In an effort to pack in as much fun as possible during summer break, bedtimes are pushed back for a lot of school-age children. It’s essential, however, that children are reintroduced to their normal bedtime routine before the new school year starts. Quality sleep can help with your child’s academic success in the new school year. Pediatricians recommend that children aged 6 to 12 get between 9 and 12 hours of sleep per night and that teens get 8 to 10.

Vision issues can lead to behavioral and attention issues in the classroom. As much as 80% of learning is visual for children, and their eye site can change frequently or unexpectedly from the ages of 6 to 18. This is why a comprehensive eye exam is a must on your back-to-school list.

Vaccinating your child on time throughout his or her childhood is essential because it helps young children build immunity before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases such as chicken pox, measles, mumps, and even the flu.

Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast function better throughout the school day and are generally in better health overall. In addition, studies have also found that adolescents who ate breakfast daily had a lower body mass index (BMI) than teens who never, or only occasionally, ate breakfast. It’s not always possible to sit down and have a meal in the morning, so easy grab-and-go items such as granola bars, breakfast bars, fresh or dried fruit, or dry cereal are recommended.

NorthShore Health Centers’ Pediatric Department can help you check any of these items off your list, and make sure your child has a healthy start to the new school year! Contact us today to make an appointment.