Believe it o
r not, it’s already back to school time. Whether kids are heading off to school for the first time, or going back for their senior year of high school, it’s important for parents, grandparents and students to do everything they can to insure the school year is safe and healthy.
One of the best ways to keep kids healthy during the school year is to keep them physically active. In Arizona we’re lucky to have great weather that allows kids to walk or bike to school nearly year round. Check out our Arizona Safe Routes to School website to find safe ideas to get to school. As drivers, we need to be on the lookout for more kids in our neighborhoods. Drive with extra caution. Children don’t always see or hear cars approaching when they are talking to their friends or when they have head phones in. And 15 mph means 15 mph. Be extra careful when driving in school zones.
Another way to make sure kids will have a healthy school year is to help them eat a balanced diet. We have some info on our Back to School website like tips to help your kids eat healthier meals at school and at home and ways to keep sack lunches safe. School gardens can help kids eat healthier, keep them physically active, and give them a sense of pride and accomplishment. Take a look at our School Gardens website for information about this great program.
Sun safety is also a priority – especially right now. Take a look at our SunWise Sun Safety site for tips on staying safe in the sun. We also have an Extreme Weather website where you can find more resources, including a video about Heat Illness Prevention in Schools.
On our Back to School website you’ll also find valuable information about birth certificates, shot records, and a list of vaccines kids need. The website also has information about bullying and links to safe teen driving.
Also, a very important thing to keep in mind is the child’s room.
I’ve been working for more than six years in the cleaning business and have seen it all in people’s homes.
Make sure the rooms is well ventilated and has windows to open for more fresh, oxygen-filled air.
Make sure there is a good source of natural sunlight. Artificial light can harm your child’s health, especially when they have to focus hard while doing homework.
Make sure the rooms is thoroughly cleaned frequently, by you, or a professional. Dust and vacuum regularly to prevent accumulation of hard particles.
Also, colours play an important role for how we feel within a room.
Pick orange and yellow for energy, happiness, brightness and warmth.
Pick blue for a calming sensation, wisdom, intelligence and peace of mind.
Pick green for tranquillity, relaxation and healing.
Though the effects are subtle, they are recognizable within the long run.
Hope this helps 🙂