7-23-2025 10:10pm

Mercy Health Offers Essential Back-to-School Health Guidance for a Successful Academic Year

Beth Callahan Editor

SOUTH LEBANON, OH --It’s hard to believe we’re here, but back-to-school shopping and class list distribution have already begun! As students prepare to return to classrooms, Mercy Health is emphasizing the critical importance of proactive back-to-school health measures to ensure children are healthy, happy, and ready to learn. With a focus on preventive care, Mercy Health encourages parents to prioritize well-child visits, vaccinations, vision checks, and open communication with schools.

"Vaccines are important to prevent communicable diseases," states Catherine M. Weathers, CNP, a nurse practitioner at Mercy Health – Maineville Primary Care. "These diseases can cause lifelong complications for children, which are preventable. The vaccines will allow children to be free of complications such as polio, measles, and tetanus."

Mercy Health highlights several key areas for parents to focus on before the new school year begins:

Prioritize Well-Child Checkups

Late summer is the ideal time for an annual checkup. These appointments are crucial for monitoring growth and development, screening for hearing problems, discussing behavioral or emotional concerns, and tracking overall health history. A comprehensive checkup ensures that children are physically ready for the demands of school.

Keep Vaccinations Up-to-Date

Vaccines are a cornerstone of preventing the spread of diseases in school settings. Weathers emphasizes the importance of immunizations for illnesses such as chickenpox, COVID-19, the flu, HPV, and meningococcal disease. Parents should consult their child's healthcare provider to ensure that all necessary vaccinations are up to date.

Schedule Vision Checks

Poor vision can significantly impact a child's academic performance and self-esteem. Approximately 5% of children experience vision issues, making regular checks vital. Parents should inquire about school vision tests or schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to ensure their child can see clearly.

Inform the School of Health Needs

Maintaining open communication with the school is crucial for a child's safety and well-being. Parents should provide up-to-date emergency contact information and inform the school of any medical conditions, medications, or allergies (e.g., bee stings, eggs, latex, milk, nuts, pollen, soy, wheat) that could impact their child's school day.

Foster Creativity and Responsibility

Beyond physical health, nurturing a child's creativity and independence can greatly benefit their emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills. "Encouraging children’s creativity allows them to learn how to problem solve," Catherine Weathers explains. "Creative play makes children process how things work as well as analyze how they work." Encouraging children to choose their masks, pack personal hand sanitizer, or help organize their school supplies can foster responsibility and reduce germ spread.

Additional Back-to-School Tips:

Healthy Habits: Encourage nutritious breakfasts and snacks, limit sugary drinks and screen time, and ensure adequate sleep (at least eight hours nightly).
Backpack Safety: Opt for rolling backpacks if books are heavy, and ensure traditional backpacks have adjustable straps, padding, and multiple pockets.
Adjusting to School: Establish consistent bedtime routines, gradually reintroduce school schedules, and discuss any anxieties openly.

By adopting a proactive approach to health and wellness, parents, teachers, and school staff can work together to create a safe and supportive environment that enables children to thrive throughout the academic year.

For any physical or emotional concerns, parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their child's health care provider.