Families are being encouraged to treat the back-to-school period as a health reset (Image: Getty)
A doctor is encouraging parents to take one important step before children return to classrooms in September: use the final weeks of summer to reset family health routines. The advice comes as seasonal respiratory infections typically begin to spread more widely once schools reopen.
Dr Reem Hasan, Chief Medical Officer at Vista Health and an NHS GP, said the start of a new academic year can be a positive time for children, bringing fresh friendships, activities and opportunities. However, she warned it can also unsettle routines, create anxiety and increase the chances of common bugs being passed around.
She said: “September is a natural reset for many families. Going back to school brings excitement, new friendships and new opportunities for children, but it can also bring worries and the pressures of settling back into a routine.
“Make time to ask children how they are feeling, really listen to what they tell you and be alert to changes in mood, sleep or behaviour.”
Dr Hasan added that parents should maintain regular communication with teachers and school staff, as early conversations can help spot and address concerns before they grow.
With cooler weather on the way, she also advised families to prepare for the seasonal rise in coughs, colds and other respiratory infections. But she stressed that no single food, vitamin or supplement can magically “boost” the immune system.
Dr Reem Hasan says parents should remember to look after their own health too (Image: -)
She said: “As we move into autumn, we also start to see more seasonal respiratory infections circulating, so it is a good time for the whole family to focus on the foundations that support good health and normal immune function.
“There is no single food, supplement or quick fix that ‘boosts’ immunity.
“A varied, balanced diet, regular physical activity, good quality sleep, recommended vaccinations and looking after our mental wellbeing all play a part.”
Families have also been encouraged not to abandon outdoor activity due to the temperatures dropping, with the doctor emphasising that activities including walking, cycling, outdoor time, and play a huge role in supporting physical and mental wellbeing, for the whole family.
Families shouldn’t avoid outdoor time because of the falling temperatures (Image: Getty)
Therefore, parents should lead by example in looking after their own health, the doctor added.
It comes as research by Vista Health found that nearly half of British workers carried on working while feeling unwell this summer, for an average of six days.
The poll of 2,000 people also found that half of Brits worry they will head into autumn already feeling tired or run down, while 27% fear having low energy.
She said: “For parents, the important message is not to forget your own health in the process.
“Children learn a great deal from what they see us doing.
“It doesn’t need to be perfect. A few small, sustainable changes made together as a family can be far more powerful than trying to overhaul everything at once.”
