As summer winds down and school bells get ready to ring, many parents are busy buying school supplies, picking out first-day outfits, and figuring out schedules. But one of the most important things you can do to set your child up for a healthy and successful school year happens before they even walk through the classroom door — making sure their health is in top shape.
We recently sat down with Jillian Berkshire, APRN-CNP, a School-Based Telehealth Nurse Practitioner at Aultman Orrville Carrollton Health Center, for our Health Matters podcast. Jillian shared expert advice for parents who want to make this school year the healthiest yet. Here are some of her top tips:
1. Don’t Skip the Child Wellness Exam
A child wellness exam isn’t just a quick check-up — it’s a complete assessment of your child’s physical, mental, and developmental health. Jillian recommends annual wellness exams for children of all ages, starting as early as infancy. This visit helps providers track growth, update vaccines, and catch potential issues before they become bigger problems.
2. Stay on Top of Screenings and Vaccines
Before school starts, ask your provider about vision, hearing, and dental check-ups.
Vision & Hearing: These screenings are vital for learning. Even mild issues can affect reading, concentration, and confidence.
Dental Care: Cavities can cause pain, missed school days, and long-term problems — regular check-ups matter.
Vaccines: Immunizations protect your child and their classmates. Your provider can help you stay up to date on which ones are needed for each grade level.
3. Build Healthy Routines Early
Getting into a school-year rhythm ahead of time makes those first mornings smoother. Jillian suggests:
Establishing a consistent bedtime and wake-up time a week or two before school starts.
Encouraging healthy breakfasts for better focus and energy.
Limiting screen time in the evening to help kids wind down.
4. Make Safety a Priority
From walking to the bus stop to carrying a heavy backpack, safety matters:
Teach safe travel routes and road safety rules.
Choose a backpack that’s not overloaded — ideally less than 10–15% of your child’s body weight.
Make sure kids know how to contact you or another trusted adult in case of emergency.
5. Support Healthy Habits All Year Long
Homework Success: Create a quiet, distraction-free space for study time.
Physical Activity: Encourage daily movement — sports, playground time, or family walks.
Hygiene: Remind kids about regular handwashing and other germ-busting habits.
When They’re Sick: Keep children home when they’re ill and know your options for medical care, including school-based telehealth or local clinics.
Finding a Primary Care Provider
If your family doesn’t have a primary care provider, Jillian encourages parents to seek one now rather than waiting until a health issue arises. Your provider becomes a partner in your child’s growth and development — and can help you navigate everything from routine check-ups to unexpected illnesses.
Bottom line? Back-to-school prep isn’t just about pencils and backpacks — it’s about making sure your child is healthy, rested, and ready to thrive. By following Jillian Berkshire’s tips, you can help your student start the year strong — and keep that momentum going all year long.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast interview with Jillian Berkshire on our Health Matters podcast for even more practical back-to-school health advice.
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