School has been back for a few weeks now, and there is a strong possibility that your child has already come home with a light cold or other minor illness as their immune system gets used to being among large crowds again! In the coming months, they may also feel more stressed as the pressures of homework and upcoming exams begin to mount. This can manifest physically in the form of headaches and stomach pain, among other things. With all of this in mind, here are some tips from your local drug store in Powell, TN, to help maintain good health for your children.
Maintain a Good Sleep Schedule
One of the most important things you can do for your children to aid their cognitive function, help regulate their moods, and promote overall wellbeing is helping them establish a consistent sleep schedule. Try to maintain the same bedtime every night and repeat the same routine to help them wind down. This can help build consistent sleep patterns so that your children will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to learn. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 need approximately 9-12 hours of sleep every night, while teens can manage on 8-10 hours.
Stick to a Balanced Diet
Eating a varied, but balanced diet is important for everyone’s health, but is especially important for children. You will want to make sure they eat breakfast to give them a great start to their day. A hungry child won’t be able to concentrate on their lessons at school. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when prepping your child’s meals:
- Breakfast should contain proteins, whole grains, and fruits.
- Lunch can contain various food groups, including lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
- Snacks can supplement meals throughout the day, but you should avoid sugary drinks and sweets. Instead, pack fruit, nuts, and yogurt.
It is important to ensure that your children eat lots of nutrient-rich foods, but if you feel like supplementing their diet, ask your local drug store in Powell, TN, to recommend some over-the-counter vitamins and supplements specifically designed for children.
Encourage Regular Activity
Physical activity is very important for health, and it can also have a significant impact on mental wellbeing. School is a great place to encourage more physical activity as there is usually a great selection of sports teams and clubs to participate in. Why not encourage your child to get involved? If team sports are not their thing, you can encourage physical activity through hiking, cycling, swimming, or even playing in the local park.
Make Good Hygiene Habits
Your child may have already felt unwell since starting back to school. This is because they are in larger crowds in enclosed spaces and are more likely to spread germs. To combat this, you can help your child develop good hygiene habits to help them eliminate germs. Share some of these tips with your kids:
- Encourage Frequent Hand Washing - Teach your children the importance of frequent hand washing, especially before meals and when using the restroom. Always use soap and water and wash for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- Use Hand Sanitizer - When handwashing isn’t an option teach kids to use a little hand sanitizer instead. Stock up on pocket-sized hand sanitizer at your local drug store in Powell, Tennessee, and slip it into your child’s backpack.
- Cover Coughs & Sneezes - It is important that your child learns to cover their mouth and nose when they need to cough or sneeze. Ideally, they should use a tissue and dispose of it carefully in the bin, but in a pinch, they can cough or sneeze into their elbow. Stock up on tissues at your local drug store in Powell, TN.
Manage Stress & Anxiety
According to the CDC, 9.4% of children between the ages of 3 and 17 are diagnosed with anxiety. School can be one of the main factors that triggers anxiety, so it is important to do what you can to help your child learn coping skills to navigate any stressful situations that they might encounter. A structured routine is an excellent way to foster a sense of security and reduce anxiety. It is also important to communicate openly with your child and encourage them to share their worries and concerns.
Following these back-to-school tips can help ensure your children stay healthy, happy, and stress-free as they navigate the school year. From maintaining a consistent sleep schedule to encouraging regular physical activity and good hygiene habits, these small but impactful changes can make a big difference in their overall wellbeing. Remember, your local drug store in Powell, TN, is here to support you with the essentials, from vitamins and supplements to hygiene products. Together, we can make this school year successful and healthy for your family.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581