It’s time for back-to-school season

An appeal for school supplies plus tips to help make sure your child is safe and ready

All across Northeast Georgia, parents, teachers, and schools are gearing up to welcome students back to the classroom. Everywhere, parents, faculty, and staff are in overdrive getting ready: buying supplies, going to events, signing up for sports and activities – the list goes on.

This year, we at St. Mary’s Hometown Pediatrics are doing a special outreach to provide supplies for students in need at Oconee County Primary School and Oconee County Elementary School. We are collecting:

• Adhesive bandages
• Baby wipes
• Crayons
• Dry-erase markers
• Erasers
• Glue sticks
• Hand sanitizer
• Highlighters
• Lysol wipes
• Paper
• Paper towels
• Pencils/colored pencils
• Pencil pouches
• Pens
• Post-it Notes
• Tissues
• Zip-loc bags

We welcome donations not only from our patients but from the entire community. You can drop off items at our office, 1020 Jamestown Blvd., Bldg. 200, Watkinsville, anytime we are open: Monday-Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Thank you for helping us with this important cause!

Keep health in mind

Back-to-school season is busy, but it’s important to keep your child’s health front and center. Most importantly, work with your child’s doctor to ensure they are up to date on all recommended vaccines.

Vaccination is the best and safest way to protect against a wide range of potentially dangerous diseases. Here are some other important tips for back to school, no matter what grade your child is starting.

Schedule a wellness visit

Set up an appointment with your child's pediatrician or your family practitioner for a back-to-school check-up. These check-ups help make sure your child is well, assist in managing any chronic conditions they might have, and provide an opportunity for you to get your questions answered.

Your provider can also recommend actions you can take to boost your child's health, safety, and development.

Other suggestions for parents

• Don't delay annual checkups and vaccinations. Yes, things are crazy busy this time of year, but prevention is the best medicine when it comes to health.
• Remember that dental health and eye health are important, too.
• Prioritize exercise and physical activity. Young minds and bodies need physical activity to promote everything from good mental health to bone growth to heart, lung, and blood vessel development. It’s also an excellent way to boost the immune system and enhance mental wellness.
• Maintain good, balanced nutrition habits. Food is fuel and a balanced diet is necessary for growth. Hydration is also vital for health, especially if your child participates in sports. Talk to your child’s doctor about nutrition and any challenges you may face, such as if you have a picky eater. Focus on building a good relationship between your child and food that promotes healthy eating habits for life.
• Create and stick to a routine. Most children function best with structure in their life and schedule.
• Monitor and limit screen time. Studies show that excessive screen time can be harmful to children (and adults). Set appropriate limits on screen time and social media usage based on their age and stage of development, and be especially watchful for unhealthy social media engagement.
• Focus on mental health and reducing stress. Schedule play time into each day and work with your child to find things they love to do. Explore activities your school and community might have available, such as sports, band, or theater. Your child’s doctor is a good resource for ensuring healthy emotional development.
• Prioritize your health: schedule a wellness visit for yourself with your doctor!

Need a provider?

St. Mary's Hometown Pediatrics cares for children and teens of all ages. In addition, our family practitioners provide care to the whole family, including children. Call (706) 769-0005 to schedule a new patient appointment today.