Five health tips for back to school according to a VCH pediatrician

As the start of the 2025 school year approaches, children’s health in the Châteaubriant region is a top priority. Between readjusting to a routine, managing stress, and preventing infections, a pediatrician from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) offers five essential tips to support families during this crucial period. These recommendations aim to protect the physical and mental well-being of students while taking into account the specific local needs of Loire-Atlantique and the Pays de la Mée region, in order to promote a smooth and successful return to school.

Preparing Children’s Sleep for an Effective School Rhythm

Sleep plays a fundamental role in children’s overall health, especially when returning to school. The change in routines imposed by the start of the school year often disrupts their biological clock. To ensure optimal recovery and good concentration, it is essential to gradually readjust bedtimes and wake-up times before classes resume.

• According to the VCH pediatrician, sleep deprivation not only increases fatigue but also affects the immune system. Children are therefore more vulnerable to infections, which are common in school environments. This vigilance is all the more necessary in the Châteaubriant-Derval inter-municipal community, where seasonal viruses can be both seasonal and virulent.
• Key steps for falling asleep easily: Set a regular sleep schedule:
• establish a routine each evening to signal to the body that it’s time to sleep. Limit screen time:
• encourage disconnecting at least an hour before bedtime to reduce brain stimulation. Create a calming environment:
• opt for a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom. Promote moderate physical activity:

this helps regulate the circadian rhythm and improves sleep quality. Monitor food intake: avoid heavy or stimulating meals in the evening, such as caffeinated or chocolate drinks.

9-11 hours Decreased concentration, weakened immune system 13-18 years

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8-10 hours

Increased fatigue, mood swings

This sleep adjustment should be considered as soon as the summer holidays end to avoid a sudden shock on the first day of school. For parents in Loire-Atlantique, organizations like Bledina and local partners such as Laboratoires Gilbert provide resources on managing children’s sleep, complementing pediatric advice. Adopting a balanced diet to strengthen the immune system The link between diet and children’s health is undeniable, especially during the school year. The pediatrician emphasizes that the start of the school year is an ideal opportunity to reintroduce good eating habits that promote concentration and vitality. In the Châteaubriant region, local products, easily accessible through markets and cooperatives, allow for varied meals rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber.The local community can rely on the offerings of recognized brands such as

Danone

• or Nestlé
• , which offer products adapted to the nutritional needs of young children. Introducing solid foods should also include natural sources of hydration such as Evian
• , essential for maintaining good hydration, often overlooked during the busy back-to-school period. Keys to a Healthy Back-to-School Diet Meal Routine: Establish a consistent rhythm with a complete and healthy breakfast.
• Vary Your Meals: Introduce different types of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Smart Snacks: Choose fresh fruit, Danone yogurt, or other suitable dairy products.

Regular Hydration: Make sure you drink enough water, such as Evian, especially during physical activity.Limiting Refined Sugars:

Optimal hydration, increased energy. In some cases, Pierre Fabre Laboratories also recommend the use of appropriate dietary supplements and vitamins to support the immune system, always under medical supervision. For more information on these recommendations, a local expert’s testimony is available in this article:cc-castelbriantais.fr

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Preventing and managing common infections at the start of the school year

Close proximity among students facilitates the spread of viruses and bacteria. The pediatrician at VCH reminds us that the start of the school year is often marked by a spike in infections, whether colds, flu, or gastroenteritis. To limit the spread, prevention and caution are essential, especially in the schools of the Châteaubriant-Derval Community of Communes, where weather conditions can vary and impact children’s vulnerability.

This vigilance also includes maintaining standard preventative measures: handwashing, using antiseptic solutions such as those from Laboratoires Gilbert or Mercurochrome, and disinfecting shared surfaces. Wearing a mask remains a recommended option in the event of a local outbreak in schools.

• Practical advice to limit the risk of infection: Regular hygiene:
• Encourage children to wash their hands several times a day. Use of appropriate products: Use antiseptics such as Sterimar for nasal irrigation, particularly in the case of a cold. Monitoring symptoms:
• Remain attentive to the first signs and consult a doctor promptly. Communication with the school: Keep teachers informed of the child’s health status.
• Recommended vaccinations: Follow the current vaccination schedules, particularly for influenza and pneumococcal infections.
• The table below summarizes best practices to adopt at the start of the school year.

Measure

cc-castelbriantais.fr for enhanced prevention during the autumn season. Managing Stress and Emotions on the First Day of School

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Returning to school represents a major emotional milestone, sometimes a source of anxiety or stress, especially for younger children or those changing schools. The pediatrician emphasizes the importance of helping children recognize and manage these feelings so that their return to school is a psychological success.

Families in the Pays de la Mée region can take advantage of local child psychology resources and workshops organized by the local council to learn how to channel emotions. Paying attention to this mental aspect helps prevent sleep disorders, behavioral problems, and even some psychosomatic disorders.

Effective Techniques to Support Children’s Mental Health

Open Dialogue:

• Invite children to express their concerns without judgment. Establishing a reassuring routine: Prepare school supplies together and discuss the day ahead.
• Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises or meditation adapted to their age.
• Promoting quiet time: Limit screen time before bedtime.
• Observing signs: Be vigilant for changes in behavior such as withdrawal or eating disorders.
• A positive return home after school also helps reduce anxiety. These tips align perfectly with the recommendations offered by health experts on TF1 Info to ensure the child’s well-being. Organize school supplies and the school environment for optimal comfort.

A healthy start to the school year isn’t just about physical and psychological well-being; the quality of the physical environment is also crucial. Pediatricians recommend paying close attention to preparing school supplies and backpacks to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and unnecessary fatigue. In Loire-Atlantique, families have access to advice and suitable equipment offered by brands such as Fisher-Price

for ergonomic equipment, or skincare products like those from

Garnier

to protect children’s sensitive skin from sun exposure and other environmental factors. Selecting supplies that meet each child’s specific needs greatly improves their daily comfort. List of best practices for a healthy and organized schoolbag: Adjust the weight: do not exceed 10% of the child’s weight to protect their spine. Choose an ergonomic bag:

with padded shoulder straps and back support.

• Organize the contents: distribute the weight evenly to avoid strain.
• Maintaining school supplies:
• Regularly check the condition and cleanliness of supplies. Planning for sun protection:
• Apply Garnier sunscreen before going out, especially during the summer season in Châteaubriant.
• Criteria Recommendation Benefits for the child