The new school year is officially underway, and classrooms across Comanche County are buzzing with excitement! Now that the backpacks are packed and the morning routines are (mostly) in place, it’s the perfect time to take a moment and check in on your family’s health and wellness. After all, a strong start can make all the difference, and our back-to-school checklist is here to help you navigate the season with confidence.
Your Back-to-School Health & Wellness Checklist
This comprehensive checklist is designed to be your go-to guide, covering everything from routine check-ups to mental wellness.
Schedule Those Check-ups and Immunizations
First things first, a healthy start begins with preventive care. So, as you settle into the school year, be sure to schedule these vital appointments.
- Annual Well-Child Visit: A yearly physical is so important for keeping tabs on your child’s growth and development. It’s also the perfect chance to talk with your pediatrician about any health concerns and get all those necessary school forms filled out.
- Immunizations: Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect your child and their classmates from preventable diseases. With that in mind, be sure to check your child’s school for a list of required immunizations and schedule an appointment to get any missing doses.
- Vision and Hearing Screenings: Undetected vision or hearing issues can significantly impact a child’s learning. Therefore, these screenings should absolutely be on your checklist to ensure your child can see the board and hear the teacher clearly.
Establish Healthy Sleep Routines
We all know that summer often means later bedtimes and a disrupted sleep schedule. However, a consistent sleep routine is vital for a child’s concentration, mood, and overall health.
- Create a Bedtime Ritual: A calming routine can signal the body that it’s time to wind down. For example, you could try a warm bath, reading a book together, or listening to quiet music.
- Limit Screen Time: Finally, make it a rule to put away all electronic devices at least one hour before bed. The blue light from screens can seriously interfere with sleep, making it much harder to fall asleep.
Pack Healthy Lunches and Make Nutritious Choices
A well-nourished body and mind are absolutely essential for success in the classroom.
- Start the Day Right: Don’t let your child skip breakfast! A balanced breakfast with protein, whole grains, and fruit can provide the fuel they need to focus and stay energized throughout the morning.
- Healthy Lunchbox Makeover: Get creative with healthy lunch options. Instead of just a sandwich, pack a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. In fact, you can even involve your child in the process of choosing and preparing their lunch to encourage healthy eating habits.
- Stay Hydrated: Above all, be sure to remind your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and an inability to concentrate.
Prioritize Mental Health and Stress Management
The new school year can bring a lot of excitement, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety for both students and parents.
- Open Communication: First and foremost, talk to your children about their feelings and concerns about the new school year. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing their anxieties.
- Practice Stress-Reducing Techniques: Additionally, teach your child simple coping mechanisms like deep breathing exercises or taking a few minutes to walk away from a stressful situation.
- Lead by Example: And parents, remember to take care of yourselves, too! Acknowledge your own stress and find healthy ways to manage it, whether through exercise, mindfulness, or spending time on a hobby. Your well-being is directly linked to your family’s.
We’re Here to Support You
A new school year is a fresh start—a time for new friendships, new knowledge, and new adventures. By following this checklist, you’re helping your family start this journey with a strong foundation of health and wellness.
We are deeply committed to the well-being of every family in our community. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment for your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our expert healthcare providers. We’re here to support you as you prepare for a successful and healthy school year.
Resources:
https://www.weliahealth.org/2025/08/back-to-school-health-checklist-what-parents-should-know/
https://www.metrofamilymagazine.com/back-to-school-checklist-for-oklahoma-parents/
Disclaimer:
The Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not provide specific medical advice for individual cases. Comanche County Memorial Hospital does not endorse any medical or professional services obtained through information provided on this site, articles on the site, or any links on this site.
Use of the information obtained by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not replace medical advice given by a qualified medical provider to meet the medical needs of our readers or others.
While content is frequently updated, medical information changes quickly. Information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@ccmhhealth.com.