Jackson Academy’s School Nurse and Preschool and Lower School Counselor Kathy Sheffield recently reviewed an article by Broward Health that highlights ways to keep students healthy as they return to school. She is sharing these tips with the school community.
- Develop a healthy breakfast routine. Good nutrition fuels the brain. Even grabbing a piece of fruit or breakfast bar to eat in the car on the way to school can be a big boost!
- Make water a habit. Mississippi heat can cause rapid dehydration resulting in headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
- Be intentional about your child’s sleep. Experts agree that most school-aged children need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night to function well in school and manage stress. Most important bedtime tip…shut off devices one hour prior to bed time.
- Add exercise to your child’s daily schedule. Physical activity improves brain function, develops improved coordination and increases strength. Family bike rides or after dinner dance parties would be a fun way to increase activity and promote family time.
- Encourage good hygiene habits. Handwashing, bathing, brushing teeth, etc., promote good health AND help stop the spread of germs.
- Create a safe place to talk about feelings. The beginning of school is exciting for some and terrifying for others. All feelings are valid and should be expressed.
- Set clear, concise rules about device use. Be aware of what students are watching and playing. Limits on devices promote better sleep, a more active lifestyle, and improved focus on schoolwork.
To reference the original article, visit browardhealth.org.
