A new school year is here, and that means your kids are headed back to the classroom. Now is the perfect time to pay a visit to your local family medical practice to make certain children are up-to-date on checkups and vaccinations. There are other steps parents can take to keep kids healthy all year long, including the following. 

How to Keep Your Child Healthy Throughout the School Year

1. Encourage Frequent Handwashing

Handwashing is surprisingly effective at reducing contact with germs. Encourage children to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom whenever they're at school. They must use soap and water while scrubbing their hands for at least 20 seconds. You can also provide kids with small bottles of hand sanitizer for those times when they don't have access to soap and running water. 

2. Make Sure Kids Get Enough Sleep

A lack of sleep negatively impacts immune function, which puts kids at a higher risk of illness. Accordingly, you must set a healthy bedtime for your child and stick to it during the year. Most children need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night, so choose your child's bed time according to what time they must wake up. You should also stick to the same bedtime routine on the weekends to ensure quality sleep. 

3. Keep Your Child Home From School When Sick

Keeping your child home when they experience a cold or flu prevents other kids from getting sick. However, it also allows your child time to recover in the peace and comfort of their own homes. In general, kids should stay home if they have a fever, as they're likely to be highly contagious. Any illness that negatively affects their mood or causes fussiness is also a good idea to stay home. Illnesses that cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea also require taking a few days off. 

When the time comes for a back-to-school checkup from a trusted family medical practice, the choice is clear in Anchorage. Arete Family Care, LLC treats patients of all ages, including children in need of exams, vaccinations, and more. They take great care in the treatments they provide, and patients love the calm and relaxing office environment. Contact this family medical practice today by calling (907) 777-1850. You can also visit the website to learn more about their pediatric health services.