With back to school coming up September 8, Lambton Public Health (LPH) is offering tips for kids and parents to be prepared.
Family Health Program Supervisor Kerry Phillips said routines are very important.
"Not just focusing on gathering those school supplies that are needed, but really looking at bringing everything back into some sort of routine with adequate sleep," said Phillips. "It's important to make sure that kids are up to date with their immunizations. Adjust bedtimes and focus back to getting back on those routine schedules."
Phillips said parents may want to limit screen time for kids.
"We really want to reduce that in the evening times to not really have that at all so that kids can wind down," she said. "Disconnect from the screen time and the stimulation that comes with that so they can settle down into those evening routines and be ready to have a good night's sleep."
Phillips said kids need to be starting off their day with some good, solid nutrition.
"That helps them be prepared to go to school and have a good focus and attention and be ready for those learning challenges that are coming their way."
Phillips said with kids sharing common spaces, it's necessary to protect from the spread of cold and flu as well.
She stresses the importance of good hygiene since germs can spread when students are back together.
Phillips notes every child is unique in their sleep needs.
"We know that infants can sleep upwards of 18 to 20 hours a day, teenagers typically need at least nine hours of sleep a night and then children kind of fall somewhere in between that range," she said. Each child is different on how much sleep they need for their best overall functioning."
More information can be found on LPH's website.
