Hi, this is the article for the Children's and Parent section, to be published today: Back to school! Tricks through which parents can support children's health during school: the first step, visit the pediatrician!

Any beginning of the school year puts pressure on both parents and children. From the purchase of school supplies and wardrobe to programming visits to the doctor, establishing an adequate diet and sufficient sleep program, the list of tasks to be checked may seem overwhelming. Here are some tips for an easy transition to the routine imposed by the coming of the school.

From the list of tasks that must be completed before the sound of the bell announcing the onset of the new school year, the most important is the visit to the pediatrician, invites Dr. Katherine Pwnica, a pediatric doctor at NYC Health & Hospals. The visit should be focused on checking the child's health, especially if this has not happened during the last year.

Vaccines for the protection of all

Vaccines are an important part of prevention against diseases of both children and those around. Check with the family doctor/the child's pediatrician the situation of immunizations.

And because autumn is the season of colds and flu in particular, all children over 6 months old should be immunized against the flu, doctors recommend. Schoolings stand together in classes, eat together and sometimes divide personal objects so that diseases and infections can spread easily.

The testing of the hearing and the view of the children also enter the list of school priorities before the courses are started. Any changes notified are important, and before the beginning of the school the measures are easier to take.

Routines well established by sleep, mass and exercises

A balanced diet is essential for a child's physical and cognitive development. Healthy eating, notes Mayo Clinic, It helps children to maintain their energy level, focus better at school and generally develop harmoniously. Children need different amounts of nutrients according to age. They should be encouraged to eat fruits and vegetables. When consuming bread or pasta, the indicated ones are 100% of integral cereals, according to To the guide of nutritional resources.

Each day should start with a healthy breakfast composed of fresh foods, including dairy, fruits, proteins, vegetables and whole grains. Nutrition snacks are those of fruits, nuts and yogurt. In hotter days, the child should be encouraged to drink a lot of water to remain hydrated. Snacks containing sugar and sweetened drinks should be reduced to a minimum to prevent obesity and appearance of dental caries.

Enough sleep It is, in turn, essential for a child to remain healthy and be successful at school. Insufficient rest can affect memory, ability to concentrate a child, creativity and learning. In general, the lack of sleep is related to low school performance, poor school presence and frequent delays in courses.

For a restful sleep, parents must create a routine before bed. Usually, a normal child of school age needs 8-10 hours of sleep every day. Exposure to screens should be reduced one hour before bedtime to promote better sleep quality. Helpful can be a red light in the small room, knowing that it helps to release melatonin.

Limited time spent in front of screens

Electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones are part of everyone's life today. Children can use them to do their homework, connect with friends or play. The beginning of the school year is a good time to help the little ones set limits when using screens at school and at home. In order to balance the time spent in front of the screens, parents can encourage the little ones to make physical activity a rule of each day.

American specialists recommend excluding screens in the lives of children under 2 years and limiting 1-2 hours per day for children 2 years old and over. The use of smartphones should be postponed after the age of 14, according to the same source.

Last but not least, academic success is closely related to emotional balance and mental health. Bullying-physical, verbal or on social networks-is, in many schools, a serious problem that significantly affects the mental and emotional health of children.

Harassment at school should be taken seriously by both parents and teachers who have to teach the little ones some techniques to effectively resist the aggressors. Thus, children should know that they can confidently address the teachers or representatives of the school when they are victims of harassment in the school environment, that they must keep their calm, but say “stop” firmly and leave the situation. If necessary, parents need to consider professional counseling to help the child cope with the effects of bullying.

The school year means more than supplies and new activities

Childhood and adolescence are periods full of challenges and changes, and many children undergo emotional imbalances that parents are good at. The signs of these imbalances can be both learning difficulties, school absences, sleep problems or different physical signs.

It is useful for the parent to remain close to his child, to remind him that he can tell him whatever concerns or worries him. And that it is okay to ask for help if he feels this need.

Therefore, the preparation for the new school year involves more than the purchase of school supplies and updating the calendar with activities, concludes Dr. Christina Andrist, pediatric doctor, quoted by Mayo Clinic.

It is, in particular, about prioritizing the health and well -being of the child, so that he can be academically successful.

By scheduling medical checks for children, keeping up-to-date vaccination schemes, ensuring a balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, fighting bullying and shaping healthy habits, parents can help their child have a healthy, productive and successful school year.