As back to school season approaches, families enter a time of transition from perhaps looser summer schedules to the structure of the school year. On top of that, just being around classmates all day again presents exposure to plentiful germs as the respite from cold season ends.
However, we have valuable insights to share from Meghan Fels, DO, a respected pediatrician with Banner Health, to help parents navigate this transitional time. We would love to offer you an opportunity to interview Dr. Fels and share her expert advice with your audience.
Dr. Fels highlights several key areas parents should focus on to keep their children healthy and set them up for success. A few of them are:
· Remind kids about healthy hygiene habits, including washing hands for at least 20 seconds, to cough and sneeze into their elbows and to avoid touching their faces to prevent the spread of germs.
· Summer fun and longer days can lead to late nights, but getting back into a consistent bedtime routine improves children’s immune systems and also improves mental health and memory.
· Now’s the time to schedule well-checks and update vaccinations. Making sure vaccinations are up to date sets children up for success during the school year.
· Provide nutritious meals and snacks. Offering a well-balanced breakfast and packing a nutritious lunch, teaching kids to “eat the rainbow,” helps bolster energy, mood and immune health.
· As kids return to being more sedentary in school, encourage physical activity, at least 60 minutes a day, most days of the week.
Dr. Fels shares even more tips in a recent blog post, if you think that would be of interest to your readers. I’d also be happy to help facilitate an interview with Dr. Fels so she can share more details with you. Just let me know how I can help.
