Once kids are back to school they are in more contact with other kids and thus more bacteria.
London Drugs has sent us some great ideas for helping our kids stay healthy.
"Illnesses and infections such as a cold, the flu, pinkeye, and strep throat are common contagious conditions kids are likely to catch at school by touching multiple shared surfaces," says London Drugs pharmacist Pindy Janda in the release.
"Hand washing is important all of the time but particularly when there is a change in routine - such as going back to school. Busy environments like schools and workplaces provide an ideal breeding environment for viruses and bacteria and prevention is the key to staying healthy."
In addition to hand washing, Janda explains that it is important to practise good sleep habits. This involves choosing a fixed bedtime and awakening, avoiding daytime naps as well as monitoring caffeine consumption. Getting back into a consistent sleep routine is one of the most important things for both children and adults.
Allergies are another common concern this time of year. Parents must check expiration dates and renew or refill prescriptions, especially for urgent allergy medications such as EpiPens, says Janda.
Eight health tips for back to school, back to routine:
Wash hands frequently
Regular hand washing using soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. If water and soap are not available, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer and ensure you rub your hands until the product is dry.
Update allergy medications
The start of the school year is a good time to update expired EpiPens and consider the new, easy-to-use Allerject, which simplifies the injection process during the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. Also, prescriptions are not required for Allerject, making it easy for parents to renew their child's anaphylaxis medicine at the start of the school year. Children with allergies should have medications available at school and at home with most schools requiring parents to update medical information and medications at this time of year.
Get back into a sleep routine
It's time to set a strict bedtime and awakeningtime. After a couple of weeks, your body will get used to the pattern and your sleep quality will improve.
Check for head lice
With children being close together in classrooms lice has the opportunity to spread to many children. Parents should do regular checks through the hair for lice and larvae with a fine toothed comb. If discovered, parents should visit their local pharmacy to get a head lice treatment program to eliminate and stop the spread of lice.
Remember sun protection
The days at the beach may be coming to an end but that doesn't mean we aren't still being exposed to UV rays. During lunch and recess children are often outdoors. Parents need to remember to continue applying sun protection when the UV Index is high. For more information on sun exposure visit this blog post by Dr. Art Hister: http://healthblog. londondrugs.com/sunburn-and-sun-cancer.
Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date
Parents should ensure all vaccinations are up to date and many schools will ask for an up-to-date list. Injection pharmacists are available to assist with vaccinations in many cases.
Be mindful of nutrition
Healthy breakfasts and lunches are key to getting children and parents through a stressful day.
Check expiration date of all medications
This is also the perfect time for parents to check the expiration date of all over-the-counter medications at home, especially antihistamines like children's Benadryl, for example. Expired medications can be recycled at many pharmacy locations.
The start of the school year is a great time to develop good health habits. Talk to your kids. Let them know that the more they look after themselves the less likely it is that they will get sick.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author of Who's In Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I'd Ever Have to Leave Home. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday. ca.
