Back to School, “Keeping Kids Healthy” 101

Students finally head back to school and an exciting year ahead!  But, after a laxed summer schedule, resuming the structure of classes and school activities aren’t the only challenges kids face.  Crowded classrooms, proximity to many other kids and shared spaces and supplies present health challenges as well.

Other factors can further compromise a child’s health in the school setting, including stress, immunodeficiencies, and improper hygiene habits.  Additionally, in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, many students may have been exposed to flood water contaminants, mold and temporary housing hindering sleep and causing anxiety – taxing their immune system and exacerbating asthma and other respiratory problems.

Parents can improve a child’s chances of staying healthy by:

• Ensuring vaccinations are up to date, flu shot
• Adequately addressing stress
• Enforcing healthy diet and sleep habits
• Providing adequate amounts of immune boosting Vitamin C
• Recognizing early signs of illness
• Educating kids on hygiene “best practices” for the classroom

“What we know in the medical community is that we’re busiest in the fall, winter and early spring – and less so in summer, because kids are not exposed to other kids and communicable diseases to the same extent,” said Dr. Robbyn Traylor, family medicine physician and Medical Director of Next Level Urgent Care, LLC.

“We know that when school starts there will be a spike in common colds, upper respiratory infections, and strep throat – and then the flu in November and December.  At school, kids are next to each other seven to eight hours a day.  It’s easy to pick something up,” said Traylor.

Vaccinations

According to Traylor, vaccinations should top the list for parents hoping to ensure a healthy school year.

“The flu is a monster. Despite some negative discussion regarding vaccinations, we strongly recommended immunization against influenza and ensuring that your child’s vaccines are up to date.  It not only ensures that your child is protected but also others in their class, who may suffer from compromised immune systems as the result of a treatment or other condition.  It’s part of being a good neighbor, or ‘good citizen’ so to speak,” said Traylor.
“There are two types of flu vaccinations; trivalent, which protects against three different types of flu strains, and quadrivalent, which protects against four.  Your physician can recommend the right one for your child.  Just make a plan for the year, and review your child’s shot record with your doctor,” she added.

Stress

In an increasingly aggressive academic environment, preparing for a new school year and action-packed schedule can prompt real stress in children. Expectations are high and down time is limited. And this school year comes in the wake of a devastating storm that displaced many and altered standard school processes – further contributing to an already stressful time for many. Stress can weaken an individual’s immune response predisposing them to illness.

Consistently providing sufficient breaks in your child’s schedule and unstructured activity time/down time can provide important balance and opportunity to relieve stress.

“When under stress there is a cortisol release, which decreases immune system function. Parents want to make sure that their kids lead a ‘balanced’ lifestyle. Classes are challenging. There are sports and extracurricular activities filling the schedule. Kids often wake at 6 a.m. and are not done until 11 p.m. Figuring out school-life balance for your child is very important for strong immunity,” said Traylor.

Healthy Diet and Sleep Habits

Ensuring that kids have a healthy diet and good sleep habits can be challenging for today’s busy family, but they are two important components for both physical and mental well-being. Immune-boosting foods and adequate sleep will help supplement the occasional fast food and hectic nights, providing additional protection against colds and other communicable diseases frequently spread through classrooms.