MAHASKA COUNTY – Now that August is here, parents are preparing their children to return to school. MHP Family Practice Physician Eric Miller, DO, offers advice on preparing your kids to transition back into their school routine.
“After a long summer break, it may be hard to get some children excited to return to school,” Dr. Miller explained. “However, by preparing ahead of time, you can minimize the stress and anxiety that often comes with getting the kids back into a scheduled routine.”
One suggestion Dr. Miller offered was to start your morning and bedtime routines now. “If you ease your child back into their bedtime routine, any issues can be ironed out before the schedule is actually necessary. Try sending them to bed 15 minutes earlier each night and getting them up 15 minutes earlier each morning until you reach your goal. Making sure your child gets enough sleep is key to their overall health and attentiveness in the classroom.”
Dr. Miller also recommends planning meals ahead of time. “With school comes activities and your evenings can quickly get away from you. Planning out what to cook for each meal or packed lunches can make trips to the grocery store more efficient and save you from getting overwhelmed on busy days. You’re also ensuring your children get healthy and nutritious meals for optimal school performance.”
Another way to make sure your child is ready for the school year is checking with their primary care provider for up-to-date immunizations and physicals. “If your student needs a school sports physical, we are still offering those here in the Medical Group on August 15 from 9 am – 8 pm,” Dr. Miller reminded. “Scheduling a regular yearly physical is equally important for your child’s overall health, and what better time than right before they head into another year of learning!”
Reviewing your child’s schedule and activities is another important step in school preparation. “Make sure your child understands where they need to be and when to lessen their anxiety on the first day,” Dr. Miller urged. “If they are walking or riding the school bus, practice the route in case they have any questions. Preparation ahead of time can eliminate as many obstacles as possible.”
Family Practice Physician Eric Miller, DO, practices full-time in the MHP Medical Group. Growing up with a Pediatrician Mother and Farmer Father, Dr. Miller enjoys caring for families in a rural setting. He describes himself as more of a listener than a talker and enjoys hearing about a patient’s life experiences. In his free time, Dr. Miller enjoys the outdoors and building model trains. For an appointment with Dr. Miller, call 641.672.3360.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
Back to school. (photo by Ginger Allsup)
Story provided by Osky News
