Back to School

Monument Health

Back to School

Five Healthy Back to School Tips

1. Get a sports physical

Any student who plays a school sport needs a sports physical, which is more focused than an annual wellness checkup. Monument Health Family Medicine and Urgent Care clinics perform free youth sports physicals.

2. Update required immunizations

Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date. Flu vaccines are also recommended for all school-age children. Monument Health Family Medicine and Urgent Care clinics offer vaccinations and flu shots.

3. Make sure backpacks fit well

As school kids get older, they tend to carry heavier books. That can spell shoulder, neck, and back strain and affect their posture. Download Backpack Safety Tips from the American Physical Therapy Association. Consult a physical therapist if your child complains about pain that you think might be related to an ill-fitting backpack.

4. Get bedtime on track

Family Medicine Physicians and Pediatricians recommend that children age 6 to 12 get 9 to 12 hours of sleep a night, and that teens get 8 to 10 hours a night.

5. Be mentally prepared

Stress can lead to a variety of health issues, like insomnia and sluggish immune systems. Talk to your children about anxiety and fears, and take care not to overload anyone’s schedule, including your own.

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