Immunizations, Checkups, and Healthy Routines
With summer back in full swing, families are shifting gears from pool days and vacations to backpacks and lesson plans. One of the best ways to set your child up for a successful school year is by prioritizing their health. From staying up to date on immunizations to scheduling wellness checkups and creating healthy daily routines, back-to-school season is the perfect time to reset and refocus on your child’s overall well-being.
Stay on Track with Immunizations
Immunizations are more than just a school requirement; they’re an important way to keep kids healthy and prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. As classrooms and playgrounds bring children together, germs spread easily. Making sure your child’s vaccines are up to date helps protect them, their classmates, and your community.
At your child’s back-to-school checkup, your provider can review the recommended vaccination schedule for their age, which may include boosters for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), meningitis, or HPV, depending on grade level. Flu shots and COVID-19 boosters may also be recommended before the season begins. Staying current helps ensure your child is ready for a safe and healthy school year.
Schedule Annual Wellness Checkups
A back-to-school physical is more than a formality; it’s an opportunity to check in on your child’s growth and development. During a checkup, providers assess vision, hearing, growth patterns, and overall health. For children involved in sports, a physical can also help identify potential concerns that may affect performance or safety.
These visits are also a chance to talk through any issues your child may be experiencing, such as sleep problems, nutrition concerns, or emotional stress. By catching small issues early, you can help prevent bigger challenges later in the year.
Establish Healthy Routines Early
Summer schedules often mean late nights, irregular meals, and extra screen time. Transitioning back to school can feel tough without a reset. Start adjusting routines a week or two before school begins to make mornings less hectic. A few key habits to focus on:
- Sleep: Kids need consistent, age-appropriate sleep to focus and learn. Begin moving bedtime earlier gradually so mornings feel smoother.
- Nutrition: A balanced breakfast and healthy lunches fuel learning and concentration. Planning ahead can make mornings easier.
- Physical activity: Encourage daily movement, whether through sports, family walks, or simply playing outside.
- Screen time: Setting clear limits helps kids wind down at night and focus during the school day.
Supporting Mental Health, Too
Back-to-school season can bring excitement but also stress or anxiety. Checking in with your child about how they’re feeling is just as important as preparing their backpack or lunchbox. Encourage open conversations, validate their feelings, and remind them it’s normal to feel nervous about new teachers, friends, or routines.
A Healthy Start for a Successful Year
The back-to-school season is more than just new pencils and fresh notebooks, it’s about making sure kids are physically and emotionally prepared for the year ahead. By keeping immunizations up to date, scheduling wellness visits, and establishing healthy routines, you’re helping your child step into the classroom with confidence, energy, and resilience.
It is always important to have confidence in a medical team who supports you. If you are working toward better health, our team at Healthstar Physicians Premier Medical wants to be on your team. Our medical team specializes in obesity medicine, osteopathic medicine, family medicine, and podiatry. We are taking new patients at both our Premier West and Newport Towne Center locations in Newport. And we accept most forms of insurance. To make an appointment at either Newport location, please contact us.
