Back To School for The 2022-2023 Year

Another school year is quickly approaching, especially for our Arizona students. Dr. Nichole Shiffler discusses recommendations below for school readiness in school-aged children and adolescents. 

Stay Up to Date with Vaccines Including COVID-19

One way to maintain good health this school year is to prevent illnesses or reduce illness severity with vaccinations. For those children that received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends a booster at least five months after the final dose in the primary series. With increased vaccination rates, there is a lower disease burden, reducing the rates of illnesses.  

Address Anxiety About Returning to The Classroom

Anxiety over a new situation is a natural and developmental part of childhood. Make the first day back easier by rehearsing the new situation. Take your child to the new school or classroom. If possible, attend a "Meet the Teacher" or orientation night. Remind your child that most children will also be nervous about returning to school. Ask them directly about what might be making them anxious and help problem-solve ways to encounter their new situation with ease. Consider walking or driving your child to school on the first day to reduce potential stressors. 

Adjust Their Sleep Schedule

Children who do not get adequate sleep can have trouble maintaining focus during the school day. Aim to adjust your child’s sleep schedule the week prior to the start of school. Make sure to have all electronic devices turned off at a minimum of one hour before bedtime. And consider limiting social media use to a maximum of one hour per day. 

Set Them Up for Wellness

COVID-19 illness rates have recently increased. Encourage your child to wear a mask when in close contact with others and for ten days if they come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Children should stay home when ill. Proper handwashing and hand sanitizing can help to prevent the spread of illnesses. Reinforce the appropriate technique for covering sneezes and coughs.

Schedule An Appointment

If there is anything you or your child would like addressed before or after school starts, bring your child to Be Well Medical Primary Care for an exam.

Contact Be Well Medical Primary Care at (480) 219-9900 to schedule a wellness visit or sports physical or if there is anything else we can do to assist in a healthy school year.

RESOURCES:

1. https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/immunization/school-childcare/immunizations-preschool.pdf

2. https://www.azdhs.gov/topics/index.php#schools-vaccinations

3. https://parentingscience.com/Electronic-media-and-sleep-problems-in-children/

4. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Making-the-First-Day-of-School-Easier.aspx

Author

Nichole Shiffler, NMD Dr. Nichole Shiffler is a naturopathic primary care physician and medical director of Be Well Medical Primary Care. Dr. Shiffler focuses her practice on women's and pediatric medicine. Dr. Shiffler also has an extensive history of treating irregular menstrual cycles, thyroid disease, menopause, acne, PCOS, and diabetes. She utilizes nutrition and herbal medicine to deliver an effective treatment plan to her patients. Dr. Shiffler is available for patient care at Be Well Medical Primary Care. Call (480) 219-9900 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shiffler.