by the Editor     As long summer days of fun in the sun and family holidays come to an end, families are preparing for the start of a new school year.  ‘Back to school’ is a frantic time for parents with so many things to organise, but the start of a new school year is also a great time to start afresh with healthy resolutions. 

Cancer Council Western Australia is encouraging parents to make a healthy start to the school year and has come up with a list of tips below, to help ensure children put their healthiest step forward.  “It is vital that we improve the eating and physical activity habits of kids to ensure their future well-being,” said Jenny Atkins of the Cancer Council.

Food and Exercise

In the past decade the number of overweight children has doubled and the rate of obesity in children has trebled which has the potential to create major health problems for this generation when they reach adulthood, including increased risk of cancer and chronic illness.

“Providing a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is one of the most important ways parents can help ensure their children remain healthy,” said Ms Atkins, “so fruit, vegetables and water should be ‘must haves’ for lunchboxes.

Tips:

• Aim to walk or ride with your children as much as possible to school.
• Carrot and/or celery sticks, snow peas, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, frozen yoghurts and hard boiled eggs make good healthy snacks.
• Cutting up fruit and veg into unusual shapes is one way to entice fussy eaters,
• Homemade, reduced-fat, fruit filled pikelets, muffins, biscuits and cakes are a healthier alternative to high sugar snacks such as muesli bars, fruit leathers and confectionery. 
• Limit use of spreads such as chocolate spreads, jam and honey.
• Avoid packaged snacks high in fat and salt such crisps and baked crackers.

Sun Exposure

Being SunSmart is another important aspect of being healthy, particularly because children play outdoors at school during peak UV times in the middle of the day.

“We also know that sun exposure during childhood is strongly linked to the risk of skin cancer later in life,” said Kerry O’Hare, Cancer Council SunSmart Manager.

Tips:

• Apply a 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen in the morning.
• Ensure your child has a SunSmart hat that protects their face, head, neck and ears from the sun

Asthma

Another health issue to be mindful of is asthma.  Admissions to hospital and emergency departments peak for school and preschool children in the first weeks after each school holiday period.

ne in nine children has asthma.  As the Chair of the Asthma Australia Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee, Dr Simon Bowler, explains, “Australian hospitals seel a peak in hospital emergency department admissions and hospitalisations at this time every year.  Some experts argue it’s a result of children coming into contact with large groups back at school after a break, catching viruses which trigger their asthma.  Other say it’s because of seasonal dust, pollens and mould.  Whatever the reason, parents should check everything is in place to keep children with asthma safe at school and preschool.”

Tips:

• Make sure you have an up to date asthma plan from their doctor – and that the school has a copy.
• Kids need to take preventer medication as advised by their doctor, they need to always have access to their puffer medication in case of emergencies, and kids should learn how to tell an adult they have asthma.

Allergies

Getting children ready for school or preschool is always a challenging task for parents. So imagine the added stress of preparing a child who has severe allergies.

Anthony Field, internationally recognised as the “Blue Wiggle”, will be taking extra precautions to help his son Antonio – who has severe food allergies – back to preschool in 2012.

With Antonio being at high risk of anaphylaxis – the most severe form of allergic reaction that can be fatal – the Blue Wiggle is urging all affected families to work on an Allergy Healthcare Plan with schools and preschools. He’s also encouraging those parents who are concerned that their child might be at risk to talk to a healthcare professional about formal diagnosis and ongoing management by an allergy specialist and paediatrician.

He says being aware of allergies is an important part of back to school preparations. 

Tips:

• Having an open dialogue with your children’s teachers or carers about severe allergies is an important first step before the school year starts. Parents should feel they can approach their children’s teachers and have the opportunity to discuss severe allergy management.  Be clear on what the school’s protocol is for allergy management.
• Mr Field encourages parents of young children to speak to their doctor about anaphylaxis risk so they start school or preschool understanding more about severe allergy management.
• Check the Anaphylaxis Australia Website.  More information about allergy management and schooling can be found at http://www.allergyfacts.org.au/caring-for-those-at-risk/schools

Body Clock

While a change in routine can be exciting, experts warn that the pressures associated with new teachers, classmates and homework can be unsettling for a child and recommend parents gear up for the transition back to school early in order to alleviate challenges when the bell rings.

“Going back to school can be intimidating for students,” said Anjali Rao, MD, pediatrician at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group. “The shift from casual summer habits to a regimented schedule is one that takes time, flexibility, and participation from all members of the family.”

Rao says there are a number of things parents can do to prepare kids for a new routine and offers five simple tips for a smooth transition.

Tips:

• Set the alarm clock… For a happier, healthier transition, don’t wait until the night before school starts to have kids go to bed and get up earlier. Begin practicing your new schedule by setting bed times and using an alarm clock to signal time to wake up at least a few weeks before school starts.
• Eat at regular times throughout the day
• Schedule quiet time … When school is in session, children are required to stay seated for most of the day. This is a significant change from the summer time when kids are moving from activity to activity and are not required to stay focused for long periods of time. To prepare, encourage children to play quiet games, do puzzles and read in intervals throughout the day to help ease them back into the learning process.

Lastly...

• Annual check-ups with a pediatrician are fundamental to ensure that a child is growing and developing appropriately. Part of this check-up includes immunisations, a key item on the back-to-school checklist.
• It is also a good idea to check vision and hearing if there are any concerns there.
• Shoes: A professional fitting is important to ensure you know what size is best, and it is advisable to wait until the week or two before school, just in case of another growth spurt!

Back to school should be an exciting time for parents and children.  Following these simple tips can help get everyone back into the swing of things successfully.

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