WELCOME FALL AND BACK TO SCHOOL
School is in session and Fall is approaching us. Here are some of Dr Tenn Yuk’s Fun Facts!
Dr Tenn Yuk’s Tips For Parents and Kids
After months of staying up late, zoning out in front of the TV, running wild outside and eating snacks throughout the day, kids are in for a big adjustment as they head back to school. Most children need help transitioning back into a routine with deadlines for a successful start to the school year. Its also a good time for the kids to visit the pediatrician, DENTIST, and eye doctor to make sure their health makes the grade.
Read on for some tips to get kids on track for a healthy start to the school year.
Establish a Sleep Routine
Going back to school means an end to staying up late. To help your child transition back to waking up early, establish a new sleep routine. Start with going to bed one hour earlier every night and waking up early until the routine is established. It needs to be done a week or two before going back to school, not the night before school starts.
It is suggested that kids between the ages of 3 and 5 get 10 to 13 hours of sleep a night; ages 6 to 13 need 9 to 11 hours of sleep; and teens 14 and older should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night.
A few suggestions to help kids fall asleep easier are “Taking a hot bath. It cools the body down and triggers the central nervous system to induce sleep. Also turning the lights down an hour or two before bedtime.
Studies have shown that the glowing light from cell phone and tablet screens can disrupt sleep cycles, so make sure kids put electronic devices away well before bedtime.
Visit The Pediatrician, Dentist and Eye Doctor Get an Annual Physical
Annual checkups should be done by a pediatrician before each new school year to ensure that your child’s medical records and vaccinations are up to date. Most likely, the school will require this info.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has a complete list of vaccination schedules, by age group, posted on its website.
Also, to be sure to schedule your child for a sports physical so they can participate in athletics. Sports athletics are valid for one year.
Eye Exams
Vision screenings are typically done as part of a child’s physical exam. Having poor vision can sometimes go unnoticed. Kids might not say anything or know that something is wrong with their vision. If your child has to squint or strain to see the front of the classroom, it could show up as headaches during the day, poor school performance or even behavioral problems.
Dental Check-Ups
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions among children and results in a staggering number of missed school days. Good oral hygiene is an important part of a child’s overall health. All kids should go to the dentist two times a year for routine cleanings and should brush their teeth twice a day with flouridated toothpaste.
Healthy Eating
Alot of kids spend the summer eating differently, with fewer rules and more treats. Before the new school year starts, get your child back into the habit of eating three regular meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is strongly suggested that families sit down for meals together to help the child reset the routine. This also gives families the opportunity to be involved in each others activities throughout the day and ensures a strong bond, with one another.
Homework and Study Habits
Create an environment in the home that is conducive to doing homework. Children need a consistent work space in their bedroom or another part of the house that is quiet, without distractions and promotes study.
It is a good idea to schedule a regular time for homework so the child gets into the routine. Homework time should be free from distractions like TV or other electronic devices.
Tenn Yuk Orthodontics wants all students to have a great 2016-2017 School Year!
