Tips for Student Health for a New School Year

Back to school looks different in 2020. Some kids are going back to school on different schedules or studying from home. Although some things stay the same, there are new considerations for this school year.

Back in the Classroom Means It’s Time to Boost Immunity

Kids heading back to school, whether every day or a few times a week, are exposed to more germs than they were at home. It’s important to make nutrition a priority to help fight any colds and viruses they may come into contact. Consider packing fresh vegetables and fruits in your student’s lunch.

A key to a boosted immunity is getting plenty of sleep. Encourage students to keep an early bedtime throughout the week in order to get over eight hours of sleep each night, including on weekends.

Sunday nights can be stressful which can lead to shorter night’s sleep. Consider starting to prepare for Monday morning early in the day or weekend, in order to feel prepared for the morning. This will help to alleviate anxiety and stress. 

Your child’s nervous system needs good communication in order to keep their body running properly and fight germs. If the spine is not aligned, that causes a problem in the communication. So, just like that back-to-school physical, be sure to get a chiropractic check up.  

Backpack Tips

Backpack safety is very important for your child’s spinal health. The American Chiropractic Association shares these tips:

Backpack tips from the American Chiropractic Association

The Distance Learning Setup

When distance or virtual learning first happened last spring, parents often had kids set-up at the kitchen table to do their lessons. But, not all children are the same height as adults, and the kitchen set-up may not provide the best ergonomic experience.

When evaluating your child’s learning setup, consider these tips:

• The computer monitor should be at eye level
• They should not have to reach for the keyboard. The child’s arms and shoulders should be relaxed with the elbows should be at a 90 degree angle.
• They should sit in a chair that fits their size with their feet touching the ground and with back support to help them sit up straight.

But, change is good, too. If the child is watching a video or lesson, they can do it from the couch or bed as a change.

No one is meant to be in the same chair for 6-8 hours a day. You should encourage them to stand up and move. “They should also be getting up and moving from that space frequently — ideally at least every 20 to 30 minutes,” says Chad Adams, DC, The Cleveland Clinic.

We know this is a different kind of school year, and we are here to help support families with a healthy lifestyle. Family chiropractic appointments are available.

Here’s to a healthy school year!

Photo by Deleece Cook on Unsplash