5 Tips to Keep Your Kids Healthy This School Year

As kids head back to school, there are plenty of ways you can help them stay healthy and happy throughout the year.

Every school day matters. Too many absences can affect your child's learning and well-being. School offers much more than education—it’s where children build friendships, enjoy nutritious meals, stay active, and receive support to help them grow.

Follow these health tips to give your child the best start this school year.

1. Focus on the Basics: Sleep, Exercise, and Nutrition

Start with the essentials. Make sure your child is eating well, staying hydrated, getting plenty of physical activity, and enjoying a full night’s sleep. These are key for success both in and out of the classroom. For instance, kids who eat a healthy breakfast perform better at school. If your child qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals, reach out to their school to apply for meal benefits.

A good night’s sleep is just as important. Lack of sleep can impact memory, focus, creativity, and overall learning. It can also lead to poor school attendance and tardiness.

2. Keep Up with Checkups and Vaccinations

If your child hasn’t had a checkup in the past year, it’s time to schedule a back-to-school physical. This visit is essential, especially if your child needs a sports exam or takes medication during school hours. Your pediatrician can also update any medical emergency forms and review your child’s health plan.

Staying on track with immunizations is another key to keeping your child healthy. Routine vaccinations, including the flu shot and any updated vaccines, help prevent serious illness.

If your child has lost health coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), now is the time to explore coverage options. Kids with health insurance are more likely to get the care they need to thrive at school.

3. Support Your Child’s Mental Health

In recent years, many children and teens have faced mental health challenges. Let your child know it’s okay to talk about their feelings. Create a safe, judgment-free space where they can share their worries or concerns without fear of punishment. Be mindful of any changes in behavior that might indicate anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.

Family routines, like regular meals and shared activities, can be a great way to connect. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or school counselors for support.

4. Address Bullying, Racism, and Encourage Kindness

Sadly, some children miss school due to bullying or discrimination. Encourage your child to speak to a trusted adult if they experience or witness bullying or racism. Emphasize the importance of kindness and treating others with respect. Simple acts of kindness not only help others but also promote better health and well-being for everyone involved.

5. Create a Balanced Media Plan

The start of a new school year is the perfect time to establish a family media plan. Help your child balance screen time with sleep, exercise, and other healthy activities. Choose age-appropriate, high-quality content and teach your child to identify reliable sources of information online.

It’s also important to discuss social media use and help your child navigate the digital world safely.

If you have any concerns about your child’s health or aren’t sure if they should attend school when feeling unwell, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician or the school nurse for guidance.

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: FAQs for Parents

Expecting a baby? It's crucial to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. Find out why and get answers to some of the most common questions about alcohol use during pregnancy.

How does alcohol affect an unborn baby? Alcohol is considered a teratogen, which means it can cause developmental issues in a fetus. When a pregnant person consumes alcohol, it passes to the fetus and can disrupt the brain and organ development. This exposure may lead to a group of lifelong conditions known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).

What are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)? FASDs refer to a range of physical, developmental, behavioral, and learning challenges that result from alcohol exposure during pregnancy. The symptoms and severity can vary widely from person to person. The term includes several conditions, such as:

  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

  • Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS)

  • Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBDs)

  • Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)

  • Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE)

How common is alcohol use during pregnancy? Alcohol use during pregnancy occurs across all demographics. In the U.S., about 1 in 7 pregnant individuals report drinking alcohol in the past 30 days.

Preventing FASDs FASDs are completely preventable. The only way to prevent these conditions is to avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy. Because harm can occur even in the early weeks before you may realize you're pregnant, it’s best to avoid alcohol if you are trying to conceive or could become pregnant.

  • No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.

  • No type of alcohol is risk-free during pregnancy.

  • No stage of pregnancy is safe for alcohol consumption.

