The Ultimate Back-to-School Health and Wellness Checklist: What Every Parent Should Know Before the First Bell Rings

As the school year approaches, it’s no surprise that our clinics begin to fill with concerned parents and their ill-stricken kids. Reuniting with friends or catching up with old ones can be exciting, but all that close contact could increase their risk of spreading germs and potentially getting sick–there’s also a chance of an injury occurring.

You can expect many germs to be flying around during the first few months of school. Kids are sharing school supplies, using communal desks and computers, and pulling risky stunts during recess, a common area for injuries. Teaching them how to prevent the spreading of germs and to avoid dangerous behavior, like jumping off monkey bars, is a crucial first step. However, we understand that as a parent, your concern for your child’s health and wellness never goes away; that’s why you can depend on Dr. Sangani & Associates to provide quality care when it matters most.

Common Back-to-School Illnesses and Injuries

Kids are bound to experience a range of viruses, bumps, and bruises throughout their childhood. As a parent, knowing how to identify these issues if they occur can make all the difference. Below are some of the most common illnesses and injuries that show up throughout the school year:

Common Cold/Flu (Influenza): These respiratory pathogens are extremely contagious.

Symptoms: Sore/scratchy throat, consistent cough, high fever, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, chills, muscle/body aches, and exhaustion.
How Does It Spread?: Coughing or sneezing without covering the mouth, inhalation of droplets containing illness, touching surfaces, and not washing hands after.

Stomach Bug (Gastroenteritis): A common illness affecting the stomach and intestines.

Symptoms: Consistent nausea/vomiting, frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, high fever, headaches, and dehydration.
How Does It Spread?: Touching contaminated foods, drinks, surfaces, and then your mouth right after, not washing your hands.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): A viral infection that primarily affects the eye.

Symptoms: Redness of the eye, itching and irritation, discharge from the eye (clear, yellow, or green), blurred vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), swelling, or watery eyes.
How Does It Spread?: Airborne droplets, touching a contaminated surface, or coming in direct contact with an infected person.

Backpack-Related Pain: A common and recurring, yet disregarded injury that affects the back, neck, and shoulders.

Symptoms: Pain in the back, neck, and shoulder area.
How Does This Occur?: Improper use of a backpack or overpacking.

Bruises/Sprains: Common musculoskeletal injuries that can affect various areas throughout the body. General areas include the shoulder, head, ankle, wrist, knees, back, and arms.

Symptoms: Discoloration, pain, tenderness, inflammation, and limited range of motion at the site of injury.
How Does This Occur?: Collisions, blunt force trauma, jumping and landing wrong, or falling.

How Do I Prevent My Child From Getting Sick Or Hurt?

Your pediatrician or family doctor will always be the best resource when trying to construct ways to prevent illnesses or injuries from harming your child. However, if they’re not available, these tips can help keep your child healthy and safe:

Vaccinations: Staying current with recommended vaccinations can protect you and your child (and others) against infectious diseases, like the flu!
Practicing Good Hand Washing: According to the CDC, washing your hands for 20 seconds with antibacterial soap under clean, running water can reduce your child’s susceptibility to respiratory infections by up to 20% and diarrhea-related illnesses by up to 30%.
Healthy Lifestyle: Incorporating simple, yet positive lifestyle choices in your kids’ lives early can prevent many illnesses and injuries. This includes a good sleeping schedule, a healthy diet, and regular physical activity.
Early Intervention: Scheduling regular check-ups at Dr. Sangani & Associates can help you catch problems before they become serious. Seek medical advice when necessary to prevent complications.

Ready To Take The Next Step?

You shouldn’t have to live in constant worry about your child’s health; that’s why Dr. Sangani & Associates offers wellness and preventative care as a part of our family medical services. Our experienced team of medical professionals specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various family illnesses and injuries.
If you’re preparing for the upcoming school year and have concerns about your child’s health, don’t hesitate–contact Dr. Sangani & Associates to book your appointment today!

Resources

Emory Healthcare. (2024, July 24). Kids’ health: Common Back-To-School illnesses and injuries. https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/stories/wellness/kids-health-common-back-to-school-illnesses-and-injuries

Handwashing facts. (2024, April 17). Clean Hands. https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon (OSM). (2022, November 10). 7 Most Common Accidents and Injuries During Back-to-School. https://orthosportsmed.com/7-most-common-accidents-and-injuries-during-back-to-school/

R. L. Sweet, C. (2009). Preventing Illness in the Public Schools. In the University of North Carolina Libraries: Carolina Digital Repository. Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Public Health Leadership and Practice. https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/concern/masters_papers/w6634668x/

Scripps. (2024, August 12). 10 Back-to-School Health and Safety Tips. https://www.scripps.org/news_items/3033-back-to-school-health-and-safety-tips

Thongseiratch, T., & Chandeying, N. (2020). Chronic illnesses and student academic performance. Journal of Health Science and Medical Research. https://doi.org/10.31584/jhsmr.2020738