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A Healthy Head Start: Prepping Your Child for a Thriving School Year

The Importance of Timely Antibiotic Intervention

Healthy kids make happy learners.

A Healthy Head Start: Prepping Your Child for a Thriving School Year

As summer draws to a close, it’s time to shift our focus to the upcoming school year. Preparing your child for back-to-school goes beyond new backpacks and school supplies; it’s about ensuring their overall health and wellness. This guide will help you navigate the transition, setting your child up for a successful and healthy academic year.

1. Physical Health Preparations

Sleep Schedules: Quality sleep is crucial for learning and overall health. Gradually adjust your child’s sleep schedule to match school-year routines. Start shifting bedtimes and wake-up times earlier about two weeks before school starts. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night, depending on your child’s age. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book together or listening to calm music, and limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.

Nutrition: Proper nutrition fuels both body and mind. Establish healthy eating habits now to carry into the school year. Plan balanced meals and snacks, focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider involving your child in meal planning and preparation to encourage healthy choices and teach valuable life skills. Prepare healthy after-school snacks in advance to avoid relying on processed foods when time is tight.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise is essential for physical health and cognitive function. Maintain regular physical activity, aiming for at least 60 minutes daily. This could include outdoor play, organized sports, dance classes, or family activities like bike rides, hikes, or swimming. Encourage a mix of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility work. Remember, physical activity can also be a great way to relieve stress and improve mood.

| About 3 million children (or 5.8% of school children overall) missed at least 15 days of school in 2022 for health-related reasons |

2. Mental and Emotional Wellness

Addressing Anxiety: It’s normal for children to feel anxious about returning to school. Create an open, supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their concerns. Talk openly about what they’re looking forward to and what might be worrying them. Validate their feelings and help them develop coping strategies, such as deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, or visualization techniques. If anxiety seems severe or persistent, consider consulting a mental health professional.

Building Resilience: Resilience is a crucial life skill that helps children navigate challenges. Encourage a growth mindset by praising effort over results. Help your child understand that mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth. Set achievable goals together and break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Share stories of how you’ve overcome obstacles in your own life to model resilience.

Establishing Routines: Predictable routines can provide a sense of security and reduce stress. Create consistent daily routines, including homework time, family meals, and bedtime rituals. Use visual schedules for younger children to help them understand and follow the routine. Be flexible when needed, but try to maintain overall consistency. Include some downtime in the routine for relaxation and free play.

3. Social Health

Reconnecting with Friends: Social connections are vital for children’s well-being. Arrange playdates or video calls with classmates before school starts to help your child reconnect socially. If your child is entering a new school, see if you can attend any orientation events or meet-and-greets to familiarize them with their new environment and potentially meet new classmates.

Discussing Social Expectations: Have open conversations about school rules, appropriate behavior, and how to interact positively with peers and teachers. Role-play different social scenarios to help your child practice responses. Discuss concepts like empathy, kindness, and inclusion. Address any concerns about bullying and make sure your child knows how to seek help if needed.

4. Academic Readiness

Gradual Reintroduction of Learning Activities: Ease back into academic mode by incorporating light learning activities into your daily routine. Read together daily, choosing books on topics that interest your child. Practice math skills through games, cooking activities, or real-world applications like calculating tips or discounts. Engage in educational outings to museums, nature centers, or historical sites to spark curiosity and learning.

Setting Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable academic and personal goals for the year ahead. This can boost motivation and self-confidence. Use the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to guide goal-setting. Regularly review and adjust goals as needed, celebrating progress along the way.

5. Health and Safety Measures

Comprehensive Health Check-ups: Schedule a visit with your pediatrician for a thorough health assessment before the school year begins. This check-up can help identify any potential health concerns and ensure your child is in optimal health for learning and growth. Discuss any changes in your child’s health, behavior, or development since their last visit. Don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns, no matter how small they may seem.

Preventive Care: Talk with your healthcare provider about any necessary preventive measures or screenings appropriate for your child’s age and health history. This might include discussions about nutrition, physical activity, sleep habits, and mental health.

Vision and Hearing Tests: Consider having your child’s vision and hearing checked, as these can significantly impact learning ability and classroom performance. Many learning difficulties can be traced back to undiagnosed vision or hearing problems. If your child already wears glasses or uses hearing aids, ensure they’re in good condition and the prescription is up-to-date.

Dental Health: Oral health is an important part of overall wellness. Schedule a dental check-up if it’s been a while since your child’s last visit. Discuss proper brushing and flossing techniques, and consider protective measures like sealants if recommended by your dentist.

