Head Back to School Healthier and Safer this School Year!
Back to School is right around the corner. Get ready with these healthy tips to keep your children feeling their best.
Promote hand hygiene. Handwashing can help reduce the spread of germs. Encourage your children to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds especially after using the restroom, after playing outside, and before eating. Check out SNHD’s handwashing guide here
Stay up to date with recommended immunizations. Immunizations help children build immunity and protect them from getting sick. Learn more about required vaccinations and available clinics here.
Focus on nutrition. Hungry children can’t learn, ensure good nutrition for your children by encouraging a balanced diet. For the school year 2023-2024, Clark County School District (CCSD) offers breakfast and lunch that meets all current federal nutrition standards to all students at no cost. Check out CCSD’s menu here.
Walk to school. Choose at least one day a week where you walk your child to or from school. Use the time walking as a way to not only get in some activity, but also use it as time to talk to your child about their day. Visit the Clark County Safe Routes to School program for more information on how your school can be involved in fun ways to encourage walking and biking to school. https://engage.ccsd.net/saferoutestoschool/
Encourage proper hydration. A reusable water bottle can help children stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks. Check out fairs for Back-to-School supplies here.
Establish a sleep routine. Be sure your child is getting adequate sleep. Most preteens need 10-12 hours of sleep each night and most teens need 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
Be involved. Talk to your children about any issues that may be affecting them at school. Learn more about children’s mental health here.
Help build healthy habits. Developing healthy habits early is key to ensuring a healthy adulthood. 5-2-1-0 are four simple steps to help build healthy habits in children daily. Learn more about 5-2-1-0 here.
5 – or more servings of fruits and vegetables
2 – hours or less recreational screentime
1 – hour of physical activity
0 – sugar drinks
We hope you have a healthy and safe start to the new school year!
