• Schedule a well-child visit with your pediatrician and check to see if all immunizations are up to date
• Prepare your child in advance about what to expect when school starts
• Check the weight of your child's backpack
• Meet with the school nurse to discuss any health issues the school might need to know about, such as food allergies, asthma, and ADHD medications.
• Check out the school lunch program to see if it matches your family's dietary requirements
• Create a consistent sleep and wake time for all family members
• Incorporate some physical activity into your child's daily routine
• Keep your children safe -- on the school bus and during school sports activities
  

It's no surprise that the increase in the number of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a type of diabetes typically detected in adults, has been linked to childhood obesity. To help address this major public health concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed a program called KidsWalk-to-School. This community-based program aims to increase opportunities for daily physical activity by encouraging children to walk or bicycle to and from school in groups accompanied by adults. It not only increases physical activity, but also makes for a cleaner environment and offers an opportunity for quality time and discussion with your kids. Give it a try. Walk to school.

Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to two hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. The top illnesses that keep kids home from school -- colds, gastrointestinal infections, pink eye, sore throat -- might be prevented if children are taught at an early age simple infection-control measures. These include coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the crook of the elbow and frequent hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Hand washing is the number one way to avoid hand-to-hand transmission of bacteria and viruses. To learn about viruses and infections visit the Infections and Viruses Health Channel.

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Pediatrics for Parents

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