5 quick tips for back-to-school!

It’s back-to-school time, here are a few quick tips to make this year a success!

#1 – Maintaining adequate length of sleep and a regular bedtime (sleeping and waking at the same hours) all week long and on the weekends, and avoiding studying in bed can help to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

#2 – Starting the day with a hearty, balanced breakfast that includes a good source of protein (e.g. eggs, seeds, legumes, etc.), can help keep kids full for longer, balance blood sugars and support mental focus and cognitive function throughout the day.

#3 – Kids need a minimum of one hour of physical activity per day. This should include both muscle strengthening (e.g. gymnastics) and bone strengthening (e.g. skipping rope) activities. Encouraging kids to go outside, be active and socialize can go a long way towards their future health.

#4 – Children should be encouraged to use restrooms at school regularly and should be taught how to do so hygienically. It is important that children learn to respond to bowel urges and not delay bowel movements (or “hold it”) to maintain healthy bowel regularity and health.

#5 – A good school bag should be no more than 15% of the child’s body weight when full, have wide, cushioned shoulder straps, a waist strap and should be worn so that the bottom of the bag sits above the waist line.