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In this Woman’s Doctor segment, the focus is on back-to-school health information for moms and dads.
Mercy Medical Center’s attending pediatrics physician, Dr. Ashanti Woods, provides ways parents can prepare their kids for a healthy school year.
“First thing is making sure you’re ready to go back to school. That’s making sure you’ve seen your pediatrician. That you’re up to date with your vaccines, that you’ve had a physical – at least within a year since you’ve last seen your pediatrician,” Woods said.
He also said for kids who take medications or may need an EpiPen, make sure you send the school the necessary forms. Also, to run through your child’s school schedule to reduce back-to-school anxiety or do a dry run to the school. Finally, to make sure your children get enough sleep, about ten hours a night.
“You want to make sure a child’s book bag is appropriate to their size. You want it to have padding on the back as well. You want to try to limit how much you put in here. Maybe 10-20% of a child’s body weight. You want to make sure the child has access to a nutritious breakfast. You want to get their day started off right. Children should always have access to water, so every child should have a water bottle and water bottle access,” Woods said.
Woods also said to practice proper handwashing with your children to help limit the spread of germs.
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Woman's Doctor: Back-to-school health tips for parents – WBAL TV Baltimore
