Health and safety factors are a top concern for many parents as the new school year approaches. Therefore, it is essential to prepare children physically and mentally for returning to school by instilling a set of healthy habits. Parents can consider a number of tips provided by pediatrician Dr. Muhassen Daham Al-Jalad from the German-Saudi Clinics.
**Healthy Habits**
Children often don't pay much attention to handling objects carefully and love to explore with their hands. This means that at school, they may touch and pick up everything that catches their attention. While we can't completely prevent this behavior, we can teach them a thing or two about maintaining their personal hygiene to stay healthy. One of the most effective ways to avoid the spread or picking up of germs is proper handwashing. Encouraging children to sing the alphabet song or "Happy Birthday" while washing their hands will help them do it correctly. It's important to remind them to wash their hands front and back, and between their fingers. This habit should be reinforced at home, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer should be placed in their school bag for use when water and soap are not available.
**Hydration**
Maintaining body hydration through drinking fluids helps prevent fatigue, facilitates digestion, and boosts brain function. Thus, it's important to keep your child's body hydrated by choosing a variety of healthy beverages such as milk and fruit juices in addition to the recommended amount of water. Sugary drinks and sodas, which usually contain unsuitable ingredients and additives, should be avoided.
**Activity**
It's important to keep your child active to ensure health and energy, especially during school days, as they spend a lot of time sitting. Incorporating sports and physical exercises into your child's daily routine helps keep them in a positive mental state, enhances concentration, and increases enthusiasm. Enrolling your child in regular sports activities after school or involving them in family walks or runs can contribute to keeping their body active and lively.
**Sleep Routine**
Establishing an appropriate daily routine for your child to fall asleep is crucial to ensure they get enough sleep. Children aged six to twelve should receive around nine to twelve hours of sleep daily, while teenagers aged thirteen and older should get between eight and ten hours of sleep. Reading for a short time before bed can help transition smoothly into sleep.
**Healthy Meals**
It is essential to emphasize repeatedly the importance of healthy ingredients in breakfast. Students who eat breakfast tend to be more alert and absorb information better during classes than those who skip it. Healthy meals provide children with strong bodies capable of resisting infections.
**Managing Allergies**
Managing allergies that a child may experience during the school year is vital for their health. Seasonal allergies are common and can disrupt a child's attendance and academic performance. Symptoms like fatigue, headaches, sneezing, runny nose, itching, and other similar symptoms can negatively affect the child and reduce their concentration. Therefore, monitoring what may cause allergies in the child and informing their teachers in advance about how to handle these allergies while at school will ease the situation for everyone. Additionally, having an annual or semi-annual medical check-up with a doctor can ensure that the child is healthy and free from viruses. This way, the child can avoid contracting major illnesses, especially during school days.
