It won’t be long until many children across the country will be doing something they haven’t done in a very long time — going back to school in person. In fact, by the time some of you read this, some of you might have kids that are already back in school.
New guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall 2021 is a priority.
The CDC believes this academic year will require schools and families to work together even more than before. Schools will be making changes to their policies and operations with several goals: supporting learning; providing important services, such as school meals, extended daycare, extracurricular activities, and social services; and limiting the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Likewise, it will be important for families to emphasize healthy behaviors at home and for parents to talk to their children about changes to expect this school year. Even if your child resumes in-person learning at school, it is important to prepare for the possibility of virtual learning if school closes or if your child becomes exposed to COVID-19 and needs to stay home.
The CDC also states that students, teachers, and staff should stay home when they have signs of any infectious illness and be referred to their health care provider for testing and care.
Parents should stay current with their local school systems in regards to COVID-19 precautions and procedures, and should also help their children begin a transitioning period in the final days of summer vacation that will set the table for a successful school year.
All parents should get their children to the pediatrician’s office shortly before school starts for a check-up to ensure that their vaccinations and all medical records are current. If applicable, this is also the time to arrange for your child’s sports physical. Hearing and eyesight screenings, along with a trip to the dentist, are also good ideas prior to the beginning of classes.
During the summer, many young people fall into poor eating habits, so we recommend that parents get them back in the routine of eating three square meals a day on a regular schedule.
It’s wise for parents to send kids to bed earlier as summer winds down. It’s also a good idea for kids to take a hot bath before bedtime, which cools the body down and triggers the central nervous system to induce sleep.
One of the biggest obstacles to sleep in this day and age is the glowing light from television, computer, tablet and cell phone screens. I know this may be a difficult struggle, but parents should separate their children from those bright illuminations well before bedtime.
Parents should also be on the lookout for backpacks that can easily become way too heavy shortly after the school year starts. If that’s ever the case with your child, work with them and perhaps their teacher(s) to see how the load may become lighter to avoid shoulder and back injuries.
People who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately. If you are ill with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call your health center or clinic before coming to your appointment. If you are an Eskenazi Health patient, please call 317-880-7666 before coming to your appointment. Health care professionals are available 24/7 to answer questions on symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate care.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine Specialist at Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington