The back-to-school preparation is always a busy time for parents, with so much to be ready for in terms of school supplies, uniforms and routines. But it’s also the perfect opportunity to check in on your kids’ health, ensuring they are ready for the year ahead. At Pharmacy 4 Less your kids health matters. We are here to help with all your healthcare needs, from combating tiredness and managing head lice to protecting your little ones from dehydration and the sun. Read on for some key tips to getting your kids ready for school.
Combatting Tired Kids: Boosting Energy and Sleep
As the school year begins, many kids struggle to adjust to the routine, often feeling tired or sluggish during the day. Early mornings, homework and extracurricular activities can lead to exhaustion. Restful sleep and maintaining energy levels are vital for your child’s well-being and academic success.
Tips for improving sleep and energy:
- Establish a bedtime routine. Encourage your child to go to bed at the same time every night. Make their bedroom a relaxing, tech-free environment.
- Limit screen time. Avoid screens like phones, tablets or computers an hour before bed, as blue light can interfere with sleep quality.
- Encourage a healthy breakfast. A nutritious breakfast with protein, healthy fats and whole grains provides the energy kids need to start the day.
- Boost hydration. Water helps with energy levels. Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Pharmacy 4 Less offers a range of natural remedies and supplements to help improve sleep and support energy levels. Consider magnesium supplements for muscle relaxation or herbal baths to promote calm before bed. Multivitamins can also ensure your child is getting the essential nutrients they need to stay energised throughout the school day. We also have a large range of kid’s gummies to select from.
Head Lice: Preventing and Treating the Itchy Issue
Head lice are a common issue that many kids face as they head back to school. Lice can spread quickly in classrooms and on playgrounds, causing discomfort and concern for both parents and children.
Tips to prevent and treat head lice:
- Regularly check your child’s hair. Look for small white eggs (nits) or adult lice on your child’s scalp, especially around the ears and neck.
- Teach your kids not to share personal items such as hats, hairbrushes and accessories.
- Keep hair tied back: Tie longer hair up in braids or ponytails to reduce the risk of lice transmission.
- Wash bedding, hats and clothing in hot water regularly during the school term to prevent lice from spreading.
Pharmacy 4 Less stocks a variety of head lice treatments from shampoos and conditioners to combs and sprays designed to safely and effectively remove lice and prevent re-infestation. Our expert teams can also guide you in selecting the right product for your child’s age and hair type.
Sunscreen: Protecting Your Child’s Skin Year-Round
Heading back to school during the warmer months protecting your child’s skin from the sun is crucial. Too much sun exposure can lead to painful sunburns and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
Tips for sun safety at school:
- Apply sunscreen every day before school: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days.
- Reapply often. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours especially if your child has been swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and lightweight clothing that covers the skin can provide extra protection.
- Seek shade during peak hours. Encourage your kids to play in shaded areas during their breaks.
Pharmacy 4 Less offers a wide selection of sunscreens, including those designed specifically for children’s sensitive skin. Their range includes water-resistant and non-greasy options that provide reliable protection against harmful UV rays. You’ll also find lip balms with SPF and after-sun care products to soothe the skin if your child gets too much sun.
Dehydration: Keeping Your Kids Hydrated and Healthy
With the busy school year ahead it is important to make sure your child stays hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, poor concentration and even more serious health problems.
Tips to prevent dehydration:
- Encourage regular water breaks. Remind your child to drink water throughout the day. Make it a habit to carry a water bottle to school.
- Monitor fluid intake. Aim for your child to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day, depending on their age and activity level.
- Eat hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges and strawberries which have high water content and can help boost hydration.
- Avoid sugary drinks. While juices and fizzy drink may seem appealing they can actually lead to dehydration. Encourage water, milk or natural fruit infusions.
Pharmacy 4 Less offers a variety of electrolyte drinks and hydration tablets that can help restore lost fluids, especially after physical activity or during warmer weather. Their sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions are ideal for keeping your child hydrated and maintaining energy levels.
As you prepare your kids for the school year ahead, keep in mind that their health and well-being are just as important as their school supplies. Pharmacy 4 Less offers a comprehensive range of products and services to help you tackle everyday health challenges, from managing tiredness and head lice to protecting against sun damage and dehydration. Our friendly Teams are always available to offer advice and support. Take the stress out of back-to-school preparations with Pharmacy 4 Less where your health matters.