As the school year kicks off, families shift back into routines filled with early mornings, packed lunches, homework, and after-school activities. While the focus is often on school supplies and schedules, it’s just as important to think about children’s health during this busy season. Here are a few key things to keep in mind as your kids head back to the classroom.
Pediatric Primary Care
Whether your child needs a routine wellness visit, sick visit, vaccinations, or laboratory services, Valley’s primary care practice in Montvale, New Jersey is here for you. We provide trusted care and treatments so that every child may live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible, while helping parents find satisfaction in the most challenging but rewarding role as caregivers. If a patient is in need of subspecialty care, referral appointments can be scheduled with Valley and Mount Sinai pediatric subspecialists. Our subspecialists practice in multiple locations in Bergen County and New York City. Learn more at ValleyHealth.com/PediatricPrimaryCare.
Getting Kids Back to Sleep
Summer has ended, and it is now time to get back into routine! Getting your kids to sleep on time is important, but so is making sure they get good, quality sleep. We need good and continuous sleep for normal growth and development, and part of development includes learning.
Help your child unwind at bedtime by limiting electronics at least two hours before bedtime. Blue light affects sleep, and children should only use these devices for up to two hours a day. Try reading a book or listening to soothing music to help them relax. It is also important to make sure the bedroom is quiet, dark, and set to a comfortable temperature. If possible, the bed should be used for sleep only.
If your child is struggling with nighttime awakenings, restlessness, sweaty sleep, snoring, or mouth breathing, there may be something more going on. Valley’s pediatric pulmonology team diagnoses and treats all types of respiratory diseases and disorders in infants, children, and adolescents, offering a high level of medical expertise and child-friendly focused care that puts young patients and their families at ease. Learn more at ValleyHealth.com/PediatricPulmonology.
Could Your Child Have a Vision Problem?
An important responsibility parents have is monitoring their child’s development, and detecting vision problems may be challenging. Unlike adults, children may not always recognize or express when something is wrong with their eyesight.
Some signs your child may have a vision problem include:
- Eye strain, such as squinting and eye rubbing
- Head tiling
- Headaches and sensitivity to light
- Regularly complaining of blurry vision, double vision, or eye discomfort
- Avoiding activities such as reading, drawing, coloring, and playing board games
- Difficulty with reading, learning to read, or losing their place when reading or doing homework
- Abnormal eye movements
- Poor school performance, grades, or behavioral issues
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding a book or iPad too close to their eyes
- Covering one eye while reading or seeing objects
As a parent, make sure to keep these signs in mind and keep in close communication with teachers, as they can often be the first to notice vision problems in children. If you think your child may have a vision problem, schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor.
Preparing for Sports Seasons
One important step to get your child ready for a great year of sports is completing a sports physical. While it may seem like just another item on the checklist, a sports physical plays a critical role in ensuring young athletes are healthy, safe, and ready to perform their best.
Sports physicals are essential for student-athletes – from middle school to high school and college – who are returning to play or starting a new season. They are also important for athletes recovering from an injury or surgery to determine if they’re ready to safely return to their sport.
It’s best to schedule a sports physical a few weeks prior to the start of the athletic season. This gives enough time to address any medical concerns or obtain additional testing if needed – so your athlete won’t miss a single practice or game.
Learn more at ValleyHealth.com/SportsMedicine.
