As the new school year begins, it’s important to set your child up for success academically and also healthwise. The City’s Health Department has compiled this back-to-school health checklist. You’ll find helpful tips, advice and resources to ensure your child is ready for a healthy and successful year ahead.

Ease back into a sleep schedule

Summer is over and it’s hard to change the summer sleeping schedule. Gradually ease kids into an earlier bedtime and an earlier wake-up time by five to 10 minutes each night. Encourage daytime activity and create a calming bedtime routine that includes reading together. Also, avoid sugary snacks, caffeine and screen time before bed, and limit late-afternoon naps.

Hand-washing

As kids head back to school, it’s a great time to remind kids about the importance of good hand-washing. With so many children sharing supplies and spaces, teaching your child how to wash their hands correctly helps stop the spread of germs and can keep them from getting sick. Make hand-washing a habit for your kids. It makes a big difference in keeping everyone safe, healthy and ready to learn.

Watch this video for a guide on hand-washing.

Healthy eating, hydration, biking and walking to school

Save time and improve health by eating school lunch

In Minnesota, all students receive free school meals including breakfast and lunch. School districts follow science-based standards to make sure meals meet students’ nutritional needs with whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains and dairy while limiting excess sodium and saturated fat. A healthy breakfast provides the energy needed to focus and learn, while a balanced dinner supports overall well-being and prepares the body for the next day.

If your child brings lunch from home, follow these same guidelines to make sure they get the right nutrition.

Make water a priority

Kids need to drink plenty of water to maintain good physical and mental health. Water helps prevent dehydration, improves digestion, and boosts memory and mood. Minneapolis tap water is safe, cheap, healthy and refreshing. Send your child with a reusable water bottle to school. They can refill it throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Read about water and healthier drinks on the CDC’s website.

Farm to school

Minneapolis Public Schools’ Culinary & Wellness Services is hosting a free Farm to School Community Barbecue 4-6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 so community members can eat delicious whole, nutritious and locally grown foods. The barbecue features many food and agriculture-oriented stations, live music and family-friendly activities.

Walking and rolling to school

A new school year is a great time to encourages exercise while getting to school. Check out the Minneapolis Public Schools Safe Routes to support walking and rolling to school.

Food allergies

For kids with food allergies, it’s important to make a plan to keep them safe. Children with food allergies may have a Section 504 plan for accommodations or an Americans with Disabilities Act food substitution plan.

Provide their school with:

• A list of your child’s food allergies.
• An updated anaphylaxis action plan for accidental exposure.
• Emergency medications and verify they have access to them.

Planning for school involves informing teachers, school nursing staff, and bus drivers about your child’s allergies, symptoms and location of emergency medications.

It’s a great idea to have a conversation with school staff every year about your child’s food allergies.

Talk with the cafeteria staff about food substitutions. Talk to the teacher about the importance of handwashing after snacks and lunch for the entire class.

Clear communications with teachers and school staff helps ensure that kids can enjoy their school day without worrying about allergic reactions.

Find food allergen information on the City website.

Get help planning for school with food allergies.

Read more food allergy research and education.

Vaccinations

It’s important to make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Nearly 40% of Minneapolis Public School students are behind on their vaccines. With measles cases on the rise in many Minneapolis communities, getting your child the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is crucial to prevent serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or even death.

If your child gets sick, they need to stay home from school, which can interrupt their learning. Keeping up with vaccinations helps keep them healthy and in the classroom. Parents, it’s also a good idea to get vaccinated to help prevent illness in your home.

See upcoming community vaccination clinics.

Additional childhood vaccine clinics hosted by Hennepin County Public Health.

Enroll in the Uninsured and Underinsured Adult Vaccine Program.

Anxiety

Sometimes children feel anxious going back to school after a long break. It’s important to notice these signs and understand their feelings. NAMI Minnesota offers helpful advice and free online classes for dealing with back-to-school anxiety. Conversations with your child can help to ensure they feel emotionally prepared for the upcoming school year.

School Based Clinics

Healthy students make healthy learners. Minneapolis School Based Clinics provides comprehensive medical, health education and mental health services to students in nine Minneapolis high schools. School Based Clinics offer high quality, affordable, confidential and comprehensive medical and behavioral health services by staff specializing in adolescent health. Our health care services are for all Minneapolis high school students. Stop in or call your clinic for an appointment.

Asthma

Going back to school is exciting for kids, but for those with asthma, it can bring some extra challenges. It’s important for kids with asthma to have a plan for managing their condition. This means keeping an inhaler nearby, understanding what triggers their asthma, and working with teachers and the school nurse’s office for support. With some preparation and communication, kids with asthma can have a healthy and successful school year just like everyone else.

Find asthma information and resources on the City website.

Medications and medical conditions

Children who regularly take medication at school must bring a completed authorization form to have medications administered at school. Often these forms must be signed by a child’s medical provider and can be completed at their physical. It is important to keep schools informed about any potentially serious medical conditions children may have.