Back to school tips

Today marks the first day of school for many local students. Along with school supplies, remember to put safety at the top of your back-to-school to-do list, says Fernando Mendoza, M.D., medical director, Baptist Children’s Hospital Emergency Center.

His top safety tips include:
• Prevent flus and cold: A flu vaccination and lessons in safe hand-washing can help protect students from viruses and infections that can be spread at school, Dr. Mendoza says.
• Pack safe and healthy lunches: Send your child to school with healthy lunches based on safe food-handling steps and good nutrition.
• Watch out for bullying: Sudden shifts in moods, behavior or academic performance can be signs that your child is being at bullied at school, Dr. Mendoza says. Learn the signs and work with the school staff to detect and prevent bullying.

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