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Saint Lucia – As the new academic year approaches, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs encourages parents, guardians, and caregivers to embrace this exciting season as an opportunity to prioritize the health and well-being of our children. A strong start to the school year begins with healthy habits at home and a proactive approach to keep our little learners safe, happy, and ready to thrive.
Whether it’s ensuring vaccinations are current, encouraging balanced nutrition, promoting daily physical activity, or fostering emotional wellness, every small step we take contributes to our children’s success both inside and outside the classroom. We remind you to stay informed and up to date with the latest guidelines and recommendations from the Government, your child’s school, and trusted health authorities.
Here are some guidelines to help your child have a healthy, happy, and successful school year:
Be in the Know
Take a moment to connect with your child’s school. Ask about their reopening plans, health and safety measures, and any special guidelines you’ll need to follow.
Pack the Essentials for Healthy Habits
Help your child start the school year with a toolkit for wellness. Include hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, sanitary napkins and a bottle of hand soap in their school bag, small but powerful items that protect against germs. Make it fun by involving your child in choosing and packing these items; it builds responsibility and gives them a sense of ownership over their health.
Fuel the Mind and Body
Hydration is key for focus and energy, so send your child to school with a fresh bottle of water every day. When packing lunches, think beyond convenience, swap excessive packaged snacks and sugary drinks for vibrant seasonal fruits, crunchy vegetables, and wholesome options. These choices not only nourish growing bodies but also encourage healthier eating habits that last a lifetime.
Healthy Hands, Healthy Kids
Teach your child the power of clean hands, as regular hand-washing keeps germs away. Remind them not to share personal items like water bottles, combs, or utensils to stay safe.
Keep Sick Kids Home
If your child shows signs of illness such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea seek medical care and allow them time to recover before returning to school. This protects both their health and the well-being of others.
Support Emotional Well-being
Back-to-school transitions can feel overwhelming. Be attentive to your child’s emotions and create a supportive environment where they feel safe to talk about their worries and feelings.
Swap Screen Time for Active Time
While devices have their place in learning, too much screen time can leave children feeling sluggish and disconnected. Encourage your child to explore activities that get their body moving and their creativity flowing whether it’s running, walking, playing football, netball, volleyball, cricket, or even the steel pan. These moments of active fun build strength, teamwork skills, and lifelong healthy habits.
Talk About Safety Together
Open conversations about health and safety are some of the best back-to-school preparations you can make. Discuss simple but important measures with your child like staying alert, practicing good hygiene, and knowing where to seek help if needed.
Reinstate Healthy Routines
Ease your child back into consistent schedules, regular bedtimes, balanced meals, and focused study times. Structure helps them settle into school life with confidence.
Stand Strong Against Bullying
Remind your child that bullying is unacceptable. Let them know they can always reach out for help and support if they or their friends experience bullying.
As the new academic school year commences, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs wishes parents/guardians, principals, teachers, care givers, supplementary staff and students a safe and productive school year. May this school year be filled with good health, renewed energy, and opportunities for growth.
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