As summer break comes to a close and the school bell rings again, there is more to think about than shopping for school supplies. All children need yearly physicals and up-to-date vaccines, and that’s just the beginning. Fidelis Care’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjiv Shah, offers some tips to help set your child up for school success – and good health.
Offer your child a variety of healthy foods.
Dr. Shah recommends starting the day with a nutritious breakfast and carefully choosing the foods you put in your child’s lunch box. “Those two meals give children the fuel they need to get through the school day, so every bite should have nutritional value,” he says. Try to follow the government’s dietary guidelines: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy and lean meats.
Make sure your child is getting enough exercise.
Physical education classes and school recess may not be enough to keep your child healthy. “One hour of exercise each day is a good goal, but it’s probably more than what your child gets at school,” says Dr. Shah. “Help them stay active by encouraging them to play outside. They will get used to being active, and it will hopefully become a habit for life.”
Set an early bedtime – and stick to it.
Children need to come to school ready to learn, and that means well-rested, says Dr. Shah. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children ages 3 to 5 need 11 to 13 hours of sleep each night. Children between the ages of 5 and 10 need 10 to 11 hours. For children ages 10 to 17 years old, 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep per night is typical. Make sure it’s quality sleep by keeping distractions, such as cell phones and video games, out of the bedroom.
Don’t fall victim to the flu.
Flu season typically peaks around January, but cases pop up as early as October, so be sure to get a flu shot. The CDC recommends a flu vaccine for everyone ages six months and older. While it won’t prevent all strains of influenza, Dr. Shah says the vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself and your children. He also recommends frequent hand washing.
Enroll your child in a health insurance plan.
Almost every child in New York State under age 19 is eligible for health insurance coverage through the New York State-sponsored Child Health Plus program, offered by Fidelis Care. Depending on household income, there may be a modest monthly premium. “As children grow and develop, it is critical they receive regular medical care,” says Dr. Shah. “Doctors can spot small health problems before they become large health problems. We owe it to our children to make their health a priority.”
Fidelis Care is here to help.
Fidelis Care representatives make it as easy as possible to apply for enrollment, often meeting with residents in their homes or at a convenient location in the community. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547), visit fideliscare.org or meet with a representative at a Fidelis Care Community Office location:
Flushing Community Office: 36-36 Main Street, Suite 2SB, Flushing, NY 11354, phone: 718-896-4511
Ridgewood Community Office: 1674 Putnam Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385, phone: 718-896-2694
Sunset Park Community Office: 837 58th Street, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220, phone: 718-633-5308