As you prepare for the new school year, give your child a positive start by completing your own homework assignment — checking in on their health.
Before heading back to school, prioritize your child’s physical and emotional well-being with a visit to your family’s Wellstar pediatrician. Our compassionate pediatricians share your goal of keeping children healthy as they grow.
“In pediatrics, it’s always a relationship with the entire family, and it’s working in partnership with the parents,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “We’re here to help them take care of their children.”
Preventative check-ups and screenings help children stay ahead of health issues, and our pediatricians will ensure your child is up-to-date on their vaccines and discuss which immunizations are needed to prevent disease.
“Our job is to make sure our children are growing up healthy and poised to be successful in life, and the best way to do that is to set them up well from the beginning,” Dr. Doyle said.
Your family’s pediatrician also can help you navigate health requirements at your child’s school.
“Parents need to complete a lot of forms for their child to attend school, and they don't know how to navigate the process. That's when you reach out to your pediatrician,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Hebah Pranckun. “We are knowledgeable about what forms schools require, and we make sure the kids are up-to-date on their vaccines so they're protected against all the illnesses they can be.”
Heading back to school healthy
Teach your child healthy habits so they can feel their best throughout the school year.
- Practice good hygiene. Show children how to wash their hands properly and remind them to do it frequently. Don’t send your children to school if they’re sick. If they’re exposed to or test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread.
- Get moving. Children should have about 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity every day. “Sometimes that's as simple as going outside to play or going for a walk and, especially for older kids, staying off screens and getting up to move,” Dr. Doyle said.
- Eat healthy. Teach children about good nutrition by encouraging them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limiting sugary drinks.
- Get plenty of sleep. Children aged 3 to 5 should get about 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day. Children 6 to 12 years old should get nine to 12 hours, and teenagers need about eight to 10 hours. “Children need more sleep than adults do, and unfortunately, just like adults, children are chronically sleep deprived,” Dr. Doyle said.
While the end of summer is often a busy time, planning ahead now will help ensure the whole family has a healthy, successful year.
Find a Wellstar pediatrician near you and book your child’s wellness exam today.