As the summer draws to a close, families everywhere are gearing up for another exciting school year. At Abarca, we understand the critical role of health in academic readiness, so we have prepared an in-depth look at five key areas to focus on as you prepare your children for the upcoming school year:
1. Schedule Immunizations and Annual Health Check-Ups
Before the school bell rings, make an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider or visit your local pharmacy. Annual wellness exams and required immunizations help ensure your child meets school health requirements—and more importantly, support their overall growth and development.
During the visit, don’t forget to:
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Address any chronic conditions or allergy concerns
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Review medications and school-day management plans
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Monitor developmental milestones and discuss any health concerns
Learn more about recommended vaccines by age from the CDC’s Immunization Schedule.
Find tips for back-to-school health visits at the American Academy of Pediatrics.
2. Focus on Healthy Eating Habits during the Back-to-School season
Fueling your child’s body and brain with proper nutrition is critical for focus, energy, and immune function during the school year. As you plan lunches and after-school snacks:
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Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
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Teach the importance of regular meals and hydration
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Limit sugary snacks and highly processed foods
Explore balanced meal ideas from MyPlate.gov.
Read about school nutrition tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
3. Back-to-School: Reinforce Good Hygiene Practices
Schools are hotspots for germs, so teaching kids effective hygiene is a must.
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Emphasize proper handwashing (before meals, after recess, etc.)
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Teach kids to cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow
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Pack hand sanitizer in backpacks for use when soap and water aren’t available
The CDC’s Clean Hands Campaign offers great hygiene resources for families.
Also, encourage cleanliness in shared spaces like desks and cafeteria tables.
4. Protect Eye Health in a Digital World
With increased screen time in classrooms and at home, eye health should not be overlooked.
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Schedule an annual vision screening—even if no problems are reported
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Discuss strategies to reduce digital eye strain with your eye care provider (e.g., 20-20-20 rule)
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Encourage breaks from screens during homework or digital learning
The American Optometric Association explains how to prevent computer vision syndrome in kids.
Tips for protecting children’s eyesight from the National Eye Institute.
5. Support Mental and Emotional Well-being
Children thrive when their mental health is supported. As school routines return, help your child manage emotional transitions.
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Create open lines of communication to talk about feelings and challenges
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Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness
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Set realistic goals and encourage breaks during study time
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Watch for signs of anxiety, stress, or behavioral changes
Check out Mental Health America’s Back-to-School Toolkit for resources.
Review parenting guidance on supporting emotional wellness from HealthyChildren.org.
Start the School Year Strong
By taking these proactive steps, you can help your child feel confident, healthy, and ready to take on the new school year. From updated vaccinations to nutritious lunches and emotional support, every small action adds up to big results in your child’s academic journey.
Stay connected with Abarca for more health tips and resources to support your family all year long.
About Abarca
At Abarca, we believe in an Unstoppable Drive for a Better Way. Our commitment to making healthcare seamless and personalized for all drives us to innovate in AI, drug trend management, and predictive analytics. By transforming challenges into opportunities, we deliver PBM like no one else: better patient outcomes and a revolutionary healthcare experience. Join us in shaping the future at the intersection of technology and care!