It is back to school time again, and this year, in the shadow of Covid-19, it will be like no other, with many parents still wondering whether to send their children to school or not.
There is no doubt that school plays a vital role in our children’s lives, not only on the educational level but for their social and emotional development as well. This time of change is the perfect opportunity to implement some tweaks in their habits for a healthy and happy back to school transition.
Parents should educate their children on how to stay safe and protect themselves from all kinds of germs by practising good hand hygiene which is one of our best defences against getting sick. Packing a hand sanitiser is the best way to combat germs, but if their hands are soiled with dirt, the hands need to be washed thoroughly with soap and water. It is important to teach your children the cough and sneeze etiquette; this practice will keep the germs off their hands. Maintaining a physical distance of not less than two metres and always wearing a face mask are essential habits to avoid germ transmission.
Parents must remind their children to avoid sharing drinks, foods, and utensils with friends to prevent transmitting germs.
Also, parents need to make sure that their children are up to date with their annual physical checkup and vaccinations.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, children between the ages of 6 and 12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night, while teenagers between the ages of 13 and18 need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Therefore, parents should help their children adjust their sleeping schedule to increase their performance in school.
Studies have shown that children who eat a healthy balanced breakfast and lunch do better in school. Parents should encourage their kids to drink an adequate amount of water and pack creative lunch boxes to entice their children to eat new fruits and vegetables. Over the counter vitamins and nutritional supplements are not recommended unless under medical advice and children should get their vitamins from their food instead.
In a way, the young child’s immune system has not been exposed to many infections, making him more prone to illness than older kids and adults, who have built up immunity to many germs. Parents are probably aware of how to treat their child’s ear infection, cold, stomach bug, pink eye, head lice and strep throat. Still, parents should be aware of serious signs and symptoms that require immediate medical advice. These include not drinking enough fluids, high fever or fever with rash, rapid breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin colour, drowsiness, confusion or flu-like symptoms that are worsening.
Ease your child’s worries, accept their feelings and help them adjust to the new normal.
Be safe, be healthy and know that there are brighter days ahead!
Dr. Nevine Elkabbany
Specialist Pediatrician – Mediclinic Welcare Hospital
Mediclinic Welcare Hospital now houses more than 10 paediatric sub-specialities with a wide range of experienced doctors who are here to hold your little one’s hand and take care of them.
Call 800 1999 for more info.
www.mediclinic.ae/paediatric-and-nicu-services
24/7 Telemedicine Services, 24/7 ER,
24/7 home delivery of medication
www.mediclinic.ae/telemedicine-services
For peace of mind, we at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital are just one call away for both adults and children. No appointment needed.
Call 800 1999 to speak to our team of experts.
Back to School Offers
www.mediclinic.ae/back-to-school
Mediclinic Welcare Hospital offers special pricing for PCR testing. In order to take advantage of the special rate, you are kindly requested to present your student, teacher or employee ID card.
Call 800 1999 for more info or write to us at
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