{"id":84789,"date":"2025-08-12T15:12:44","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T21:12:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=84789"},"modified":"2025-08-12T15:12:44","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T21:12:44","slug":"expert-tips-for-a-healthy-back-to-school-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/expert-tips-for-a-healthy-back-to-school-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert tips for a healthy back-to-school season"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>
\"Routines,
Routines, nutritious meals and good sleep habits help kids ease into the school year and set them up for a healthy, happy year ahead.\u00a0Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting kids back into school may feel like a nice reset after a busy summer.<\/p>\n

But the back-to-school season can also bring a whirlwind of planning, changes in sleep schedules and emotional ups and downs \u2014 both for children and parents.<\/p>\n

Whether you are sending your child to their first day of kindergarten or your teen will be navigating the hallways of high school for the first time, back-to-school season can spark excitement, anxiety and everything in between.<\/p>\n

To help families navigate these busy weeks, we consulted with two medical experts who share practical tips to support physical and mental health.<\/p>\n

Dr. Dana Fitzgerald<\/a> is a pediatrician and member of the medical staff at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center<\/a> in Steamboat Springs. Brooke Packard<\/a> is a physician assistant with Yampa Valley Medical Center who also supports the Steamboat Springs School District employee health clinic.<\/p>\n

Prioritize physical health<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The shift from summer to fall is a busy time of year when parents are planning visits to doctors and taking care of sports physicals.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a good time of year to prioritize healthy breakfasts and lunches and to make sure your child is getting enough sleep as families adapt from late summer bedtimes to early school mornings.<\/p>\n

Fitzgerald and Packard offer back-to-school advice that supports healthy kids, happy parents and a healthy, successful school year. Here are their ideas to help you start the school year off right.<\/p>\n

Plan ahead for well-child appointments and sports physicals<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A well-child visit is your child\u2019s annual health checkup with their pediatrician or family medicine doctor. These visits are vital so you can stay on top of recommended vaccines, track your child\u2019s growth and address any concerns about physical health and development.<\/p>\n

Make the most of your well-child visit:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Make notes in advance about anything you\u2019ve noticed about your child\u2019s health and development, including changes in behavior or routines.<\/li>\n
  2. Bring a list of questions for your doctor and prioritize the most important ones.<\/li>\n
  3. Print out forms that need a provider\u2019s signature.<\/li>\n
  4. Gather any information that might be helpful for your child’s doctor to help them learn more about your child, such as your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) if they have one.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    These visits are also vital so you can be sure your children are up to date on their vaccines. Your doctor can explain which vaccinations your child needs, depending on age and health history.

    Build a relationship with a pediatrician or primary care provider who you can see year after year. If you don\u2019t already have a regular provider for your child, here are tips on finding a primary care doctor<\/a>.<\/div>\n

    A well-child visit typically also includes a vision screening and a sports physical.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBeing able to knock out a well-check, which is really comprehensive, and getting the sports physical done<\/a> at the same time is helpful,\u201d Fitzgerald said.<\/p>\n

    If your child has had a well-child visit within the past year and you need sports forms signed now, contact your doctor’s office to request signatures on forms.<\/p>\n

    Encourage handwashing and healthy habits<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    “Back-to-school season means close exposure to other children in busy classrooms, at sporting events and at other extracurricular activities,” Packard said. \u201cThose things make it that much easier for germs to spread, which can lead to kids bringing viruses home to their families.\u201d

    Colorado saw dangerous cases of measles<\/a> in early 2025. Learn why getting your child vaccinated is important and safe.<\/div>\n

    But, transitioning from outside fun to indoor classes doesn\u2019t have to mean that coughs, colds and cases of the flu have to be part of the new school year. Up-to-date vaccinations can help. So can the simple but powerful practice of hand washing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSomething as easy and simple as washing your hands can\u2019t be underestimated for maintaining good health,\u201d Packard said. \u201cIt\u2019s at the top of the list in terms of good basic hygiene.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Adults and children of all ages should practice good handwashing techniques that include scrubbing between fingers and for an extended time, say, long enough to sing the first verse of “Happy Birthday,” Packard said. It\u2019s especially important to wash your hands after using the bathroom and blowing your nose, which are two common ways of spreading germs.<\/p>\n

    \u201cRemind kids to wash their hands before they eat, to sneeze into their elbows and not their hands. Those sorts of habits are helpful,\u201d Fitzgerald said.<\/p>\n

    \"Soap
    Soap disrupts the sticky bond between pathogens and your skin, allowing the pathogens to slide right off. Not only are you neutralizing the virus with the soap, but you\u2019re also physically knocking it off your hands. Hand sanitizer doesn\u2019t do all of that. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Keep sick kids home<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    While it might be tempting to send children to school when they\u2019re not feeling well because of parents\u2019 busy schedules, Packard advises against it. Not only will your child not have a good day at school if they\u2019re not feeling well, but they will also likely be passing along viruses to their classmates and teachers.

    Learn what kills the extremely contagious norovirus<\/a>, also known as the stomach bug?<\/div>\n

    \u201cKeep them home and wait until they\u2019re feeling better before letting them return to class,\u201d Packard said.<\/p>\n

    If and when your child brings home unwanted bugs, here are tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n