(Family Features) Whether your child is starting school for the first time or simply returning at a new grade level, preparations for the school year can feel overwhelming for both students and parents alike.

To help make the back-to-school transition as seamless as possible, consider taking these steps ahead of the academic term.

Set Goals for the School Year
As the new school year approaches, talk with your student about what he or she wants to achieve academically, socially and personally. Whether it’s getting better grades, making new friends or getting involved in extracurricular activities, having clear goals can help your child stay focused and make the most of the school year. To stay organized and track progress along the way, consider creating a list of short-term goals that contribute to his or her long-term objectives.

Practice Healthy Habits
Establishing a routine that incorporates sleep, exercise, self-care and a healthy diet can help set your child on a path toward success. Start by setting consistent sleep and wake times to ensure your student is well-rested and ready to focus during the day. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support overall well-being.

In addition to sleep, ensure a balanced diet and regular exercise are priorities. Fueling your child’s body with nutritious foods can help boost energy levels and concentration. Also encourage physical activity through sports, exercise classes or going for walks. Don’t forget to make sure your student leaves time for relaxation and self-care. Whether it’s reading a book, practicing a hobby or spending time with friends and family, engaging in enjoyable activities can help recharge the mind and reduce stress.

Organize Schedules and Supplies
Organization is key to a successful school year. Using a planner or calendar to track assignment due dates, exams and extracurriculars can help your student effectively manage his or her time. In addition to organizing schedules, gather the necessary supplies. Make a list of the items he or she will need for each class, such as notebooks, pens, a calculator, textbooks and more. Check if any supplies from the previous year can be reused or if purchasing new ones is necessary.

Find more tips to make the school year a successful one at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

(Family Features) Protecting students as they travel to and from school takes many forms. Parents and educators alike teach kids to be mindful of traffic and responsible while riding and waiting at the bus stop. Drivers are trained to avoid accidents to safeguard the children in their care. Another way to protect kids traveling to and from school involves the mode of transportation they use.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 25 million children across the country ride to school every day in nearly 500,000 school buses. Yet the way kids ride to school today is very much the way children rode to school 25 years ago, in an aging diesel school bus. These buses are not only expensive to operate, they also pose potential harm to children’s health, the community and the environment.

While there are diverse energy options that can achieve cleaner, healthier school transportation, propane is an environmentally friendly and affordable energy source.

“With significant investments being made to clean up the nation’s school bus fleet, such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, there’s never been a better time to prioritize clean transportation,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO for the Propane Education & Research Council. “Affordable and available solutions, like propane, should be implemented immediately to move further down the path to zero emissions and decarbonize our nation’s school bus fleets.”

At BetterOurBuses.com you can learn how to open dialogue with your school district about clean transportation by sharing the benefits of propane school buses, including:

Student Health

Propane buses are better for children’s health compared to diesel buses because they reduce harmful pollutants. The cloud of black smoke that comes from the tailpipe of a diesel bus contains harmful emissions like nitrogen oxide and particulate matter. Propane buses eliminate that issue, reducing harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 96% compared to diesel and emitting near-zero particulate matter emissions.

Beyond the implications for asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems, propane school buses provide a quieter ride than diesel buses, which means those driving children to school are better equipped to hear potential concerns and protect riders’ safety.

The Environment

Propane reduces harmful emissions that impact student health, the environment and air quality in the community. It is a low-carbon energy source that can accelerate decarbonization of the nation’s school bus fleet. It is also non-toxic to groundwater and soil. Both propane and electric vehicles can reduce emissions compared to diesel, but propane does it at a fraction of the cost. School districts can buy three propane buses for the cost of one electric bus, allowing them to retire aging diesel buses three times faster by choosing propane.

Cost Savings

Propane school buses are an affordable option for school districts. The operating cost of propane school buses are half the cost of diesel, allowing school districts to put more money back into the classroom. If all the diesel buses in the U.S. were converted to operate on propane, enough money could be saved to hire 23,000 teachers.

Reliability

Propane has a range of 400 miles, which makes it a good choice for vehicles like school buses, which need to travel long distances without stopping to recharge or refuel, providing a reliable ride for students. Propane school buses also have the power and performance to travel in all kinds of weather and across all types of terrain while diesel and electric buses can be impacted by freezing weather.

SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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As summer winds down, the buzz of back-to-school preparations begins. It’s a time filled with shopping for school supplies, adjusting to earlier bedtimes, and setting up kids for a successful school year. While we often think of pencils, notebooks, and new backpacks, there’s another crucial aspect to consider—your child’s health. Ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared is just as important as having the right school supplies. Here’s a comprehensive health checklist parents should consider to ensure their children are set up for a healthy school year.

Annual Physicals and Required Paperwork

A yearly physical exam is essential to assess your child’s health and development. It’s a perfect time to update any necessary medication plans with the school nurse and handle all the required health paperwork. These exams are vital for catching health issues before they become problematic, ensuring your child is in the best shape to start the school year.

Up-to-Date Vaccinations

Make sure your child’s vaccinations are current. This not only includes the standard childhood vaccines but also the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccinations, and possibly the HPV vaccine. Checking in with your pediatrician can help clarify what vaccinations your child needs before heading back to school.

Focus on Mental Health

The transition back to school can be a stressful time for children and teens, potentially triggering anxiety and depression. Observing your child’s behavior for signs of stress and discussing any concerns with health professionals can help manage these issues early. Regular conversations about their feelings can also make a big difference.

Sports Physicals

For children involved in sports, a specific physical examination is necessary to ensure they can safely participate in physical activities. This physical includes assessments of overall health with a focus on cardiac and pulmonary functions, which are crucial for preventing emergencies such as sudden cardiac arrests in young athletes.

Concussion Awareness

Parents and young athletes should be informed about the risks and signs of concussions—common in sports like football, soccer, and cheerleading. Knowing what symptoms to look for and how to respond if a concussion occurs is essential for every parent and coach.

Proper Sleep Habits

Adequate sleep is foundational for academic success and overall health. Establishing a solid bedtime routine that allows for enough sleep is crucial. This might also mean making the bedroom a screen-free zone to avoid the sleep-disrupting effects of blue light from electronics.

Backpack Safety

Choose a lightweight backpack and ensure that it does not exceed 20% of your child’s body weight to avoid back problems. Opting for designs with padded shoulder straps and a waist belt can distribute weight more evenly.

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Regular Eye Exams

Vision problems can significantly affect a child’s learning ability. An annual eye exam can detect issues that might impair their ability to see clearly, which is vital for optimal learning. Even if your child has passed a school screening, a comprehensive eye exam by a professional can catch problems that screenings might miss.

Navigating Screen Time and Online Safety

As technology becomes more engrained in learning, managing screen time and understanding online safety becomes more important. Creating a media plan that balances educational and recreational screen time can help prevent sleep disruption and exposure to inappropriate content.

By integrating these health checks into your back-to-school preparations, you can help ensure your child has a healthy, productive year ahead. Remember, readiness for school isn’t just about having the right supplies—it’s also about being mentally and physically prepared for the challenges of a new academic year.

Source: Hackensack Meridian Health via Newswise

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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