Getting a healthy start on the school year | Opinion

Kids across the country are getting ready to return to the classroom. While many families may be trying to squeeze in the last of summer activities, gather supplies and begin school year routines, it’s also a great time to check in on children’s mental and physical well-being.

A child’s health can influence their growth, development and academic performance. To help set up children and teens for success this school year, it’s important to stay up to date with wellness appointments, including annual physicals, dental checkups, comprehensive eye exams and mental health assessments.

Here are a few things parents can consider to help support their children’s well-being:

Talk about mental health

Mental health challenges are on the rise among young people, driven by factors like academic pressures, relationships, social media and broader social and economic inequalities. Age, race and gender also shape how these issues manifest and affect young people.

While it’s beneficial for parents to discuss health matters with their children throughout the year, an opportune time arises during the annual back-to-school exam, also known as a well-child visit. This scheduled check-up can serve as a timely platform for addressing various health concerns, including mental health, ensuring that kids are supported holistically as they prepare to return to school.

Data from UnitedHealthcare found that 60% of college students reported encountering behavioral or mental health concerns in the past year. So, even as children grow older and head off to college, be sure to check in on them emotionally, encourage open conversations, and remind your student that help is available.

No matter the age, checking in on your child’s mental health before the school year begins and throughout can help lay the foundation for a more successful and balanced year ahead.

Brush up on dental care

Cavities are preventable, yet they are the most common chronic disease among children and teens in the U.S. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain that leads to problems learning and speaking, as well as contribute to other long-term health issues. Cavities can also make eating uncomfortable and can affect nutrition and development.

Children, teens and adults should visit a dentist every six months for routine preventive dental care. Dental plans usually cover preventive care, which means you may pay nothing out of pocket for certain covered preventive services if you go to a network provider.

It’s important to know that about one in three people in the United States have a fear of dental treatment. If you believe your child may experience dental fear or anxiety, speak with their dentist or primary care doctor for support.

Helping kids see better

More than one in three school-age kids in the U.S. are nearsighted. Also known as myopia, nearsightedness can cause issues seeing things in the distance, like the front of the classroom, which may contribute to problems learning.

Possible signs of vision issues in kids include frequent eye rubbing or blinking, headaches or struggling to remember what they have read.

It’s recommended kids get annual comprehensive eye exams throughout their school years. Yet, only 42% of Colorado children have recently seen an eye doctor. School-based vision screenings are valuable, but they’re not a replacement for comprehensive eye exams that can detect more complex issues.

Vision plans also usually cover preventive care, including comprehensive eye exams. A vision plan may also provide an allowance to purchase glasses or contacts.

Consider talking with your children’s doctor and scheduling any care visits before school starts. Check with your health plan to see what benefits are available to your family. For more information, visit uhc.com.

Dr. Husa is chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of Colorado and Wyoming.