Wellness Wednesday: Back-to-school health

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Most students now have returned to school, which sometimes can put pressure on both children and their parents. While you can’t keep an eye on your kid during the school day, you can encourage healthy habits, even with your younger ones.

Johns Hopkins Medicine has these four back-to-school health tips for parents:

1. Focus on your child’s nutrition.
2. Know the risks your school-aged child may face.
3. Make sleep a priority.
4. Be a partner in your child’s education, health and wellness.

Nutrition: 17% of Americans between 2–19-years-old are obese, according to Johns Hopkins, which also says 40% of their total daily calories are empty calories from added sugars and solid fats.

If you have a picky eater, experts suggest you continue introducing new foods, be a role model for a healthy diet, and do not use food as a reward.

Risks: Your school-aged kids face several risks, like head lice, scoliosis, bullying and poor vision.

The most common way to get lice is by head-to-head contact during playtime, sports and sleepovers.

Early diagnosis is key when it comes to scoliosis. Johns Hopkins Medicine says to watch for uneven shoulders or hips and make sure your child gets regular checkups.

Only 17% of kids seek help after being bullies, according to Johns Hopkins. Experts say to watch out for early signs, which include changes in behavior, academic problems, anxiety, depression, and self-harm.

Squinting, tilting the head and holding handheld devices too closely are just some of the signs your child could have a vision problem.

Sleep: It’s recommended kids get between eight and ten hours each night, and it’s equally as important as diet and exercise. Plus, experts say kids, and even adults, lose sleep from overusing digital devices.

You can establish a sleep ritual by putting away electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. Instead, encourage your kids to read a book before bed. Experts also suggest avoiding exercise and warm baths or hot showers shortly before bed, and say a light snack before bed can be beneficial, but avoid caffeine.

Be a partner: You can start the conversation by talking to teachers about your child’s likes and dislikes, strengths and struggles, preferred learning styles and any other issues that may affect them at school.

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