ANSWER: Great question. It might be summer, but it’s not too early to plan how you’re setting your child up for a healthy and successful school year. If you haven’t yet, schedule your child’s annual physical with their pediatrician and ensure they’re up to date on their immunizations. Make sure your child is getting the appropriate and healthy amount of sleep so they can function at their best (9-12 hours for ages 6-12 and 8-10 hours for ages 13-18).

Establish healthy eating habits by planning out well-balanced meals and pre-portioning healthy breakfasts and lunches as much as you can. Finally, create a healthy homework routine and environment, with a quiet, well-lit space and periodic breaks to help prevent eye, neck and brain fatigue.

Need to schedule your child’s annual physical or get up-to-date on immunizations? Call 800.424.DOCS (3627) or visit mmclc.org/schedule to make an appointment.