August 27, 2024, Press Release from Mercy Health: LIMA, OHIO (August 27, 2024) – As a new school year begins and students prepare to hit the books, their parents are bracing for the inevitable wave of back-to-school germs. Classrooms and extracurricular activities can be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, making it crucial for parents to take proactive steps to fight illnesses.
“Keeping children healthy during the school year starts with proactive measures at home,” said Dr. Julie Webster with Mercy Health—St. Rita’s Family Medicine.
Here are some essential tips Dr. Webster has for parents hoping to prevent back-to-school sickness:
Ensure Vaccinations Are Up to Date
Check with your child’s doctor to see if they need any vaccines or boosters. Generally, children entering kindergarten and 6th grade must present a vaccination record. In Ohio, students entering 7th and 12th grades must have the meningococcal vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends all children aged six months and older receive a flu shot.
Teach Good Hygiene Practices
Good hygiene is vital for staying healthy. It’s important to teach children the importance of proper handwashing techniques using soap and water. It’s also good to show them how to cover coughs and sneezes with their elbows instead of their hands to avoid spreading germs. Also, while sharing with friends may sound like fun, things like drinks, earbuds, and brushes are better off not being passed around. Otherwise, you may end up sharing more than was intended.
Establish a Regular Sleep Routine
“Ensuring adequate rest contributes to fortifying the immune system, thereby enhancing children’s ability to combat typical school-related illnesses," stressed Webster.
While it can be challenging to transition from a summer to a school sleep schedule, there are some ways to ease into it. Before the start of school, experts recommend adjusting bedtimes and wake times daily by 15 minutes. Eliminating caffeine six hours before bedtime, beginning the bedtime routine one hour before bed, and turning off electronics can also help make falling asleep a little easier.
Promote Healthy Eating and Hydration
It’s important to ensure children get all the nutrients they need. Start by ensuring they eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients. Staying hydrated also helps flush germs out of their systems more effectively. Regular physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and strengthening the immune system, too.
"Implementing these straightforward guidelines enables parents to diminish the chances of their children experiencing illnesses throughout the school year," says Dr. Webster. Proactive health strategies play a big role in healthy return to the school environment."
If you need to set up a back-to-school checkup with a provider, visit mercy.com and use our Find a Physician tool to locate a caregiver near you.