What is a "standard drink"? A standard drink in the U.S. contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This generally means:

  • 12 oz of beer

  • 4 oz of wine

  • 1 oz of liquor

Is any amount of alcohol safe during pregnancy? No amount of alcohol is considered safe while pregnant. Even small amounts can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Does more alcohol cause more harm? Yes, the more alcohol a fetus is exposed to, the greater the risk of brain and organ damage. Binge drinking, or consuming four or more drinks at once, is particularly harmful. However, even moderate drinking can have negative effects.

Is any type of alcohol safer during pregnancy? No, all types of alcohol are equally harmful during pregnancy. Beer, wine, and liquor all contain alcohol, which can harm the developing baby.

Can a partner's alcohol use lead to FASDs? FASDs are caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, not by a partner’s drinking. However, it's helpful for partners to support the pregnant person by encouraging them to abstain from alcohol.

What if I drank before I knew I was pregnant? The best step is to stop drinking as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Pregnant individuals who stop drinking have better outcomes than those who continue. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about your alcohol use, as there are many resources available to support you.

Will my baby have an FASD if I drank while pregnant? Not every baby exposed to alcohol will have an FASD. Factors such as genetics and overall health play a role in determining the impact. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider for guidance.

Is it safe to drink while trying to get pregnant? No, since many pregnancies are unplanned, alcohol consumption while trying to conceive can still expose the baby to harm.

Can FASDs be diagnosed? Diagnosing FASDs can be challenging due to the wide range of symptoms. Pediatricians and specialists will conduct thorough evaluations if an FASD is suspected.

Is there a cure for FASDs? While FASDs are lifelong conditions, early intervention can help affected children achieve better outcomes. Treatments like developmental services, behavior therapy, and educational support can improve quality of life.

Are FASDs genetic? FASDs are not hereditary. They are caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

What if my doctor says drinking is okay? Leading health organizations agree that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Always follow the most up-to-date medical advice to protect your baby’s health.

What resources are available if I need help stopping alcohol use? If you struggle to stop drinking, reach out to your healthcare provider, local support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for guidance and support.

This revised version is simplified and streamlined for clarity, while still providing essential information.

Protecting Your Baby from Abusive Head Trauma: What Every Parent Should Know

Understanding Abusive Head Trauma and How to Prevent It

One of the most important skills every parent and caregiver must develop is managing stress, especially when faced with a baby's persistent crying. Reacting out of frustration or anger can result in dangerous outcomes, including abusive head trauma (AHT), which is a form of child abuse and can have devastating consequences.

Infants have delicate neck muscles and heavy heads, which makes them vulnerable to injury from forceful shaking or impact. Abusive head trauma, including shaken baby syndrome, can cause severe and often irreversible damage. In the worst cases, AHT can lead to death. Survivors may suffer from:

  • Brain damage

  • Bleeding in the brain

  • Blindness

  • Hearing loss

  • Speech or learning disabilities

  • Seizures

  • Intellectual disabilities

  • Cerebral palsy

Managing Your Baby’s Crying: Take a Break When You Need It

Crying is a baby's only way to communicate their needs. It doesn’t reflect how they feel about you as a parent. Babies may cry because they are hungry, tired, too warm or cold, or need a diaper change. Sometimes, they cry for no apparent reason. Even healthy, well-cared-for babies can cry for up to 1 or 2 hours a day.

If your efforts to soothe your baby aren't working and you start feeling overwhelmed, it's important to take a step back. Stress and exhaustion can cloud your judgment and make you more likely to react impulsively.

If you’re feeling frustrated, try these steps:

  • Take a deep breath and count to 10.

  • Put your baby in a safe place, like a crib or playpen, and leave the room for 10 to 15 minutes to let them cry safely.

  • Use the break to calm yourself. You could listen to music, call a friend, or do a quick chore like washing dishes or vacuuming.

  • After 10 to 15 minutes, check on your baby. If you're still feeling frustrated, avoid picking them up until you are calm.

  • If the crying continues and nothing seems to help, contact your pediatrician to rule out any medical issues.

Above all, remember that your baby’s safety comes first. While it’s normal to feel upset, it’s crucial to keep your emotions in check and never resort to shaking, hitting, or handling your baby roughly.