Hygiene Practices: Reinforce good hygiene habits to prevent the spread of common illnesses in school settings. Teach proper handwashing techniques, including washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Practice covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or the elbow. Emphasize the importance of not sharing personal items like water bottles, utensils, or hygiene products.

Emergency Information: Update the school and any caregivers with current emergency contact information and any changes in your child’s health status or medications. If your child has any allergies or chronic health conditions, ensure that the school has a clear action plan in place.

Medication Supply: Consider having your own supply of emergency pediatric medications on hand for your child, for instances where getting to your doctor is difficult or impossible—such as family trips, or power outages and natural disasters. Learn more about the medications offered in the KidCase.

By taking a holistic approach, you can help your child start the school year feeling confident, healthy, and ready to learn. Remember, every child is unique, so tailor these suggestions to your child’s individual needs and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. With thoughtful preparation, you can set the stage for a successful and healthy school year.

– Your partners in preparedness: Jase.com

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Allergy Season and the Risk of Respiratory Infections

Don’t let allergies turn into something more serious!

It’s that time of year. The weather is lovely, the flowers are in bloom, the birds are chirping, and the tissues are flying? Summer’s around the corner, and Spring is certainly in the air, but so are the allergens.

With all the increased activity in springtime, both from us and in nature, the pollen, mold, dust, dander, and dirt all get stirred up too. This not only exacerbates allergies but can lead to respiratory infections too – unless we take precautions.

So let’s look at why springtime allergies can be a double whammy for your respiratory health.

The Allergy Season

Spring through Fall are notorious for their higher pollen counts, which can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and coughing. These symptoms occur when the immune system overreacts to the presence of pollen, releasing chemicals like histamine that cause inflammation and irritation.

| According to the CDC 25.7% of adults, and 18.9% of children in the U.S. suffer from seasonal allergies. |

The Link to Respiratory Infections:

One of the lesser-known effects of springtime allergies is their potential to increase the risk of respiratory infections. The inflammation and irritation caused by allergic reactions can weaken the immune system’s ability to defend against viruses and bacteria, making individuals more susceptible to infections like the common cold and flu.

Drainage Difficulties:

Another way allergies put you at risk is by creating drainage issues. The constant runny nose and congestion that plague allergy sufferers are your body’s attempt to flush out irritants. However, this constant flow can actually become counterproductive. Mucus can become thick and sticky, making it harder to clear out and potentially trapping pathogens that could lead to infection.

What can you do to combat allergies and the risk of a respiratory infection?

- Know Your Triggers: Pollen counts are a big culprit, but mold, dust mites, and even pet dander can trigger allergy symptoms. Identifying your triggers allows you to take specific steps to avoid them. Check the daily pollen count before you decide to spend time outdoors.
- Medications are Your Friend: Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids can significantly reduce allergy symptoms and inflammation. Consult your doctor about the best option for you. And if a respiratory infection does develop then there are medications to treat and shorten those infections.
- Be Proactive: Start taking allergy medication before symptoms even appear. This helps prevent the inflammation that makes you more susceptible to infection.
- Minimize Exposure: Stay indoors on high pollen count days, keep windows closed, and shower after spending time outdoors.
- Boost Your Defenses: Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and manage stress – all these factors contribute to a strong immune system

If you have severe allergies, a higher risk of respiratory infections, or even a weakened immune system, consider having medications on hand for both mitigating allergic reactions and treating respiratory infections.

Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, and Azithromycin are some of the most common medication for treating respiratory infections. And all 3 are included in every standard Jase Case.

So get yourself a Jase Case for some peace of mind this allergy season!

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Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Ten Ways Parents Can Improve Their Child’s Health Today

Small changes can make a big difference!

As parents, there’s nothing we want more than for our children to be healthy and happy. We dream of them skipping through life with boundless energy, tackling new adventures with enthusiasm, and growing into strong, confident individuals. But let’s be honest, between busy schedules, picky eaters, and the allure of screens, fostering healthy habits can feel like an uphill battle.

Luckily, even small changes can make a big difference! By making simple adjustments into your daily routine, you can significantly improve your child’s overall health and well-being.

Below, we’ll explore ten easy-to-implement strategies you can put into practice today to start your child on the path to a healthier lifestyle.

Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Child’s Health:

1. Encourage Physical Activity:

- Encourage your child to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This can include activities like running, jumping, dancing, or playing sports.
- Take family walks or bike rides to make physical activity a fun family routine.
- Consider enrolling your child in organized sports or activities they enjoy to keep them motivated and engaged.
- Limit sedentary activities like watching TV or playing video games, and encourage active play instead.

| According to the CDC 20.7% of children ages 6-11 were considered obese in a recent study. |

2. Provide Nutritious Meals and Snacks:

- Offer a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
- Involve your child in meal planning and preparation to teach them about healthy food choices.
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks, and opt for water, milk, or unsweetened beverages instead.
- Make nutrition a family affair. Encourage healthy eating habits by eating nutritious meals and snacks together as a family.

3. Ensure Proper Hydration:

- Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after physical activity.
- Avoid sugary drinks like soda and fruit drinks, as they can contribute to weight gain and dental problems.
- Let them pick out a reusable water bottle with a fun design for them to take to school or activities to promote hydration throughout the day.

4. Promote Good Hygiene Practices:

- Teach your child the importance of washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
- Show your child how to properly brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to prevent dental problems.
- Encourage your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of germs.

5. Set Time Aside for Play:

- Encourage unstructured playtime, as it helps children develop social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
- Provide age-appropriate toys and games that encourage physical activity and imaginative play.
- Limit electronic device time and encourage outdoor play whenever possible to promote physical activity and exposure to natural light.

6. Foster a Positive Mental Attitude:

- Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and emotions, and provide a supportive environment where they feel safe and valued.
- Teach your child coping skills to deal with stress and challenges, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or talking to a trusted adult.
- Keep a positive attitude and resilience in the face of adversity to teach your child how to handle life’s ups and downs.

| In a study from 2016-2019, 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years had diagnosed anxiety, and 4.4% of the same age group had diagnosed depression. |

7. Limit Screen Time:

- Set limits on the amount of time your child spends in front of screens, including TV, computers, tablets, and smartphones.
- Encourage screen-free zones and times, such as during meals or before bedtime, to promote better sleep and family interactions.
- Monitor the content your child is exposed to and engage with them in discussions about what they are watching or playing.

8. Ensure Adequate Sleep:

- Establish a regular bedtime routine to help your child wind down and prepare for sleep.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
- Encourage your child to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light can interfere with sleep.

9. Set a Good Example:

- Model healthy behaviors, such as eating nutritious meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress effectively.
- Involve your child in your own health and wellness routines to show them the importance of self-care.
- Use positive language when talking about your body and health to promote a healthy body image in your child.

10. Schedule Regular Health Check-ups:

- Ensure your child receives regular check-ups with their pediatrician to monitor their growth, development, and overall health.
- Stay up-to-date with vaccinations and screenings recommended for your child’s age and health status.
- Discuss any concerns or questions you have about your child’s health with their healthcare provider to address them promptly.

| 8% of children ages 5-11 missed 11 or more days of school from illness or injury, according to statistical data from the NHIS |

Implementing these things on a daily basis lays a good foundation for them becoming habits, leading to lifelong well being for your kids!

We would do anything for our kids, but sometimes all we can do is not enough. With circumstances outside of our control, such as natural disasters or extended power outages, we are at the mercy of the situation. Keep your family prepared, and their health a priority by having a KidCase on hand – just in case.

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease (also called hoof-and-mouth disease), which affects cows, sheep, and pigs.

Humans do not get the animal disease, and animals do not get the human disease.

What is it:

Hand, foot and mouth disease can be spread by two different viruses, however it is most commonly spread by the coxsackievirus. It is highly contagious and is a common childhood illness. HFMD is common in children under the age of 10, but any age can contract it. You can contract the disease more than once, however the symptoms will be less severe.

The virus can sometimes spread to others for days or weeks after symptoms go away or if they have no symptoms at all (carriers of the virus).

How is it spread:

HFMD is most contagious during the first week when a person is sick.

This highly contagious virus is spread through contact with:

Nasal and throat secretions (saliva, drool or nasal mucus)
Fluid from scabs or blisters
Poop (not using hygienic bathroom practices)

Common signs and symptoms:

Sore throat.
Feeling sick.
Painful, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. These lesions can lead to poor appetite or risk of dehydration due to pain when attempting to eat or drink.
A blister like rash on the palms, soles of the feet and sometimes the buttocks. The rash is not itchy. The blisters are usually small, oval, and white, and are usually not found on the trunk.
Fussiness in infants and toddlers.
Loss of appetite.
Symptoms usually last from 7-10 days after becoming infected.

How to treat:

Antibiotics do not work on viruses and are not given to children with HFMD. HFMD will get better on its own.

