From MERCY HEALTH
The start of a new school year offers families a natural opportunity to reset healthy habits. Mercy Health primary care physicians encourage parents to use the transition back to school as a chance to focus on preventive care and routines that support children’s health year-round.
“The habits children develop at home often carry over into the classroom,” said Dr. Kyle Keller, primary care physician at Mercy Health – Fallen Timbers Primary Care. “When they’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying current on preventive care, they’re better prepared for everything the school year brings.”
An annual wellness visit is one of the most important steps families can take before school begins. During the visit, physicians evaluate physical and emotional development, review immunizations, and screen for concerns that could affect a child’s health or academic performance.
Mercy Health physicians also recommend that families:
- Get enough sleep: Children ages 6-12 need 9-12 hours of sleep nightly; teens need 8-10. Adequate rest supports immune response and concentration.
- Eat nutrient-rich foods: Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grans help the body fight infection. Foods high in vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics like yogurt support gut and immune health.
- Stay hydrated: Water keeps the body functioning optimally, especially in late-summer heat.
- Practice good hand hygiene: Reinforce good hygiene habits. Handwashing before meals and after recess remains one of the best ways to prevent illness.
Back-to-school season is also a good time for families to make sure children are up-to-date on recommended vaccinations. Depending on a student’s age, they may be due for routine immunizations, including Tdap, meningococcal, or HPV vaccines. As flu season approaches, parents should also talk with their primary care provider about when their child should receive an annual flu vaccine. Staying current on immunizations helps protect children from serious illness, reduces the spread of preventable diseases in schools, and helps keeps students health and ready to learn.
“We often think about going to the doctor only when someone is sick,” Keller said. “Preventive care is really about keeping children healthy in the first place. Those conversations and checkups can make a meaningful difference throughout the school year.”
Parents should also encourage children to speak up if they don’t feel well once school begins.
“It’s okay to miss a day of school when a child is truly sick,” Keller said. “Recovering at home and avoiding the spread of illness helps everyone have a healthier start to the school year.”