Choosing a Safe Caregiver for Your Baby

If someone else will be caring for your child, ensure they are well-informed about managing crying and the dangers of abusive head trauma. Observe how they interact with your child—do they handle stress calmly? Do they use appropriate soothing techniques?

An ideal caregiver or childcare center should have proper licensing and multiple caregivers available at all times to ensure safety. Keep in mind that infants who aren’t yet able to stand rarely bruise, so even a small bruise could be a red flag. If you notice any unusual bruising, have your baby checked by a doctor immediately.

Signs and Symptoms of Abusive Head Trauma

If a baby has been a victim of abusive head trauma, they may exhibit the following symptoms:

  • Irritability

  • Lethargy (difficulty staying awake)

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Vomiting

  • Seizures

  • Decreased alertness

  • Coma (unable to wake up)

Remember

No matter how frustrated or exhausted you may feel, hurting a baby is never the solution. Educate anyone who cares for your child—whether it’s a family member, babysitter, or daycare provider—about the dangers of shaking or striking a baby. Together, we can protect infants from abusive head trauma and ensure their safety and well-being.

5 Tips to Keep Your Kids Healthy During the School Year

As the school year kicks off, there are several steps you can take to ensure your child stays healthy, active, and ready to learn.

Regular school attendance is key. Missing too many days can affect both your child’s learning and well-being. School is where children gain knowledge, make friends, eat nutritious meals, stay active, and receive support to thrive.

Here are some practical tips to help your child start the school year on a healthy note:

1. Focus on the Essentials: Sleep, Exercise, and Nutrition

Good health begins with the basics. Make sure your child has nutritious meals, drinks plenty of water, stays active, and gets enough rest. These habits contribute to success both in the classroom and in social interactions. For example, children who eat a healthy breakfast often perform better at school. Many schools offer free or reduced-cost meals, including breakfast, so check with your school about meal benefit programs.

Adequate sleep is another crucial factor for school success. Without enough rest, children may struggle with memory, focus, creativity, and learning. Lack of sleep can also lead to lower grades and more tardiness or absences.

2. Keep Up with Health Checkups and Vaccinations

If your child hasn't had a recent wellness check, now is the time to schedule one. This is also important if they’re involved in school sports, as many schools require a physical exam. If your child takes medication during school hours, discuss their treatment plan with your pediatrician, and make sure school emergency medical forms are updated.

It’s essential to keep your child up to date on vaccinations, including the flu shot and any necessary booster shots. Vaccines help prevent serious illness and protect your child’s health, especially with recent outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles and polio.

If your child has lost Medicaid or CHIP coverage, now is the time to look into health insurance options that ensure they receive the care they need.

3. Pay Attention to Your Child’s Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Open the door for your child to talk about their feelings. Some children may hesitate to share difficult emotions, fearing judgment or punishment. Let them know it's safe to talk to you without fear. Be on the lookout for any behavior changes or signs of anxiety or depression.

If you keep firearms in your home, make sure they are securely locked away, as access to unlocked guns increases the risk of suicide. Family routines, such as shared meals and walks, can provide a great time to talk. If you’re worried about your child’s mental health, consult your pediatrician, and explore school resources for support.

4. Address Bullying, Racism, and Promote Kindness

Children sometimes miss school due to bullying or discrimination. Encourage your child to speak up if they experience or witness bullying or racist behavior. Help them understand the importance of kindness and treating others with respect. Acts of kindness not only benefit others but also reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

5. Manage Screen Time and Media Use

As your child settles into the new school routine, it’s a good time to update your family’s media plan. Balance screen time with physical activity, sleep, and other important activities. Help your child choose appropriate programs and online games, and teach them to recognize misinformation on the internet.

Discuss how they use social media and guide them toward making healthy choices.

Remember

For any health concerns or if you’re unsure whether your child should stay home from school, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician or the school nurse. Keeping your child healthy ensures they can make the most of the school year.