Every year, both kids and parents have a hard time transitioning between the lazy days of summer and going back to school. One day you’re playing at the beach and the next you’re waking up at 6 a.m. to pack lunches before the kids catch the bus. Thankfully, there is a lot you can do now to make this time of the year a little less hectic.

“The transition back to school can be a lot less stressful if you prepare beforehand and make changes gradually,” says Malek Akhal, MD, a family medicine physician with Adventist Bolingbrook and Adventist Hinsdale Hospitals. As summer comes to an end, there are several back-to-school “to-do” items to help ensure your child has a healthy start to their school year.

Check-ups
Yearly check-ups with your pediatrician are extremely important whether or not your child plays sports. These physical exams help prevent, identify and treat a variety of health conditions. “During a check-up, we go over general health maintenance,” says Dr. Akhal. “We screen for medical conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, vision and hearing.”

Check-ups are also a great time to ask questions. Whether you’re concerned about your child’s development or the amount of stress they are under, now is a good time to bring it up. “Your child’s exam is a comprehensive review of how they are doing physically, emotionally and mentally,” says Dr. Akhal.

Vaccines
Your child’s annual exam is also a good time to schedule vaccines. “Vaccines are the most effective strategy to prevent the spread of infectious diseases,” says Dr. Akhal. “That’s why it is critical to keep your children up-to-date.” Some of the most elective vaccines administered to school-aged children are for influenza (both H1N1 and the seasonal flu), meningococcal meningitis, human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis A. Learn which vaccines your child needs and when by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Start preparing now
Preparing your children now for the transition from summer to fall can make a difference in their health. Dr. Akhal recommends the following:

• Start good nutrition habits: One of the best ways to improve academic performance is though a balanced diet. The easiest way to encourage your child to adopt healthy eating habits is to start at home. Make family meals a priority and pack your child’s lunch whenever possible to make sure they are getting the nutrients they need. Find resources for healthy eating using the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food pyramid.
• Establish a bedtime: Children should be getting at least eight hours of sleep per night. This helps your child learn more easily, strengthen their immune system and reduce behavioral problems. To help your child get their recommended amount, limit TV watching and video games before bed and set a regular bedtime.
• Keep backpack safety in mind: Backpacks that are too heavy can strain your child’s neck and back and even cause growth problems. Prevent problems by making sure your child’s maximum backpack weight is no more than 15 percent of their body weight (that’s nine pounds for a 60 pound child).

Adventist Midwest Health offers a variety of pediatric programs and services to help your children in the fall and all year long. Our team of nurses, board-certified pediatricians and physicians are committed to providing the best care possible to kids of all ages.

For more information or to find a physician, call us at 866-533-7968.