Community Health & Wellness
Wellness Wednesday | Back to basics for a healthy back-to-school season
New backpack. Check.
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School supplies. Check.
New clothes. Check.
First sick day. Oh no!
Back-to-school time often means an influx of sickness and sharing germs for our kids. To help parents and caregivers, we’re sharing some practical ways to prep your family for a healthy return to the classroom before the school year starts again.
Four tips for a healthy back-to-school season
Healthy hand hygiene: Summer is a time to relax, but it shouldn’t mean relaxing your healthy hand hygiene habits. Encourage your kids to wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water (Sing the ABC song twice) each time they use the restroom, come in from playing outside, before they help in the kitchen, and after playing with toys and crafts. Try a reward chart for younger kids to get this healthy habit to stick!
Healthy routines for sleep, movement and diet: Flexibility and a break from routine are some of the perks of summer break. However, it can also mean that your kids aren’t making the most of healthy sleep, movement and eating habits. With some effort and preparation, you can reintroduce positive habits with healthy food choices, adequate hydration, exercise, and a regular bedtime. Your kids need 8-10 hours of solid sleep a night since that is when they grow most. The best defense against germs is to keep your immune system as healthy as possible; these basics are necessary.
Update immunizations: With cold and flu season around the corner, this is an optimal time to review your child’s vaccine records and whether they need to be updated. Don’t forget about annual flu shots, not only for the kids, but also for the whole family. Remember, it takes a village to keep our kids happy, healthy, and safe.
Book a wellness check-up: Back-to-school is the ideal time for an annual wellness check-up with your family’s primary care provider (like us!). They can track your child’s physical development, review any medication needs, perform a sports physical, and assist with updating school health forms. Your primary care provider is a vital support in keeping your entire family healthy.
Children and sickness: When to stay home
Even with the most diligent efforts to keep your kids healthy and safe this school year, there will be times those germs find their way home with your kids. Then, it’s important to understand when they need a sick day (or a few) to recuperate and when it’s time to head back to the classroom.
Fever: If your child has had a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit within the past 24 hours, they should stay home to rest until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Vomiting or diarrhea: If your child has had any episodes of vomiting or diarrhea please keep them home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
Runny nose: If your child has a clear runny nose and no other accompanying symptoms, they may not have to stay home. However, if the discharge is yellow or green (and they don’t suffer from seasonal allergies) and are showing additional signs of sickness, let them rest at home until they are recovered.
Major pain: Minor aches and pains can be a sign of growing or a simple tension headache. However, if the pain persists and is severe, don’t send your child to school. If you are concerned about the type and severity of the pain, please contact your primary care provider for assistance.
Remember, you know your child best. Trust your instincts when it comes to keeping them healthy at school and knowing how to care for them when they need some extra love and rest with a sick day at home.
The Wellness Wednesday column is written by Scot Fleshman, an advanced registered nurse practitioner and board-certified family nurse practitioner. Fleshman and his wife, Jessica Hopkins, own Gig Harbor Primary Care.