Back-to-School Starts with Good Health
Far Rockaway, New York, August 3, 2026 — Episcopal Health Services Pediatrician Offers Expert Advice for Parents
Back-to-school season can be hectic, but your child’s health doesn’t have to be. A little preparation before the first day of school can help ensure your child is healthy, confident, and ready to learn. Annual checkups, healthy routines, and guidance from your pediatrician can set your family up for a successful school year. According to Cynthia Criss, DO, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Episcopal Health Services, back-to-school preparation isn’t just about buying notebooks and backpacks. “It’s about making sure children are physically and emotionally ready to succeed. Consistent sleep schedules, nutritious meals and annual checkups all play an important role in helping children concentrate, manage stress, and perform their best both inside and outside the classroom.”
To help prepare parents for back-to-school, Dr. Criss shares healthy habits for the new year:
- Schedule an Annual Well-Child Visit: Annual physical exams help ensure children are growing and developing appropriately. Make sure to complete medical forms before the school year begins.
- Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: Before school starts, make sure your child is current on all recommended immunizations, including the annual flu vaccine. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children 6 months of age and older receive a flu shot each year. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children. Flu season typically begins in the fall and peaks between December and February.
- Prioritize Healthy Sleep: A consistent sleep schedule helps children stay focused, improves learning, supports emotional well-being, and strengthens the immune system. Begin adjusting bedtimes one to two weeks before school starts, and limit screens for at least one hour before bedtime.
- Start the Day with a Healthy Breakfast: Busy mornings can make breakfast easy to skip. Giving your child a balanced breakfast with protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provides them with the energy to stay focused and engaged throughout the school day.
- Practice Backpack Safety: An overloaded backpack with heavy books and sports equipment can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a child’s backpack should weigh no more than 5% to 10% of their total body weight. To prevent pain, a backpack should also be worn using both shoulder straps and fit snug against the back without hanging too low.
- Support Your Child’s Emotional Well-Being: Starting a new school year can bring both excitement and anxiety. Talk with your child about what to expect, encourage them to share any concerns, and watch for signs of stress, anxiety, or depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 31.9% of adolescents experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Early conversations can help children feel more confident and supported during the transition.
About Episcopal Health Services
Episcopal Health Services Inc., (EHS) is a health system located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, New York. The system provides emergency and ambulatory care to the densely populated, culturally and economically diverse, and medically underserved Rockaways and Five Towns populations. The system provides people of all faiths with comprehensive preventive, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services, regardless of their ability to pay.