In this recent issue of Community Impact, two ARC pediatricians shared some back-to-school health tips for parents. "A child's wellness is dependent on every aspect of their life; physical, emotional, educational, and interpersonal health are equally important," said Sunaina Suhag, MD, FAAP, Pediatrics at ARC East 7th. "Children are the future," added Ricardo J. Chapa, MD, Pediatrics at ARC Dripping Springs. "It brings me joy knowing I can be part of how a child grows and develops into a healthy adult."
Five back-to-school health tips from ARC pediatricians
- Make sure vaccinations are up to date: Vaccinations are crucial for a child's health, especially before returning to school. Talk to your pediatrician to make sure they're up to date on vaccines. Protecting children from preventable diseases helps the entire school community stay healthy. Read about the CDC's recommended vaccines for children.
- Set up a bedtime routine and stick to it: Adequate sleep is crucial for a child's physical and cognitive development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a minimum of eight hours of sleep, depending on the child's age. Read more about sleep for children.
- Promote good hand hygiene: In a school setting where children interact closely, good hand hygiene is crucial. Teach children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after using the restroom, as recommended by the CDC.
- Promote healthy eating habits: Proper nutrition is essential for a child's growth and cognitive function. Nutritious meals and snacks help establish a healthy lifestyle that benefits children beyond their school years.
- Help manage stress: School can introduce various stressors for children, such as academic pressure, social challenges, and extracurricular commitments. Foster a safe and open environment where children feel comfortable discussing their worries and concerns. Learn more about ARC Pediatric Mental Health.
ARC pediatricians recommend well-child exams
ARC pediatricians follow the AAP recommendation for routine well-check exams. For children ages 5-18, annual exams are recommended. For school-aged children, summers are a great time to schedule your well-check exam. Learn more about summer well checks!
A well-check exam focuses on maintaining a child's health and is a time to discuss preventive care. Children can also complete sports and camp physicals on their visit. Learn more about well-check exams and sports physicals.
Make an appointment today
Take advantage of the summer break to schedule a health check-up with an ARC pediatrician for your child.
Parents can schedule a well-check exam in the following ways:
- Book at ARC MyChart if parents have proxy access to their child's account.
- Click BOOK NOW on your doctor's or APC's website bio page.
- Click BOOK NOW at ARCcheckup.com.
- Call 512-272-4636 for 24/7 phone scheduling services.
In the Central Texas area, 21 ARC locations offer pediatrics. Visit ARC Pediatrics to view all locations and providers and schedule your next appointment.