The new school year is just around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about ways to ensure your teenager stays healthy all year. Here are a few things you can do as a parent to help prepare your teenager’s health for the upcoming school year:
Schedule a physical exam
As a parent, you play an important role in keeping your teenager healthy. One way to do this is to schedule a physical exam before the start of the new school year. The doctor will check your teenager’s height, weight, blood pressure, and vision during the exam. They will also ask about any medical conditions or allergies your teenager may have. The doctor may also recommend immunizations if they are needed. These steps will help ensure your teenager is healthy and ready for the new school year.
Get vaccinated
Another way to prepare your teenager’s health for the new school year is by ensuring they are up-to-date on their vaccinations. A number of vaccines are recommended for teenagers, including those for HPV, meningitis, and tetanus. These vaccines can help protect your teenager from serious and even life-threatening diseases.
In addition, getting vaccinated can also help to reduce the spread of disease within the school community. As such, it is important to talk to your teenager’s healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended. By ensuring your teenager is fully vaccinated, you can help your teenager to stay healthy and happy throughout the school year.
Teach them about hand-washing
A simple way to prepare your teenager’s health for the new school year is by teaching them about hand-washing. It’s important to wash hands regularly and thoroughly, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after coming in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
One easy way to ensure that hands are being washed properly is to use an alcohol sanitizer. Look for products that contain at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol. Be sure to supervise your teenager when using any hand sanitizer, as it can be dangerous if ingested. Finally, remind your teenager to not touch their face, specifically their eyes, nose, or mouth, to reduce their risk of illness. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your teenager healthy and reduce the spread of illness.
Take care of their oral health
Don’t forget about dental health when it comes to ensuring your teenager is healthy for the upcoming school year. Cavities and gum disease are two of the most common problems that can impact teens’ oral health, and both can lead to pain and other serious health problems.
Taking your teen to a dentistry clinic for a checkup and cleaning can help them avoid these problems and start the new school year off on the right foot. In addition, the dentist can also provide you with tips on how to care for your teen’s teeth at home. By taking these steps, you can help your teenager stay healthy and prevent major oral health problems down the road.
Mind their diet and sleep
The last thing you can do to help your teenager stay healthy during the new school year is pack them a healthy lunch. The first step is to choose nutritious foods that will give them the energy they need to get through the day. Fruits, vegetables, whole-grain bread, lean protein, and low-fat dairy are all good options. You should also avoid sugary drinks, snacks, and processed foods high in salt and fat.
In addition to packed lunch, it’s also important to ensure your teenager gets enough sleep. Most teenagers need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per night. However, many struggle to get enough due to early classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and social media. As a result, it’s important to help them develop a healthy sleep schedule that allows for a full night’s rest.
Finally, encourage your teenager to be active every day. Exercise helps to improve mental health, stamina, and concentration. A daily walk or bike ride is a great way to get started. Taking these steps can help your teenager stay healthy and prepared for the new school year.
Taking steps to prepare your teenager’s health for the new school year will help them stay healthy and avoid getting sick during this busy time. So be sure to schedule a physical exam, get them vaccinated, teach them about hand-washing, take care of their oral health, pack a healthy lunch, and encourage them to get enough sleep each night. Taking these simple precautions can help keep your teenager happy and healthy all year long.
