A healthy checklist as students return to school

Every year, I make it a point to pen a column about healthy routines as children get ready to return to school. The pandemic has created more steps to take to ensure that youngsters are safe and protected when they enter school buildings. Here’s my suggested healthy checklist:

1. Get those immunizations. Thanks to steady medical advances, diseases like polio that were once deadly are basically non-existent because of vaccines. Most districts require standard immunizations for your child to attend school. Reach out to your child’s school district, find out the requirements, and make the necessary arrangements to get immunizations taken care of.
2. Get vaccinated. Since last school year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has approved the administration of COVID-19 vaccines to all school-aged children. If you are still hesitant about your child getting vaccinated, have a conversation with your physician to learn more about the protection the vaccine provides, particularly in more heavily populated areas like school. If your child is eligible for a booster shot, then go ahead and get that as well.
3. Get your physical. Athletics and other school activities will require that your child have a physical. There may be a delayed schedule to get this service done, so go ahead and reach out to your care provider or health center to get your child’s physical scheduled before school starts. Side note, Community HealthNet Health Centers offers physicals. Call 219-880-1190 to reserve a spot.
4. Stock up on masks, hand sanitizers and COVID tests. COVID-19 is still here. Be sure to have an ample supply of masks for your child to keep in his/her book bag. Remind your children to wear their masks over their noses, wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer regularly.
5. Be mindful of general wellness. Have a talk with your children about their general health both mental and physical. Encourage healthy eating, exercise, rest and mental breaks from technology. All of these routines can help positively impact your child’s experience in school.

The school bells will be ringing before you know it, so let’s get moving! Your child’s health matters!

Follow Dr. Janet Seabrook on Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In for more information about health and wellness. Be sure to visit www.drjanetseabrook.com and sign up to receive regular updates and health information.