Summer flew by, and it’s again that time to get kids ready to head back to school. Along with preparing kids with new school supplies and clothes, parents can do their part to help their children be their healthiest before the fall.

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center experts are available for interviews on a variety of topics to help kids kick-start the new school year.

Consider Scheduling a Checkup with Your Child’s Pediatrician

Parents and caregivers should check to see if their child or teen is due for an annual visit with their primary care provider. Many schools require physicals and updated immunizations before kids go back to school, particularly if they play sports. Your child’s primary care provider will review their medical history, including management of chronic conditions, recent illnesses or injuries, check updates to family history, discuss any current concerns and perform a comprehensive exam. Barry Solomon, M.D., M.P.H. Children’s Center director of the Division of General Pediatrics, can speak about the importance of children and adolescents getting their annual well visits before school starts.

Ensure Your Child Is Getting Enough Sleep

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends preschoolers get 10–13 hours of sleep, elementary school-aged children, 9 –12 hours, and teenagers, 8–10 hours. Turning off devices and taking warm baths can help children prepare for rest. Laura Sterni, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Sleep Center, is available to speak about the effects lack of sleep can have on kids and teens, as well as how parents can adjust their children’s schedules before school starts.

Practice Bus Stop and Pedestrian Safety

School schedules and commutes can concentrate kids at bus stops and crosswalks during risky hours, with risk climbing later in September and October when daylight shortens. Mary Beth Howard, M.D., pediatric emergency medicine physician, is available to speak about bus stop and pedestrian safety, and how to prepare your kids. 

If you Child has Asthma, Update their Action Plan

Access to quick-relief medications during the school day is essential for children with asthma, as serious attacks may come on suddenly and without warning. Before school begins, refill prescriptions, check expiration dates on inhalers and have your healthcare provider fill out the proper paperwork to turn into the school. This may include an asthma action plan or other forms, and should be completed annually. Christy Sadreameli, M.D., pediatric pulmonologist, is able to speak about how to prepare your child, and symptoms of asthma to look out for.

Fight Germs and Illness in Classrooms

The return of school can also bring the spread of germs and illnesses. Aaron Milstone, M.D., M.H.S., pediatric infectious diseases specialist, can share information on proper hand-washing and other ways to help prevent illnesses. He also can advise what to do if children get sick and when to keep them home from school.

Check Your Child’s Vision

Young children don’t often understand what normal vision should be, so you may not always see signs of a problem. Before heading back to school, get your child’s vision checked so they can properly see interactive whiteboards and other objects in the classroom that are important to learning. Edward Kuwera, M.D., pediatric ophthalmologist, recommends children have vision exams at least once every two to three years, and annually or more if there is any significant family history of vision problems. He is available to speak about signs to look out for that could mean your child needs glasses and the importance of getting their vision checked each year to ensure their prescription is up to date.

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