Viva Vitality: Keep calm and welcome back to school

By Brandee Brown on September 2, 2022.

As summer break comes to an end, many families and individuals are preparing for the back-to-school rush. But going back to school means more than new school supplies, new clothes and a return to the classroom. For some, it means reconnecting with friends and teachers or sharing a seat on the bus with a new friend. For others, it means returning to the workplace, shuttling kids from activities, or embarking on a rewarding post-secondary experience- but no two experiences are alike!

During this time, it is important to consider the health and well-being of everyone involved in returning to a school routine. To help make the transition from summer break back to the classroom easier, there are a few more items that can be added to this year’s back-to-school list.

Sleep Well. We all need sleep, but children especially need regular and consistent sleep to grow and develop. Try setting up a bedtime routine that doesn’t involve screen time. Keep your child’s room dark and cool. Have a set bedtime every night and the same wake time in the morning- this goes for both young and old!

Nutrition. Plan ahead and get the kids involved. Fill those lunch boxes with fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains and protein. But don’t forget to keep cold food cold and hot foods hot with insulated containers and icepacks.

Injury Prevention. Take some time to make sure your children can get to and from school safely. Practice your child’s school route before the big day, making sure they have the right gear and can demonstrate road safety. As parents and users of city roads, make sure to slow down for school zones, avoid distractions and use designated drop-off and pick-up areas specific to your school.

Health and Wellbeing. Before heading back to the classroom, make sure to follow up with your healthcare providers. Visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning to detect and prevent oral health problems. Schedule an annual eye exam, which is covered by Alberta Health for children up to 18 years of age.

Looking for more information or wondering what else you can do to make the back-to-school transition easier? Visit the Alberta Health Services website at http://www.albertahealthservices.ca and search for Back to School – Families for more information and ideas to get you and your kids back to school safely.

Brandee Brown is a health promotion facilitator with Alberta Health Services in the Population Health Promotion Program

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