Summer in the BLA flew by and school is upon us!
At the beginning of the school year mild illnesses, such as coughs, colds, strep throat, ear infection, and stomach viruses are common. To keep your child healthy this school year, we recommend a few easy tips:
1. Eat a healthy breakfast: Ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast every morning, either at home or school if there is a program available. A good breakfast provides energy throughout the day and children who eat breakfast have better focus, more energy and eat healthier throughout the day.
2. Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep helps us manage our emotions and control behavior and impulses. Children who have a regular bedtime routine and obtain an adequate amount of sleep, perform better at school and are sick less often. Most children need 9-11 hours of sleep nightly.
3. Wash your hands! Teach children the importance of hand washing, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
4. Stay active! Exercise helps both the body and mind stay healthy. Encourage 60 minutes of outdoor play daily for children.
5. Don’t share! Avoid sharing cups, utensils or brushes/combs with other students.
If your child is ill, it is important to keep them at home if:
- A fever >100.4. A child must be fever free 24 hours before returning to school.
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Frequent cough
- Head lice
- Pink eye
- Widespread rash
Despite the effort, children will become sick sometimes and we are there for them.
Contact North Star Family Medicine at 218-382-2870 or visit our website at www.northstarfamilymedicine.org to schedule an appointment. We offer well child checks, sports physicals, and same day urgent care visits for your child’s health care needs.
