As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, many families are focused on shopping for school supplies, organizing schedules, and preparing for busy days ahead. While backpacks and notebooks are important, your child’s health should be on the checklist too!
A little preparation before school starts can help children stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn throughout the year.
Schedule Annual Checkups
Before heading back to the classroom, make sure your child is up to date on their annual wellness exam. These visits give your healthcare provider an opportunity to monitor growth and development, discuss any concerns, and ensure your child is healthy and ready for the school year.
Sports physicals may also be required for students participating in athletics or other extracurricular activities.
Review Vaccinations
Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect children from preventable illnesses. Back-to-school season is a great time to review your child’s immunization record and make sure they are current on recommended vaccines.
Older children and teens may need additional vaccines as they enter middle school or high school. If you’re unsure what’s needed, your healthcare provider can help.
Prioritize Sleep
Summer schedules often mean later bedtimes, but school mornings come early. Start adjusting sleep schedules a week or two before school begins.
Most school-age children need:
- 9–12 hours of sleep per night
- Teenagers need 8–10 hours per night
Good sleep helps improve concentration, mood, learning, and overall health.
Fuel Up with Healthy Foods
Busy mornings can make breakfast easy to skip, but starting the day with a nutritious meal helps children stay energized and focused.
Some simple breakfast ideas include:
- Whole grain toast with peanut butter
- Yogurt and fruit
- Oatmeal with berries
- Eggs and whole grain toast
Packing healthy snacks and lunches can also help children maintain energy throughout the school day.
Practice Good Hygiene
Classrooms are great places for learning—and unfortunately, for sharing germs.
Remind children to:
- Wash their hands frequently
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid touching their face
- Stay home when they are sick
These simple habits can help reduce the spread of illness.
Check Vision and Hearing
Vision and hearing play a major role in academic success. If your child has been squinting, complaining of headaches, struggling in school, or asking people to repeat themselves, it may be time for an evaluation.
Early identification of problems can make a significant difference in learning and development.
Make Mental Health a Priority
The start of a new school year can bring excitement, but it can also create stress and anxiety for some children. Keep communication open and encourage your child to talk about their feelings.
Watch for signs such as:
- Changes in mood
- Difficulty sleeping
- Withdrawal from activities
- Increased worry or irritability
Seeking support early can help children navigate challenges more successfully.
A Healthy Start to a Successful School Year
Preparing for school isn’t just about supplies and schedules. Taking a few steps to support your child’s physical and emotional health can help set them up for success in the classroom and beyond.
If your child is due for a wellness visit, sports physical, or vaccinations, our team at Complete Care of Iowa is here to help. We wish all students, parents, and teachers a happy, healthy, and successful school year!
Complete Care of Iowa is on the square at 113 E. Marion St. in Sigourney. Call 641-541-4040 or book an appointment online — same-day appointments are available for urgent, everyday concerns.