As the school year approaches in Bacolod, it’s essential to ensure your children are healthy and prepared for a successful academic year. This back-to-school health checklist provides valuable tips, immunization reminders, and advice on preventing common school illnesses.
1. Schedule a Check-Up with Your Pediatrician:
A pre-school check-up is crucial for several reasons:
- Physical exam: To assess your child’s overall health and identify any potential health concerns.
- Immunization review: To ensure your child is up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations (see our previous response on the Philippine immunization schedule). This is particularly important as schools often require proof of vaccination.
- Vision and hearing screening: To detect any vision or hearing problems that could affect learning.
- Discussion of health concerns: To address any specific health concerns you may have about your child.
2. Review Immunization Records:
Make sure your child’s immunization records are complete and up-to-date. Schools often require proof of vaccination for enrollment. If your child is missing any vaccines, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or visit a local health center in Bacolod offering free vaccinations through the DOH’s National Immunization Program.
3. Focus on Healthy Habits:
Establishing healthy habits is crucial for preventing illness and promoting overall well-being.
- Handwashing: Teach your child proper handwashing techniques: wet hands with clean running water, apply soap, lather for at least 20 seconds, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a clean towel or air dryer. Encourage frequent handwashing, especially before meals, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing.
- Respiratory etiquette: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and to dispose of the tissue properly. If a tissue isn’t available, they should cough or sneeze into their elbow.
- Healthy diet: Provide your child with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Pack healthy lunches and snacks for school. Limit sugary drinks and processed foods.
- Adequate sleep: Ensure your child gets enough sleep each night. Adequate sleep is essential for concentration, learning, and immune function. School-aged children generally need 9-11 hours of sleep per night.
- Physical activity: Encourage regular physical activity. Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity most days of the week.
4. Preventing Common School Illnesses:
Schools are environments where germs can spread easily. Here are some tips to help prevent common school illnesses:
- Teach your child to avoid touching their face: Touching the eyes, nose, and mouth can transfer germs from surfaces to the body.
- Encourage the use of hand sanitizer: Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your child’s backpack for times when handwashing is not readily available.
- Stay home when sick: If your child is sick, keep them home from school to prevent spreading illness to others. They should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
5. Pack a Healthy Lunch and Snacks:
Packing a healthy lunch and snacks can ensure your child gets the nutrients they need to stay focused and energized throughout the school day.
- Include a variety of foods from all food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
- Choose whole grains over refined grains.
- Pack lean protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, or beans.
- Include fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.
- Choose low-fat dairy products.
- Limit sugary drinks and processed snacks.
6. Prepare a First-Aid Kit for School (Optional):
You can prepare a small first-aid kit for your child to keep in their locker or backpack. This kit can include items like:
- Band-aids
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain relievers (with parental permission and school policy adherence)
- Hand sanitizer
7. Talk to Your Child About School Health and Safety:
Talk to your child about the importance of good hygiene, healthy habits, and staying safe at school. Address any concerns they may have about returning to school.
By following this back-to-school health checklist, you can help ensure your child has a healthy and successful school year in Bacolod. Remember to consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice and address any specific health concerns.
