Back to School Fall 2016

It is back to school time! Many parents look forward to the beginning of the school year and a return to a more predictable schedule from the fluctuating months of summer vacation. For kids starting back to school can promote feelings of stress and anxiety and can lead to increased exposure to common illnesses. At NaturoMedica we’ve got you covered! Here are our tips for a smooth back to school transition.

1. Reestablish a sleep schedule

Most kids get off of their sleep schedule when out of school for long periods of time. In order to transition back to rising early it is best to set in place a new routine at least a week before school begins. Try putting your child to bed one hour earlier each few days until an established waking time is achieved. Encourage relaxation and ease into sleep by practicing good sleep hygiene.

• No screen time one hour before bed: exposure to the stimulating effects of electronics and the light they emit disturbs the sleep cycle.
• Make the room as dark as the child will tolerate. This may involve investing in black out curtains and moving electronic clocks to the opposite side of the room
• Avoid sugar or other stimulants like caffeine in the evening
• An hour or so before bed give your child a warm bath and read a book

If your child needs a little extra support to calm down in the evening you may consider giving them a children’s herbal mixture for relaxation before bedtime. Calm Restore is a formula for kid’s with herbs such as skullcap, passionflower and lavender to calm occasional nervousness and help kids unwind. For ongoing anxiety or difficulty falling asleep please consult one of our doctors who can help determine the cause and get your child back on track.

2. Check your child’s immunization status

New Chicken Pox Vaccine Requirement:

NaturoMedica has Chicken Pox Vaccines in Stock to Meet New Vaccine Requirements

• All 9th-12th graders are required to have two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine before entering school in the fall of 2016. Students in kindergarten through 8th grade were already required to have two doses.
• The Varicella vaccine must be administered before the children enter school and the doses must be at least six weeks apart.
• If your family does not wish to receive vaccines or is on an alternative schedule you will be required to submit an immunization exemption form signed by a doctor to your child’s school at the beginning of the year. Make an appointment for a consultation and print off and complete these required documents: Washington State Department of Health Certificate of Exemption

3. Be on the lookout for signs of emotional stress

“Mommy I have a tummy ache!” Many of us have heard this from our child at some point in the morning before school. Often it is simple nerves that cause nausea or an unsettled stomach. In these cases I love to use our product called: Tummy Glycerite. This simple formula with Chamomile, lemon balm, and fennel will calm even the most nervous tummy before heading out the door for school. Here are some other tips to avoid stressful mornings:

• Establish a predictable routine from day one. This will help to reduce stress and anxiety the next day. Prepare the night before by setting out clothes, shoes, and back packs (Mom and Dad also make sure you know where your keys, wallet, and phone are located!)
• Start the day with a nutritious breakfast at a set time every day.
• Create lots of opportunities for talk. In the car turn off the music or simply lay down next to your child at the end of the day and check in.

4. Support the Immune system

Fall is the beginning of cold and flu season. The best way to avoid germs is with regular hand washing. Encourage your child to wash their hands every time they enter the house and again before meals. Supporting the immune system with herbs such as Elderberry, ginger, and Echinacea with vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D can help ward off common illnesses. Consider getting you and your child a flu shot this year. At the first sign of a wet or dry cough Natranix cough formula will soothe the throat and boost the immune response with herbs such as Thyme, Echinacea, and Sage. For irritated throats an herbal Echinacea Goldenseal Throat Spray works to promote throat health and shorten the duration of illness if given from the start of symptoms.

5. AD(H)D, Atypical learners, Autism Spectrum

For kids who struggle with focus and/or following through with tasks, the absence of homework assignments during the summer can be a welcome break. As school starts back up keep in mind that your child may begin to experience increased stress and anxiety as they anticipate the change of schedule that the school year brings. Talk to your kids about what to expect once school begins. Give them opportunities to list ways they might problem solve situations which might produce anxiety. Below are just a few of the ways that Natural Medicine can support learning, focus and decrease anxiety:

• Identify and eliminate food allergies and sensitivities: At Naturomedica we offer food allergy, food sensitivity as well as detailed nutritional evaluation testing.
• Balance Brain Chemistry: A neurotransmitter test can help identify imbalances in excitatory or inhibitory chemical messengers in the brain, targeted supplements can then be used to support pathways.
• Treat vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Levels of organic acids, vitamins and minerals can be tested with urine and blood samples at NaturoMedica. Then appropriate supplements can be given to replenish and balance the body.
• We have supplements which can support focus and attention. Consult with your NaturoMedica provider to determine which type of supplement would best suit your child and their individual needs.

I wish all of you a happy and healthy school year.