Help your kids physically and mentally prepare for school this fall
Regence offers step-by-step guide for the school year ahead
The new school year is just around the corner, but with COVID-19 cases surging in many parts of the country, health and safety are top of mind for parents.
Whether your kids are gearing up for in-person learning in the fall, continuing virtual education at home, or a bit of both, now is the time to check in on their physical health and emotional well-being.
Schedule a well-child visit
It’s more important than ever to make sure your child sees their pediatrician this year, especially if they missed a checkup last year. Wellness checks are critical in early childhood to screen for developmental delays and stay current on childhood vaccinations that can prevent serious illness.
Create healthy habits
Consider working these simple healthy habits into your child’s routine now to set them up for a successful fall:
- Physical activity: The CDC recommends kids ages 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical exercise each day. Keep exercise fun with aerobic activities like running and jumping as well as climbing and push-ups to help build muscle strength.
- Good nutrition: Nutrition is critical for growth and cognitive development. Help your child understand how to make healthy food choices and keep after school snacks like fruits and vegetables instead of chips and cookies on hand.
- Sleep routine: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends nine to 12 hours a night for children ages 6 to 12. Teens need nine to 10 hours. Insufficient sleep can lead to decreased performance in school and can increase your child’s risk of developing serious health conditions like diabetes, obesity and depression.
Prioritize your child’s mental well-being, too
While some kids may be excited about returning to school and seeing friends and classmates, others may feel emotionally distressed or fearful after an extended period of social isolation. It’s important to watch for signs of anxiety or depression and seek help from your child’s physician if you are concerned. You can also log in to your regence.com account to learn about behavioral health resources available through your health plan.
A healthier school year starts here: Get the guide
Regence medical experts have helped develop a guide to help you keep on top of your kids’ physical and mental well-being.
You can download and save the guide using the links below.
Remember: In-network preventive care, including annual physicals and most immunizations, is covered at 100 percent for Regence members. Sign in to your account on regence.com or contact our Customer Service team at the number on the back of your member ID card to explore your health plan benefits.
Download our back-to-school guide: