A sick child can put a major damper on the start of their school year, but back-to-school time is often when illnesses occur, as children's schedules shift and they become exposed to an explosion of germs in their busy school setting. To help, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following tips for parents and schools to help children and teens stay healthy, whether they're just starting kindergarten or heading off to high school.

1. Wash your hands. Germs are everywhere. Touch a surface where germs are lurking, then touch your face and you can get sick. It doesn't have to be that way. Handwashing with soap and water is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of colds, flu and other diseases to others. Parents, teachers and informed students can teach proper handwashing, so people don't pass germs or illnesses to others.

2. Eat well and be active. Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important for children. Nearly one in five U.S. children have obesity, putting them at risk for asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Most children consume almost half of their calories at school. That makes school a great place to learn and practice healthy eating – a gift that keeps on giving for a lifetime.  

Did you know that being physically active can help reduce anxiety and even help with a child's focus in school? Experts recommend children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day – before, during and after school. Running, walking and playing sports all count!

3. Limit sugary drinks. While calories in drinks are not exactly hidden (they're listed right on the Nutrition Facts label), many people don't realize just how many calories are in the beverages they drink. Here's the good news: water is a great, no-calorie, low-cost substitute for sugary drinks. Drinking plenty of water every day is a great habit to establish for a lifetime.

4. Stay cool. Schools are opening, but it's still hot out there. Learn how to recognize, prevent and treat heat-related illnesses. Remember these tips while participating in outdoor activities:

- Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
- Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
- Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
- Drink more water than usual, and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.

5. Plan for emergencies. As children head back to school, it's important to have a written emergency care plan and to practice that plan as often as needed. The plan should include any medicines your child needs to take or any assistive devices they use, such as a motorized wheelchair or assistive communication device. Having conversations now with your child's teacher about being prepared in an emergency can help reduce your concerns if an emergency does happen.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Although this information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, no representation is made as to its accuracy.