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Start the school year on a healthy note

Healthier kids are better learners.1 That’s why it’s important to make sure your child gets the care recommended for their age group.


Essential well-child visits

Think of your family pediatrician as your partner in helping your child become their healthiest, brightest self. Yearly well-child visits are the perfect time for you and your child’s doctor to talk about your child’s physical, behavioral, and social health needs.

Bring a list of things you’d like to discuss. Your doctor can help you understand what’s appropriate for your child’s age and develop a personalized care plan.

During the yearly well-child visit, your child’s doctor may:2,3

  • Give scheduled vaccines to prevent illness.
  • Track growth and development, including behavioral and learning milestones.
  • Discuss relationships, nutrition, exercise, social media, and safety in the home and at school.

Vaccines and screenings

Help protect your child’s health by keeping up with recommended vaccines.4 Ask your child’s doctor which vaccines are appropriate for their health needs, especially if they have a condition that puts them at higher risk. If your child has fallen behind on vaccines, talk with their doctor about how to catch them up.

Health screenings are routine tests that doctors use to check for health concerns before symptoms develop. During a well-child visit, your child’s doctor might check for common health conditions.

For a list of screenings and vaccines recommended based on age and gender, visit the Preventive Care and Guidelines tool on HealthLink.com.


Building stronger brains and bodies

What we eat helps our bodies and brains work their best. While most American children eat up to half of their daily calories at school, you can teach your child how to make healthy choices.5 If you need help, myplate.gov is a great resource.

The best foods for the brain and body include.6

  • Colorful fruits and vegetables.
  • Whole grains, like oatmeal and whole wheat cereals and bread.
  • Lean proteins, like chicken, fish, or tofu.
  • Low-fat dairy products, like 2% milk and yogurt.
  • Limited amounts of saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium (salt).
  • Being overweight or obese is as hard on kids as it is on adults. It puts their health at risk for conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint conditions, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.7 Children with obesity also are more likely to experience social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem.8 Eating nutritious foods and being active are important steps for their lifelong whole health and well-being.

Being smarter about sleep

After a day of activity, kids’ brains and bodies need to recover. Getting enough sleep helps keep kids healthy, strengthen memory, and stay focused at school. Most children ages 6 to 18 need 8 to 12 hours of sleep each night.9 To help your child sleep better:10

  • Put away phones and turn off all screens — computers, laptops, tablets, and TVs — at least one hour before bed.
  • Aim for the same bedtime each night.
  • Encourage winding down with a book or a warm bath or shower.
  • Get exercise during the day but avoid it before bed.
  • Avoid caffeine and sugar in the late afternoon and evening.

Reducing back-to-school anxiety

The demands of a new school year can cause stress for students. You can help your child manage back-to-school anxiety by:

  • Acknowledging their feelings and frustrations.
  • Modeling positive attitudes.
  • Reaching out for help when you need it.

If your child’s anxiety continues, talk with your pediatrician, who may refer you to a behavioral health specialist. To find a doctor or therapist in your plan’s network, use the Find a Doctor tool on HealthLink.com.


Keeping eye health in sight

Eyesight can impact your child’s health and well-being. Children who have trouble with their eyes may not feel well and may not do as well in school.11 That’s why yearly eye exams are recommended starting between the ages of 3 and 5.

Common vision conditions in children, such as eye alignment and focus, can be missed during the eye tests given in schools. These conditions can cause symptoms of eye strain, such as headaches, low energy, and poor attention.


  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Health and Academics (August 19, 2022): cdc.gov.
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics: AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits (July 24, 2023): healthychildren.org.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Catch Up on Well-Child Visits and Recommended Vaccinations (March 21, 2023): cdc.gov.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age (November 16, 2023): cdc.gov.
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: School Nutrition (March 3, 2023): cdc.gov.
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Nutrition Facts (August 5, 2022): cdc.gov.
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Consequences of Obesity (July 15, 2022): cdc.gov.
  8. American Academy of Pediatrics: The Emotional Toll of Obesity (March 9, 2021): healthychildren.org.
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Sleep and Health (July 18, 2023): cdc.gov.
  10. American Academy of Pediatrics: Back-to-School Tips for Families (August 23, 2023): healthychildren.org.
  11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Keep an Eye on Your Child’s Vision (February 24, 2023): cdc.gov.