6 back-to-school health tips

Summer has been a well-earned break. Hopefully, your kids are refreshed and excited about a new year of learning. Help ensure they’re ready for school with our six top tips.

1. Pack a nutritious school lunch

Help your kids learn by packing a nutritious, tasty school lunch. Check out our huge list of school lunchbox ideas, a resource available in multiple languages.

2. Check their teeth

A toothache can affect children’s learning, eating, and sleep. Children should see a dentist twice a year to catch any problems early.

At DPV Health, we offer public dental as well as affordable private dental, with no waiting times for children. All our dental services are covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. We also accept all private health insurance providers – ask your insurer to find out what services are covered.

Download printable teeth brushing chart to help make brushing fun and rewarding for your child.

Download Teeth Brushing Chart (English)

Download Teeth Brushing Chart (Arabic)

Download Teeth Brushing Chart (Hindi)

3. Ensure they’re up to date with their vaccinations

Vaccinations protect your child and their friends and family. Many childcare and preschool centres require children to be vaccinated before attending.

The recommended childhood immunisations are free of charge. At DPV Health, these vaccinations can be given during a bulk-billed GP appointment, meaning that you will not have any out-of-pocket costs.

Download National Immunisation Program Schedule here

4. Care for their feelings and behaviour

Change can be difficult, whether that’s starting “big school”, moving to high school, growing up, or facing challenges with family and friends. We have resources, programs, and specialists to help parents support their children’s development and coping skills.

We run regular, free programs called Tuning into Kids and Tuning into Teens. These provide evidence-based techniques for parents and carers to help children learn about emotions, deal with conflict, and develop emotional intelligence.

Meanwhile, check out our multilingual page on building an effective and active daily routine to help kids and teens get enough sleep, manage their emotions, and learn well at school.

If you have specific concerns about your child’s behaviour, thoughts and feelings, help is available. DPV Health offers child and youth psychology, supporting children with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to sleep and behaviour difficulties.

5. Check they’re walking well

Does your child have pain in their feet? Or do they have problems walking? These issues can make it hard for children to get the active play they need to thrive.

If your child walks on their toes or with their feet turned inward (“pigeon toes”), a podiatrist can help. Our podiatrists can give you exercises and prescribe orthotics (shoe innersoles) to help correct gait issues and get kids back on their feet!

We can also help kids and teens with common issues such as ingrown toenails, warts, and callouses.

6. Clear hearing

Good hearing is essential in the classroom and in conversations. If there is a problem with your child’s hearing, early diagnosis will help get the best outcome.

DPV Health offers hearing tests for people from newborns to adults. If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing, ask your GP for a referral or book an appointment directly through the webpage or by calling 1300 234 263 (select option 4).

Signs of hearing loss in a child can be obvious or subtle:

• Problems developing speech and language
• Behavioural problems, such as “ignoring” people or apparent difficulty concentrating
• Asking people to repeat what they say, or saying “huh” or “what?” often
• Shouting or whispering when talking, as they can’t hear their own voice well
• Frequent ear infections (now, or when they were younger)

If you have any health concerns with your children please call our GP’s on 1300 234 263 for a health assessment or click here.