Parents:
Do Your Homework for a Healthy School Year

Packing up backpacks each fall often leaves parents and children alike excited and anxious. Back-to-school time brings with it a major shift in lifestyles for most families, and it's a transition that needs some preparation in order to run smoothly. If you have a child heading to school, make sure to do your homework to help ensure a healthy and safe school year for your family.

Schedule a back-to-school checkup. Catch up on all immunizations and screenings, and have your child's vision and hearing checked.

Adjust your child's bedtime a few weeks before school starts to help your child ease into the earlier-morning schedule. Suggest a short nap or rest time after school if your child is tired.

Review bus safety. Remind your child of basic bus rules, including staying seated while the bus is moving and staying in the bus driver's sight while crossing
the street.

Discuss bullying. It's important that your child knows it's not OK to bully or be bullied. Make sure your child knows to talk to an adult if he or she is having problems.

Set an exercise plan. Gym and afterschool sports might not provide much physical activity for your child if he or she has to stand and wait for turns. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of constant activity for your child a day, such as biking or walking.

Help make this year a healthy one for your child. You won't have an exam to test your efforts, but the health and happiness of your child will prove that you've made
the grade.