Five tips to get back-to-school ready
You've probably been busy stocking up on new clothes, pens, pencils and notebooks in preparation for the school year ahead. But ask yourself this question: Does your checklist include more than just gadgets and gear? Does it include these tips to help you and your kids get ready to take on the new school year?
Five quick tips to get back-to-school ready
1.
Check in on your child's overall health.
Schedule an annual physical, get in for a dental check-up and make sure your child can see clearly. Many preventive screenings are included in your benefits at no cost when done by a primary care provider or another in-network provider. Plus, many of these preventive screenings are required for your child to attend school or participate in extracurricular activities. If you’re wondering what’s needed, check with your child’s primary care provider, the school or your health department.
By the way — what about your health? This time of year is a great reminder to schedule any appointments you may have been putting off.
“While we often think about back-to-school as just for the kids, it’s also the perfect opportunity to take a look at your own health,” says Julie Enga, team leader of employer consulting and well-being services at Wellmark.
Take advantage of your no cost benefits with myWellmark®
Many preventive visits and services for you and your children are covered at no cost to you. Log in to myWellmark to see what preventive benefits you have left to use this year and find a primary care provider near you.
2.
Make sure their immunizations are up to date.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines are one of the best ways parents can protect infants, children and teens from harmful diseases. Some states require certain vaccinations.
Vaccine recommendations and guidelines tend to change year to year. Talk to your primary care provider or review these easy-to-read schedules from the CDC to make sure your child has all the proper immunizations.
3.
Start getting into a normal bedtime routine.
While your child's bedtime might have been flexible throughout the summer, don’t let the first day of school be the first alarm clock they’ve heard in weeks.
The National Sleep Foundation says the weeks leading up to going back to school are the perfect time to return to a school-appropriate sleep schedule. Each night, set a slightly earlier bedtime and in the morning, a slightly earlier wake-up. Once a sleep schedule is established, it’s important to stick with it.
4.
Encourage healthy food choices.
We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. According to the CDC, children who eat breakfast do better in school and have better mental health. Have some quick, easy items in the house that’ll set your child up for success. Try putting together these protein bars on the weekend for a quick, healthy snack you can have all week, or whip up this trail mix that the whole family can grab on the go.
At lunchtime, encourage your children to eat a variety of different foods that fall into the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. If you’re packing a cold lunch, be sure to invest in an insulated lunch box and ice pack to keep perishable foods cold until lunchtime. Keeping hot foods hot is just as important, so use an insulated container for things like soups.
5.
Have your health insurance benefits ready.
Have a child heading off to college soon? It's important to do a little homework ahead of time — especially if your child is going to school out-of-state. Use our find a provider tool on myWellmark to find an in-network provider near your child’s school and remind them to check myWellmark before seeking care.
Make sure their packing list includes their Wellmark ID card. That little card has all the information needed to file a claim if they need services. Need an extra card? Log in to myWellmark to request one or view a digital version.