7 Things Doctors Wish Families Knew This Back-to-School Season

(StatePoint) As you prepare chil­dren to return to the classroom this fall, the American Medical Associ­ation (AMA) has seven tips to help your family have a healthy school year.

“As you purchase school supplies and prepare the students in your family for academic success, you can take concrete steps that prior­itize physical and mental health, too,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “A healthy start can set the tone for a strong, suc­cessful year ahead.”

1. Ultra-processed foods are as­sociated with health risks. Many busy families rely on ultra-pro­cessed foods due to their conve­nience. However, consuming these foods regularly increases the risk of health complications, includ­ing cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity and type 2 diabe­tes. Read nutrition labels carefully with attention to sodium, saturated fat and added sugar, shop the pe­rimeter of the grocery store where fresh, whole foods tend to be locat­ed, and prepare meals that priori­tize whole foods, including fruits and vegetables, for growing chil­dren and adults.
2. Eating disorders are misunder­stood. This silent epidemic affects people of all ages and backgrounds, striking at the core of their physi­cal and mental well-being. Despite its widespread impact, the gravity of eating disorders often remains private, leaving many to battle the condition silently. If you believe your child or teenager has an eat­ing disorder, their physician can direct you to helpful resources.
3. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations help protect you and your family against severe disease and disability, and save millions of lives each year. Check with your physician during the back-to-school season to ensure everyone in the family is up to date on vaccinations. When respiratory virus season starts later in the fall, get up to date on the influenza vac­cine to help reduce time away from school or work.
4. Norovirus is very contagious, but preventable. It seems everyone has experienced the sudden turn of the stomach, causing a mad rush to the bathroom due to vomiting, di­arrhea or both. And, unfortunately, remaining near the bathroom may be the only plan for the next day or two. The most likely culprit is norovirus, and it can happen to anyone. When buying school sup­plies, stock up on cleaning supplies as well so you can keep frequently touched surfaces sanitized. Model good hand-washing habits for your children. Keep children with noro­virus symptoms home from school for at least 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop to help prevent the spread of the virus.
5. Too much screen time is bad for health. People are on their devic­es more than ever before. But too much screen time can have negative mental and physical health effects and increase feelings of loneliness. The start of a new school year is a good time to replace screen time with other activities, such as after school clubs and sports, playdates, quality family time and sleep.
6. Eye health is essential. Don’t take eye health for granted. Fall is a good time for an ophthalmolo­gist checkup. If your tween or teen wears contacts, be sure that they wash their lenses and lens case and take their lenses off at night. Fre­quent computer breaks, wearing sunglasses, and a healthy diet can also promote good eye health.
7. Sleep is important for overall health. From school stress to ill­nesses, many factors can interfere with a good night’s sleep. Institut­ing a consistent sleep routine for the entire family is a good start. For teens, 8-10 hours of sleep is recommended, and children aged 6-12 should be getting 9-12 hours of sleep. Consider consulting a physician for persistent sleep is­sues to determine whether they’re caused by a sleep disorder and to get help.