Healthier Hawaii: What to know as kids head back to school

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – With the new school year just weeks away, doctors say now is the time for families to get ahead on a few key health checklists — from vaccines and sports physicals to sleep schedules and back-to-school anxiety.

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Dr. Jessenia Knowles, a family medicine physician at Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s Waipahu Academic Health Center, says one of the first steps is making sure kids are up to date on immunizations.

Check immunizations and schedule physicals early

Knowles says immunization guidelines depend on a child’s age, so parents should confirm what’s needed, including any state or school requirements.

If a child needs a routine physical or a sports physical, Knowles recommends contacting their physician sooner rather than later. She says clinics can often do both in the same visit, making it more convenient for families.

Watch for signs of stress, anxiety or depression

Knowles says it’s also important to monitor mental health, especially during the transition back to school.

She says concerns are showing up not just among teens, but also younger children. For some kids, returning to school can trigger anxiety or even depression.

Knowles recommends talking with children about how they’re feeling and encouraging them to share what’s on their mind. She also suggests helping kids reconnect with friends before school starts — like setting up an in-person get-together with classmates they may not have seen all summer.

For students starting at a new campus, Knowles says visiting the school before the first day can help ease nerves by making the environment feel more familiar. If parents notice anything out of the ordinary, she recommends reaching out to the child’s physician.

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Make sure schools have allergy and asthma plans on file

Knowles says schools should be informed about a child’s allergies, whether food-related, medication-related or environmental.

For children with severe, life-threatening allergies, she says families should fill out and submit an Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan to the school.

For kids with asthma, she recommends ensuring the school has the child’s asthma action plan, including triggers and medications. For example, some children with exercise-induced asthma may need to use an inhaler before P.E. class.

Reset sleep schedules before the first bell

One of the biggest struggles for many families is getting kids back on a consistent sleep routine.

Knowles says sleep is critical for children’s development, growth and recovery — and many aren’t getting enough. A national study found more than a third of kids in Hawai‘i don’t get sufficient sleep, and more than 60% of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander children were not getting enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To make the transition easier, Knowles suggests a gradual approach: start moving bedtime earlier in 30-minute increments as the start of school gets closer.

She also recommends limiting phone and device use before bed, and setting up a sleep-friendly space, quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature.

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