Back-to-School Health Tips for Parents and Students: A Message from the Ministry of Health and Human Services Deandrea Hamilton ​ You ​

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 2024: As the school year begins, the Ministry of Health and Services is dedicated to ensuring students stay healthy and active throughout the academic year. The return to school is an exciting time, and we are encouraging parents to help their children build healthy habits that will support their physical and mental well-being. Here are some essential general health tips to keep in mind:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Encourage your child to consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods that support growth and energy.
   • Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein in their daily meals.
   • Limit sugary snacks and junk food, which can affect concentration and energy levels.

2. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for mental clarity and physical performance.
   • Ensure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day, especially during school hours.
   • Equip them with a reusable water bottle to make hydration easy and accessible.
3. Stay Active: Physical activity promotes not just fitness, but also mental alertness.
   • Encourage participation in school sports or active play during recess.
   • Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, whether through organised sports or free play

4. Manage Stress: School can sometimes be stressful for students, especially as they balance academic and extracurricular activities.
   • Teach your child to take regular breaks to relax and recharge.
   • Encourage open conversations if they feel overwhelmed. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help.

Maintaining proper hygiene and practising illness prevention is essential for keeping students healthy, especially during the school year when they interact closely with others in classrooms and playgrounds. Here are some hygiene-related tips:

1. Wash Hands Regularly: Good hand hygiene is a key defense against illness.
   1. Teach children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after using the restroom

2. Practice Good Hygiene: Promoting cleanliness reduces the spread of illness.
   1. Remind your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.
   2. Encourage them to avoid touching their face with unwashed hands to reduce the risk of infections.

3. Stay Home if You’re Sick:One of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness in schools is staying home when unwell.
   1. Keep your child home if they are showing signs of illness to protect classmates and teachers.
   2. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

4. Get Vaccinated: Immunisations are critical for preventing diseases.
   1. Ensure your child is up to date with their required vaccinations.
   2. Consider the flu shot to protect against seasonal flu, especially before flu season begins.

The Minister of Health and Human Services, Shaun D. Malcolm remarked, “The Ministry of Health and Services is committed to supporting the health and safety of our students as they return to school. By following these simple tips, parents can help their children have a healthy, productive, and enjoyable school year”.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.