MyChart
The start of a new school year is an exciting time for kids, and parents, too. As you get ready for new routines, school supplies, and meet-the-teacher nights, don’t forget to add health to your back-to-school checklist. Healthy kids are better learners: good vision, strong hearing, proper nutrition, and regular checkups all help set your child up for a successful year. Here’s a simple checklist to guide you through the essentials.
Well-child visits and immunizations
Regular health checkups are crucial for tracking your child’s growth and development. They are also the perfect time to ensure they are up-to-date on their immunizations.
Book an appointment with your Welia Health family medicine provider for a well-child visit. The provider will review their medical history, perform a physical exam, and address any health concerns you may have. Remember, well-child visits are recommended annually for all school-aged children and are typically covered by insurance.
All Minnesota students—whether in public, private, online or homeschool—are required to receive certain vaccines or submit an exemption. See the Minnesota Department of Health’s immunization requirements for details by grade level and check with your school district for any additional requirements. Welia Health can provide you with a copy of your child’s records and administer any necessary vaccines.
The well-child visit is a good opportunity to talk to your child’s provider about their mental and emotional well-being, especially if they are feeling anxious about returning to school.
Vision and hearing screenings
Because as much as 80% of classroom learning is visual or auditory, undetected vision or hearing issues can significantly impact a child’s academic success and social development. Early screenings can help identify potential problems before they interfere with learning.
Schedule a vision screening with a Welia Health family medicine provider or an optometrist at our Eye Care Center. Early detection of issues like nearsightedness can prevent headaches, eye strain, and difficulty seeing the board at school. Learn more in this post: The first step to learning – healthy eyes.
A hearing test can identify whether your child is struggling to hear in a noisy classroom environment. If a concern is identified, your provider can refer you to an audiologist for further testing.
The importance of these screenings can’t be overstated. Read more in our Welia Health Connections article: Child struggling? Check their vision and hearing.
General health and wellness
Beyond checkups and screenings, everyday healthy habits help children feel their best and stay ready to learn.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, school-age children need 9–12 hours of sleep each night, while teens need 8–10. A consistent bedtime routine helps kids feel rested and ready to focus. Read our post, Sleep recommendations for kids, to learn more.
Nutritious options fuel both bodies and minds. Involve your child in planning and packing to encourage healthy eating. Check out the USDA’s advice for packing a healthy lunchbox.
Familiarize yourself with the school’s health policies, including guidelines for when to keep a sick child at home, how to handle medication administration at school, and any updated COVID-19 or illness protocols.
Give your child a healthy start this school year
By following this checklist, you’ll help ensure your child is healthy, happy, and prepared to thrive in the classroom and beyond.Don’t wait until the first sick day—schedule your child’s back-to-school checkup today. Call Welia Health at 320.679.1212 or log into MyChart to book an appointment.
