Get a Healthy Back-to-School Start

With school right around the corner, parents have purchased plenty of school supplies for their children. Putting health on the school list is another necessity for preparing for school. Listed below are ways that your children can return to school healthy.

Preventing diseases with vaccinations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that vaccinations have helped prevent countless infections and diseases. Vaccinations reduce the risk of infection by developing a defense against a specific condition before a person is exposed to the disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many routine health care visits have been interrupted, which caused a significant decline in childhood vaccinations.

According to the CDC, newborns to 6 months require vaccinations to prevent Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rubella, Hib, Measles, Pertussis, Pneumococcal Disease, Rotavirus, Mumps, Chickenpox, and Diphtheria. Children 6 months and older should take the influenza vaccination. Children ages 7-18 need booster shots since vaccinations wear off over time. Everyone 12 years of age and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

Pack healthy snacks and lunches

The American Cancer Society recommends following healthy eating patterns at any age. Eating different kinds of foods can give the body various nutrients required to function during the day. Listed below are some recommended healthy eating options.

• Eat many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 
• Drink water, 100% fruit juice, or plain low-fat or skim milk.
• Whole wheat and multi-grain breads are healthier than the refined grains found in white bread, cereals, and pasta.
• Choose foods that contain protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. 
• Children need some fat in their diet, but fried foods have high amounts, which raise cholesterol. Grilled chicken or baked chips are examples of food with less fat.

Get enough sleep

Sleep plays a vital role in mental and physical health. The National Sleep Foundation states that most teens function best with 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Those who get enough sleep have been shown to do better in school, have a lower body mass index (BMI), and suffer less from depression.  Be sure to contact our Investigative Clinical Research studies center in Annapolis, Maryland, online at icrmd.com or call us at 410-224-4887.