Tylenol or ibuprofen. Ask your care provider what they recommend for pain relief.
Be sure to offer liquids to prevent dehydration.
Do not squeeze or otherwise pierce blisters. The fluid contained in the blisters is highly contagious.

When to seek medical care:

If your child is unwell with a fever and a skin rash (small bright red spots or purple spots or unexplained bruises) that does not turn to skin-color (blanch) when you press on it, this may be a sign of meningococcal infection (see Meningococcal infection).(This is a very rare occurrence)

Young man with hand foot and mouth disease

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Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Are you Prepared for Fire?

The end of the summer brings dry weather and many areas at risk for wildfires. Many areas, including California, along with the disruption by evacuations or electrical blackouts, can bring many challenges that not just the fires bring. Home fires are of particular concern because they usually happen without warning, can occur during the middle of the night and can catch you off guard.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFTPA) :

More than one-quarter (26%) of reported fires in 2015-2019 occurred in homes. Even worse, three-quarters (75%) of civilian fire deaths and almost three-quarters (72%) of all reported injuries were caused by home fires.
During this five-year period, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 346,800 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,620 civilian deaths; 11,070 civilian fire injuries; and $7.3 billion in direct property damage.
Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials.
Over the five-year period of 2015–2019, cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while smoking was the leading cause of home fire deaths.

These are alarming statistics. Are you prepared and know what to do if fire hits your home?

Below are a few considerations for fire preparedness, the NFPA has excellent resources

Regarding smoke alarms and a safety plan: Check and replace your smoke alarms Develop a safety plan, how to evacuate your home and to make sure everyone has a meeting place. Practice this monthly.
Practice electrical safety around water. Electrical fires can start anywhere in the home at any time, especially if you live in an older home that hasn’t had the wiring recently inspected and upgraded. Along with the danger of an electrical fire is the risk of electrocution that extinguishing a fire can bring when using water.
Have fire extinguishers available in all areas of the home, especially the kitchen and garage areas. Learn from your local fire department how to use them properly. Have them refilled, check them at the same time you inspect your smoke alarms. Make sure you are using an extinguisher rated for your intended use. Also have an extinguisher in your auto, check it periodically also.
If a fire breaks out in a public area, such as a restaurant, nightclub, hotel , school, dorm or other area, always take mental note of where the exits are and how you would leave the building if a fire broke out
At risk groups such as elderly and disabled require a plan in place for their safe evacuation and safety.
Store gasoline and other flammables in a cool, dark place in containers designed for their contents.
Smoke inhalation can be deadly, especially with structural fires. The types of plastics and other materials can create deadly fumes. When exiting a burning building stay as low to the ground as possible. The fresher air is found there.

Teach children the dangers of fires at an early age. There are many resources on the internet and library that can help. NFPA has a good you tube video on fire safety targeted at children.
Keep flashlight, whistles, phone and other items near your bedside in case fire breaks out during the night.
Have a plan in place for your pets.

Take the time to implement and practice fire safety and practice with your family fire safety and prevention. It could very well save a life.

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Healthy kids make happy learners.

A Healthy Head Start: Prepping Your Child for a Thriving School Year

1. Physical Health Preparations

| About 3 million children (or 5.8% of school children overall) missed at least 15 days of school in 2022 for health-related reasons |

2. Mental and Emotional Wellness

3. Social Health

4. Academic Readiness

5. Health and Safety Measures

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Don’t let allergies turn into something more serious!

The Allergy Season

| According to the CDC 25.7% of adults, and 18.9% of children in the U.S. suffer from seasonal allergies. |

The Link to Respiratory Infections:

Drainage Difficulties:

What can you do to combat allergies and the risk of a respiratory infection?

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Small changes can make a big difference!

Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Child’s Health:

1. Encourage Physical Activity:

| According to the CDC 20.7% of children ages 6-11 were considered obese in a recent study. |

2. Provide Nutritious Meals and Snacks:

3. Ensure Proper Hydration:

4. Promote Good Hygiene Practices:

5. Set Time Aside for Play:

6. Foster a Positive Mental Attitude:

| In a study from 2016-2019, 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years had diagnosed anxiety, and 4.4% of the same age group had diagnosed depression. |

7. Limit Screen Time:

8. Ensure Adequate Sleep:

9. Set a Good Example:

10. Schedule Regular Health Check-ups:

| 8% of children ages 5-11 missed 11 or more days of school from illness or injury, according to statistical data from the NHIS |

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