Back-to-school health tips
WHETHER your little ones are starting kindergarten, primary school, or entering nursery school this September, there are certain important health checks that will help to prepare them for the new school year. Here are some back-to-school health tips courtesy of JIS.
1. Ensure that a complete medical examination is done
Before your child starts the new school year, make sure that a complete medical examination is done to determine the child’s health status.
2. Ensure that your child is fully immunised
Making sure that children of all ages are fully vaccinated is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure their children’s long-term health, as well as the health of friends, classmates and others in the community.
3. Plan healthy breakfasts and lunches
As you prepare to send your children back to school, remember that nutrition is an important factor in academic performance. Studies have shown that children who eat healthy, balanced breakfasts and lunches are more alert throughout the school day and earn higher grades than those who have an unhealthy diet.
4. Food safety
Parents are reminded to adhere to food safety practices when preparing any type of food. These include:
•Washing hands with warm water and soap for at least twenty seconds before preparing food.
•Cooking foods that require cooking to an appropriate temperature to prevent loss of nutrients.
•Refrigerating foods that need refrigeration at the required temperature before preparation.
•Preparing food on a clean surface to prevent food-borne illnesses.
•Checking canned food labels to determine whether they are safe for your children to eat.
5. Give your child plenty of water to drink
Remember, water is the best drink for kids and even adults. Sodas, sweet teas, fruit drinks and sports drinks contain too much sugar, and have been linked to overweight and obesity.
6. Ensure that your child eats the right food
This requires eating from the five Caribbean food groups which include proteins and fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, legumes and beans in moderate proportions, which will help your child to function effectively in school.
7. Promote exercise as part of your child’s daily routine
Exercise enhances the brain’s metabolism and reduces obesity, which can lead to heart disease. Studies have shown that exercise promotes better memory retention in children, and assists their overall performance in school.
8. Helping to prevent harmful diseases
Children should be taught to wash their hands for at least 30 seconds before and after using the bathroom in order to prevent communicable diseases. Children should also be taught to wash their hands for at least 30 seconds before handling any type of food to prevent against germs and other parasites.
