Your Healthy Back-to-School Checklist

African American mom getting young son ready for school

School is in - make a plan for a healthy year

School supplies? Check. After-school activities? Check. What about your child's health? Being proactive can help your child ace their health exam. It's time to make a plan for a healthy year.

Schedule a back-to-school checkup

If your child is due for a well-child exam, schedule one before cold and flu season hits. At this appointment, your child will have a physical exam and get needed immunizations. Making sure your child is up to date on vaccinations, including the flu shot, is one of the best ways to help them stay well.

If your child is an athlete, get a sports physical at this visit. Often required for your child to participate in sports each year, a sports physical can identify any health issues to ensure young athletes are ready to play.

Share an action plan for your child's health conditions

Ask your child's pediatrician about an action plan specific to your child's health conditions, such as allergies, diabetes or asthma. The plan should include emergency health forms and instructions for giving medication.

"An action plan gives the school important information on medication, such as whether your child needs medication at school daily and what the dosages are," said Marquietta Jones, program coordinator and community health worker for Cook Children's Center for Community Health asthma initiative. "An asthma action plan might also identify your child's triggers. If the school has this information all in one place, it's easier for them to safely manage your child's condition."

Practice good oral health

Another important part of school-year success is helping your child take good care of their teeth. For a healthy smile:

Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
Brush teeth after breakfast and at bedtime.
Replace toothbrushes every three months.
Schedule visits with the dentist every six months.

"Having dental pain and cavities can lead to problems sleeping and eating, which makes it difficult for children to pay attention and learn in school," said Betsy Hillyard, CCLS, Save a Smile program coordinator for Cook Children's Center for Community Health. "Be positive about healthy behaviors and going to the dentist. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives, so take good care of your own oral health."

Practice healthy eating

Did you know that a healthy diet can help your child study better, exercise more, and remember what they've learned? It's true. And here are some smart tips on healthy eating:

Go, slow, whoa!

Think of the green, yellow and red of the traffic light to eat right.

"Choosing GO foods and drinks that are tooth-friendly and healthy is a great way to ensure your child is getting the necessary nutrients to fuel their body and mind during the school day," said Elaine Vivens, coordinator of the Children's Oral Health Coalition at Cook Children's Center for Community Health. "Eat GO foods anytime, limit SLOW foods to fewer than three times a week and save WHOA foods for special occasions."

GO:

Fruits and veggies
Whole grains
Milk
Water

SLOW:

100% fruit juice
Chips and crackers
Raisins
Sweetened cereal

WHOA:

Sodas and sweet tea
Candy
Donuts
Energy drinks