Staying Healthy During Back-to-School Season

Back-to-school season is one of the most exciting times of the year for parents, children, and teachers alike. From learning fractions to grasping the fact that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, there are so many things for your little one to grasp this school year.

Now, whether they are learning remotely from your dining room table or joining their friends in the classroom, it's essential that your child, along with your help, take several precautions to stay healthy during this next school year.

From learning how to properly handle their masks to eating the right foods, here's how to help your little one maintain good health this back-to-school season.

Maintaining Good Health During Back-to-School Season

Wash Hands Properly

While some children, as well as adults, tend to rush through washing their hands. However, to effectively rid your hands of germs, you need to wash your hands properly. Using hot water and soap, scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, getting the backs of your hands, in between your fingers and thumbs, under your nails.

If you think your younger child might have a bit of difficulty making the full 20 seconds, teach them to sing a song while doing so. The chorus of Baby Shark and the ABCs typically take 20 seconds to sing and will keep them entertained!

Don’t Mishandle Face Masks

Too many people, adults and children alike, are guilty of mishandling their face masks. While the intention behind cotton and surgical masks is to limit the spread of droplets from person to person, if you or your child are not handling them properly, you could be spreading germs anyway.

Only handle the mask by the ear loops and avoid touching the face-covering portion, so you don’t transfer germs from your hands. You should also be sure your mask covers your mouth and nose. If you’re using a reusable cotton mask, be sure to wash regularly to ensure germs are not lingering on it.

Maintain an Immune-Friendly Diet

While you should always try to feed your family foods that are good for their health, try placing a bit of emphasis on foods that help boost your immune system. Certain foods contain vitamins and antioxidants that can give your immune system a boost in fighting off infections, so plan weekly menus that include ingredients.

For instance, include eggs and berries in breakfast, some nuts and citrus snacks in their lunches, and serve salmon and leafy greens for dinner.

Improve Hygiene Habits

There are many small habits that contribute to ensuring you and your child stay healthy. For starters, oral hygiene is linked to your overall health, so it’s essential to brush and floss twice a day to maintain a healthy smile.

You should also teach your child a few habits to prevent the spread of germs, such as sneezing or coughing into their elbow (rather than their hand) and to avoid putting their hands near their faces and mouths. Additionally, teach your child to feel comfortable telling you or a teacher that they aren’t feeling well — the sooner an adult is aware of an illness, the sooner it can be addressed.

Keep an Eye Out for Stress

With everything going on in the world, you and your child may already be experiencing a certain amount of stress. When you add in new precautions that must be taken in the wake of COVID-19, stress and anxiety levels may rise even higher.

Keep an eye on your child’s behavior as the school year progresses. If you’re noticing that they seem more anxious, restless, or their sleeping patterns have changed, talk to them about their mental health and take steps toward reducing stressors where possible.

Choose the Right School Supplies

For some, back-to-school shopping is very fun, but while you’re picking out the perfect pack of pencils and the best notebooks, make sure you’re also choosing supplies that won’t harm your little one.

Believe it or not, the type of backpack your child wears can take a toll on their back. Since kids today carry so much at a single time, aim to get them a backpack that has multiple compartments for better weight distribution and compression straps for less shoulder pressure.

Emergency Care in Dallas

When a medical emergency strikes, you need a close-to-home location that can provide the experienced and diligent care you need. Advance ER is a 24-hour emergency center serving the Dallas area.

While we have many of the same services and standards as a hospital emergency room, our center features various benefits that set us apart from the standard urgent care center.