going deeper

Before kids go back to school, what are some precautions parents need to take?

Before heading back to school, make sure your children get their annual physical and are properly vaccinated. Your child’s doctor can tell you which vaccines they should be getting based on their age and the state you reside in. With flu season right around the corner, they’ll recommend a flu shot as well.

They should also get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 if they haven’t already. It’s available for all children ages six months and older. Even if they’ve already had COVID, they should still get it for added protection.

What tips do you have for making sure you get enough sleep?

Make sure you prioritize your sleep. It’s essential to good health and is just as important as diet and exercise. While adults are OK with 7-8 hours of shut-eye, children need a little longer.

·        Preschoolers: 10-13 hours

·        School-aged children: 9-11 hours

·        Teens: 8-10 hours

If your child is having trouble falling asleep at night, you may need to establish a nighttime routine before bed. Consider putting devices away, turning off video games and avoiding screens one hour before going to bed. You may also want to consider winding down by reading a relaxing book. Avoid caffeine, exercising and eating any snacks before bed.