The 2021-2022 school year is just around the corner and the back-to-school feeling is nice to have back. As kids everywhere get ready for in-person learning this year, here are ways to make sure the start of the school year is a healthy and safe one.

1. Get Well-Child appointments. During the pandemic, many people got behind (or forgot about) medical appointments like well-child and other annual preventative check-ups. Make sure your child has their well-child appointment before school starts!
2. Schedule a sports physical. If your child is playing any sport this fall or spring, it’s a good time to get them a physical before the season gets into full swing.
3. Make sure immunizations are up to date. Schools require immunizations and they keep your child and their classmates protected from unnecessary, dangerous, and sometimes fatal diseases. If students are 12 or older, they should also get the COVID-19 vaccine. Here is the CDC list of childhood vaccines.
4. Start a good sleep routine. Kids need enough sleep to develop and do well in school and everything else. Most children need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night, so start a routine now and keep it up!
5. Be physically fit. Kids need at least one hour of exercise every day. Make sure they get enough activity whether it is walking, swimming, playing soccer or basketball, dancing, or something else.
6. Get school supplies ready. Start the school year with a sturdy backpack. Make sure your student has whatever supplies, like notebooks, folders, pens, and pencils, etc. to start the year successfully.
7. Talk about bullying. Make sure your child knows about the seriousness of bullying. It can hurt people emotionally and mentally and can harm their learning. If your child is being bullied or sees another student bullied, make sure they know to tell a bully to “Stop!” and to talk to a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, nurse) at school.

Ready to start this school year and get your student in for their back-to-school medical appointments? NOAH pediatricians, counselors, nutritionists, and community resource specialists can help your student and family head into the year with everything you need for success. Make an appointment today!