As a busy parent, keeping your child healthy and safe each school year is always a top priority. The pediatricians on UHC’s medical staff want to provide you with tips and tools to help along the way!
BACKPACK SAFETY
It is important to review proper backpack safety with your child.
- Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight.
- Remind your child to always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
- Go through the backpack with your child weekly, and remove unneeded items to keep it light.
LICE PREVENTION
Make sure your child is aware of the following tips to avoid getting lice.
- Remind kids to avoid head-to-head contact at school (in gym, on the playground, or during sports) and while playing at home with other children.
- Do not share combs, brushes, hats, scarves, hair ties or bands, towels, helmets, or other personal care items with anyone else, whether they may have lice or not.
- Do not lie on bedding, pillows, and carpets that have recently been used by someone with lice.
- Every three or four days, examine members of your household who have had close contact with a person who has lice. Treat any who are found to have lice or nits close to the scalp as soon as possible.
DEVELOP A SLEEP ROUTINE
Children who do not get enough sleep have difficulty concentrating and learning
- Set a consistent bedtime for your child and stick with it every night.
- Have your child turn off electronic devices well before bedtime.
- Remember: insufficient sleep is associated with lower academic achievement in middle school, high school, and college, as well as higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness. The optimal amount of sleep for younger children is 10-12 hours per night and for adolescents (13-18 years of age) is in the range of 8-10 hours per night.
Drs. Mitchell and Cogar | Bridgeport Pediatrics 900 Lodgeville Road Bridgeport, WV | (304) 842-3311
Drs. Momen, Kroll, and Policano | Pediatric Associates 7 Chenoweth Drive, Bridgeport, WV | (304) 842-5777
Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and video, on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you are experiencing related symptoms, please visit your doctor or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
