to sleep. If light is an issue, invest in room-darkening curtains or shades to aid sleep. 

4. Learn the Signs of Depression

Kids experience depression, anxiety, and stress related to school, whether it comes from academic challenges or dealing with bullies. Before school starts, talk with your children about these issues and let them know that you are there for them. Be aware of signs of trouble that your child might not mention. This can include behavioral changes, trouble sleeping, appetite loss, self-harm, and other indicators of anxiety and depression. Talk with your health care provider about your concerns, as he or she can provide constructive solutions. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your child’s teachers to learn more about what is happening and solve problems before they escalate. 

Covenant Hospital Levelland is dedicated to keeping your whole family healthy. Since 1971, this Hockley County, TX health care provider has delivered top quality healthcare using state-of-the-art equipment to treat their patients. To learn more about their services or find a provider, visit them online. Call (806) 894-4963 for more information about scheduling an appointment.