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Back-to-school health: Essential tips for preparing your child for a safe school year

Consistent routines support development of healthy habits, help children understand what to expect each day

A pediatric emergency medicine doctor meets with a patient. (Children's Hospital of Michigan.)

As families gear up for the new school year, there’s more to consider than just school supplies and backpacks. Ensuring your child’s health and readiness for any potential emergencies is crucial.

Dr. Kelly Levasseur, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, shared five valuable insights on how parents can prepare and respond to health issues as school resumes:

1. Prepare your child’s health for back-to-school

“One of the most important things parents can do to prepare their child for back to school is to establish a healthy back-to-school routine,” Levasseur said.

Consistent routines support the development of healthy habits and help children understand what to expect each day.

A key component of this routine is to ensure your child gets adequate sleep.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), proper sleep is linked to better attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life and overall health in children and teenagers.

The AASM recommends:

  • Preschoolers receive 10 to 13 hours of sleep.
  • Grade schoolers get 9 to 12 hours.
  • Teenagers aim for 8 to 10 hours.

Additionally, it’s essential to communicate any special health care needs to the school nurse. If your child has asthma or severe allergies, ensure their health plan is well-documented and that the school has necessary medications like EpiPens and inhalers on hand, with at least two staff members trained in their use.

Levasseur also highlighted the importance of back-to-school physicals.

“Back-to-school physicals are a great way to check in with your child’s overall health, physical fitness, mental health and nutrition,” Levasseur said. “This is also a great time to check that your child is up to date on any vaccines or immunizations that their school may require.”

2. When should a child stay home from school?

Understanding when a child should stay home from school is crucial for preventing the spread of illness and ensuring proper recovery. Levasseur advised keeping your child home if they exhibit the following symptoms:

  • A fever more than 100.4 degrees. They can return to school after being fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.
  • Vomiting and an inability to keep food or liquids down.
  • Difficulty breathing.

If you’re unsure about whether your child should stay home, consult their doctor or health care provider.

3. Common concerns in the emergency department

Levasseur said the emergency department (ED) tends to get busier about two weeks after school begins, as kids begin sharing germs and catching colds.

“We see a lot of children come into the emergency department with cold symptoms, fever, cough, runny nose, congestion, fatigue and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea,” Levasseur said.

A significant concern is dehydration and difficulty breathing, which can require immediate medical attention.

“What we worry about most when kids get these types of illnesses is dehydration and having a really hard time breathing,” she said.

4. When to see a pediatrician vs. going to the ED

For injuries or symptoms requiring immediate attention, it’s crucial to know when to visit the ED.

Playground accidents, sports injuries and serious falls are signs that a trip to the ED might be necessary, particularly if you suspect broken bones.

“In general, if your child seems like they are in a lot of distress -- if it looks like they are having a really hard time breathing and it lasts for more than a minute or two -- that would be a time when you would want to bring them into the ED,” Levasseur said. “Another sign can be when your child is not interacting with you in the way they usually do, like if they seem confused or very tired.”

If in doubt, parents can call their child’s pediatrician to discuss symptoms and determine the best course of action.

5. Comparing adult and pediatric emergency signs

Levasseur said the same signs physicians look for in kids generally also applies to adults. The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) operates six Emergency Departments (EDs) across Metro Detroit, including four locations for adults, while two are dedicated to pediatric emergency care in Detroit and Troy.

“All our ED’s are staffed with emergency physicians, triage nurses and support staff, all who are equipped to handle any type of emergency that may come in through our doors,” Levasseur said.

Preparing for the school year involves more than just shopping for supplies. By focusing on your child’s health and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can help ensure a safe and successful school year.

For more information on emergency services at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, visit DMC.org/ChildrensER.