Back-to-School Ready: 7 Ways to Protect Your Kids from Illness

7 Smart (and Simple) Ways to Fight Back-to-School Bugs

1. 1. Make Handwashing Fun: Use songs, stickers, or fun soap to build strong habits.
   2. Pack “Power Foods”: Fruits, veggies, protein, and yogurt help support immunity.
   3. Prioritize Sleep: Kids need 9–12 hours to stay healthy and fight off illness.
   4. Clean the Backpack Zone: Wipe down backpacks weekly and wash lunchboxes daily.
   5. Teach Germ Defense: Sneezes in elbows, tissues for noses—make it a game.
   6. Stay Home When Sick (Even If They Miss Pajama Day): It’s tempting to send kids to school for that one special event, but resting at home prevents the bug from making the rounds. Schools appreciate it, and so will other parents!
   7. Keep in Touch with Teachers: Teachers are on the front lines. Stay in the loop about illness trends in class, and don’t hesitate to ask about hygiene practices or classroom cleaning routines.

Don’t Forget: Schedule Your Back-to-School Physical Today

Appointments fill up quickly.

Click here to find the location nearest to you.

Back-to-School Physicals Include

• Growth and development checks
• Immunization reviews and updates
• Preventive care and early detection

Sports Physicals Available

Required for many fall sports and recommended for all student athletes.

Most major insurances accepted. For a full list click here.