Preparing Your Family for a Healthy School Year

As summer ends, the excitement for back-to-school season begins! To help prepare families for a healthy back-to-school season, here are some essential tips to kick off the school year in a healthy way from the Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care team!  

Emphasize the Importance of Proper Hand-Washing 

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent illness is proper hand-washing. Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the restroom. 

 Promote Balanced Nutrition 

Consider preparing healthy snacks for school ahead of time, so when the morning rush of getting ready and getting out the door hits, you and your child are prepared for the day! Try to aim for snacks that are both delicious and nourishing, like apple slices with nut butter or yogurt with fresh berries or granola. Encourage a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins; to find a recommendation from the CDC on what foods a child should be eating to ensure proper growth and development, click here.

Prepare for Physical Activity and Sports 

Encourage your children to participate in sports, join school clubs, or simply play outside. If they plan to play sports, ensure they have the proper gear to keep them safe. Did you know that sports-related concussions account for many head injuries in children? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 58% of all concussions for children ages 8-13 result from playing sports. Proper helmets, mouthguards, shin-guards, and other protective equipment can protect children and help reduce the risk of injury. If a concussion or sports injury does occur, we are here to help! We offer a variety of services to help with pediatric injuries including the EyeBOX concussion assessment.

As you prepare for back-to-school season, these tips can help your family stay healthy for the year ahead. By establishing good habits now, you can set your children up for success both in and out of the classroom. Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care clinics are here to ensure your child’s well-being year-round. Open seven days a week with extended hours in the evenings and weekends. To find a location near you, click here.