Dr. Natalie Azar, NBC News medical contributor and mother of a college sophomore and high school junior, shared some key mistakes to avoid during the back-to-school season on TODAY. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that children are up to date on essential vaccines, including the new COVID booster shot and other vaccine-preventable diseases such as flu, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and meningitis. Azar recommended checking CDC.gov and consulting with a pediatrician to ensure children are fully protected.
Azar stressed the significance of establishing a bedtime routine for children, as adequate sleep is crucial for their physical, mental health, and academic performance. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 require nine to 12 hours of sleep, while those 13 to 18 need eight to 10 hours. To help children adjust to a new school year schedule, parents can gradually move up bedtime and wake-up times by 15 minutes each day until reaching the desired targets.
Another mistake Azar discouraged parents from making was skipping breakfast. She highlighted that a healthy breakfast is essential for children to perform well in school, maintain attention, energy levels, and deal with frustration effectively. Parents can make time for breakfast by waking up earlier or providing grab-and-go options such as whole grain cereal with low sugar and high fiber content.
For children with medical conditions like asthma, allergies, diabetes, or epilepsy, Azar stressed the importance of having a clear action plan in place for their care at school. It is essential to ensure that the school nurse has legible instructions from the pediatrician and updated medications available to manage these conditions effectively and promptly.
During the current surge in COVID cases, it is crucial to keep sick children home from school to prevent the spread of the virus. Azar advised parents to keep children with symptoms of COVID or any illness away from others, particularly high-risk family members. Even if a child tests negative for COVID, they should not attend school until symptoms have improved, and they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication, as per CDC guidelines. By following these precautions, parents can help protect their children, their families, and the larger community during this challenging time.
In conclusion, Dr. Natalie Azar’s tips for back-to-school season focused on prioritizing children’s health and well-being by ensuring they are vaccinated, well-rested, and nourished with a healthy breakfast. Parents should have a clear plan for managing medical conditions, keep sick children at home to prevent the spread of illnesses, especially COVID, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to promote a safe and successful return to school. By following these guidelines, parents can support their children in adapting to a new routine and staying healthy throughout the school year.
