As a parent, your main priority of making sure your kids are safe and healthy is never fully complete. During summer break, your safety concerns may include where your kids are, who they are with, what they are doing, how they are feeling, and more. However, those concerns don’t automatically go away when summer ends and they go back to school. In fact, going back to school can increase their likelihood of getting sick and experiencing other issues due to the number of students they are around.

But don’t worry too much! We’re here with back-to-school health tips to ensure your child stays as safe and healthy as possible.

Tips for Back-to-School Health

• Make Sure Children Are Up to Date on Vaccinations - One of the most important back-to-school health tips for parents is to make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations. Most schools will require proof of certain vaccinations in order for your child to attend school, but that varies from state to state. It’s still a good idea to confirm that your child has all their necessary vaccinations and get them in to see the doctor if they aren’t up to date.
• Review Healthy Habits - Another important tip is to review healthy habits with your child. This includes things like the proper way to sneeze and cough, washing their hands often and correctly, never sharing food or drinks with others, and more. Reviewing these habits ahead of time with your child will help them know how to stay safe and healthy and make it more likely for them to practice these habits routinely.
• Promote Healthy Eating - Another crucial tip for back-to-school health is to promote healthy eating with your child. Even if you pack their lunch or they receive food from the school, that doesn’t mean they won’t be tempted by junk food from other students or vending machines. Make sure you practice healthy eating as a family so children learn to like foods that are good for them and will be more likely to eat them when you’re not around. Getting the necessary nutrients every day will ensure their bodies are strong and healthy.
• Make Sure Kids Get Enough Exercise - It’s also important for your child to get enough exercise each day—about 60 minutes per day. Being physically active has many benefits for your child, including promoting healthy bone and muscle development, improving mental health, and boosting their immune system. These all help their bodies to be healthy and able to fight off any illnesses they may encounter.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, we do whatever it takes to build great futures. We aim to serve the children in our communities, especially by keeping them safe and healthy while promoting respect and equality. One of the ways we do this is through our afterschool programs, which provide a safe place for all children where they have access to homework help, fitness activities, workforce development, literacy activities, and more.

Each of our programs and clubs provides kids with a safe place to play, learn, exercise, and receive nutritious foods. Find out how you can get involved with our organization by signing your child up for a club or afterschool program, making a donation, or volunteering to help our cause today!