By: Silke Schoch, MA, Director of Research & Programs 

Summer is drawing to a close, and back-to-school season is right around the corner. As families prepare for a new school year, now is the perfect time to check in everyone’s health and wellness. To help children start the year off right, consider focusing on key health topics such as common infectious diseases and recommended vaccines, nutrition, food allergies, stress and mental health, and eye health. Taking a proactive approach in these areas can help set students up for a healthy and successful school year. 

The more people, the more germs: school provides a perfect environment for infections such as the flu, the common cold, COVID-19, and RSV to thrive. Young children (especially those under five) and all children with chronic conditions like asthma, obesity, cardiovascular, or neurologic conditions are at higher risk for complications from these illnesses. To stay protected, make sure you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccines, especially as these illnesses typically start to rise in October. It’s also a great time to remind kids about the importance of hand washing—a critical step to stopping the spread of germs! 

Fall is also a good opportunity to refocus on nutrition, as research shows a strong link between eating healthy food and positive learning outcomes. Building meals around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, milk or milk substitutes, and protein is a good place to start. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also offers many tips and tricks for parents and schools looking to increase the amount of healthy food available to children.  

Food allergies affect about 7.6% of school aged children and can pose serious health risks. Food allergies, especially severe ones, can cause life-threatening reactions not treated immediately, so it’s essential for families to work with schools to ensure children have access to an epinephrine auto-injector, if prescribed. Beyond the physical risks, food allergies can also impact emotional well-being: children may feel socially isolated or different from their peers, and parents may feel fear and anxiety. That’s why it is important to address both physical and emotional aspects of food allergies as a family. For resources on navigating food allergies in children, check out the resources provided by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Kids with Food Allergies.  

Mental and emotional health is important for all children and families, especially during the school year, which can be a source of stress for many students. Nearly one in five children have a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, making it important for parents and caregivers to stay attuned to their child’s emotional needs. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has many helpful resources specifically to offer support for parents, young adults, and children.  

It’s also important for parents to regularly screen their children for eye health issues. Approximately 25% of school-aged children have a significant vision problem, which can affect both learning and long-term eye health. Check out resources from Prevent Blindness in celebration of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month for more information.