Healthy minds, healthy bodies: A back-to-school guide for parents

Healthy minds, healthy bodies: A back-to-school guide for parents (Photo: iStock) For most parents, schools are busy reopening after the prolonged holiday season. Children will increasingly face new academic challenges intertwined with physical and mental demands. This warrants monitoring their health status; they can only perform well in school if they remain in good health. Judging physical health in kids is almost obvious. Healthy children tend to be very active. They are always on the move, playing games with their mates or generally upending orderliness indoors. If your kids are the opposite, check that nothing is amiss with their physical health. If unsure, get them to see a doctor before sending them back to school. Those with small children should make sure their immunization status is up to date. There tend to be lots of infectious diseases that can be passed on in schools. The unvaccinated are always at risk. Ensure none of your children misses out on any. Many vaccine sceptics are just ignorant, if you are the type, talk to your doctor about your concerns. Inculcate good health habits in your children. If the school provides meals, guide them on healthier choices. This means complex carbs, greens and veggies; and limited sugary drinks. If you pack their meals from home, the same applies. Encourage them to participate in the school's physical programmes. This builds their developing organs, muscles and bones, and contributes to reducing childhood obesity and associated medical conditions. Watch your child's mental health status. The modern school environment predisposes children to all sorts of stuff that can destabilize their mental states. What with all the social media influences, peer pressure, bullying and substance abuse that are all too prevalent within schools? If your child's behaviour suddenly changes, like being withdrawn or unnecessarily irritable, be on guard. The quicker they get psychological help, the more they are likely to progress academically. Stuff will happen as school terms progress. If anything afflicts your child whilst in school, get it promptly addressed. Most schools have appropriate processes to deal with sick children. Ensure your child gets to the most appropriate healthcare facility. If they need to miss a few days of school, so be it. Their health reigns supreme, and kids' resilience means they'll eventually catch up. Dr Murage is a Consultant Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist.

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Healthy minds, healthy bodies: A back-to-school guide for parents

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