Back To School Health Tips
Posted on 23. Jan, 2012 by aqiumlogin in cold and flu, schools
Be warned – your child will bring home more than just new textbooks when they return to school this term.
Germs, bullying and backaches are just some of the problems facing youngsters in the playground. Sick days can’t always be avoided but you can help protect your child’s health and wellbeing when school goes back.
Colds
Most young children catch between eight to 10 respiratory illnesses every year. It usually peaks within two years of starting childcare, kindergarten or school. Around 200 different viruses are responsible for the common cold. Symptoms include sneezing, sore throat and runny nose. You may need to see a doctor to rule out tonsillitis or an ear infection.
The good news is there should be fewer sick days by primary school as the immune system strengthens, says paediatrician Dr Jonny Taitz from the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Unwell youngsters should stay at home, even if this is an inconvenience.
“It can be tough for working parents but your child will not be in a good condition to learn and it will only pass on the germs,” Dr Taitz says.
Hand washing is another way to stop the spread of illness. Ideally it should be in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 seconds (about the same time it takes to sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star) after using the toilet, coughing or sneezing.
“It is really a life saving lesson that parents need to teach children,” Dr Taitz says.
Give children tissues instead of a handkerchief and remind them to throw these out once used. Make sure they never share water bottles with others. Dosing up on Vitamin C won’t stop you catching a cold, but research shows it can make the duration shorter – but be careful not to overdose. The National Health and Medical Research Council says, children aged 4-8 years need 35mgs of Vitamin C per day, and children aged 9-13 years around 40mgs. Good sources of Vitamin C include blackcurrants, guava, citrus, kiwi fruit, broccoli and sprouts.
Back pain
According to the Chiropractors Association of Australia there is a link between carrying heavy schoolbooks as kids and spinal problems in adulthood.
Ensure your child’s school bag is no wider than their chest and can evenly distribute the weight across the back. It should not weigh more than 10 per cent of their body weight and needs to be worn on both shoulders.
The CAA also recommends putting the heaviest items to the back of the bag, close to the spine, and only pack what is needed. High school students should be encouraged to use a locker to store heavy books and excess items.
Conjunctivitis
Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis (or pink eye) is highly infectious and if caught, children should stay at home until the condition has cleared. It causes an infection and swelling of the eye membrane that requires gentle bathing and possibly antibiotic drops.
Children can catch conjunctivitis from sharing pillows, face cloths or glasses, or coming into direct contact with another child with the infection. To avoid catching conjunctivitis, children should avoid touching the eye area with dirty hands, and washing hands with an antibacterial wash is recommended. If caught, bed linen needs to be washed thoroughly in hot water and detergent. And stay out of the swimming pool as it could spread infection, says Dr Taitz.
Bullying
If you suspect your child is experiencing problems at school, take the time to sit down and chat. Warning signs for bullying include missing belongings, loss of confidence, personality changes, truancy, angry or teary outbursts and a lack of enthusiasm to go to school.
Kids Helpline general manager Wendy Protheroe says parents need to understand their child may be reluctant to talk about what is going on in the playground. “Develop ways to respond to the bully and try to buffer the impact of bullying by increasing other positive experiences,” she says.
Talk with the class teacher and also find out the school’s anti-bullying policies.
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