We know it’s only the beginning of August, but if the end of the summer tends to sneak up on you like it does on our family, know that you’re not alone!

The start of a new school year brings so much possibility – and often, a little chaos. Between school supply lists, shifting schedules, and growing to-do lists, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important parts of getting ready: your family’s health and well-being.

Whether your child is starting preK, making the leap to kindergarten, or leveling up to middle or high school, here are some reminders and tips to help you all feel grounded and ready:

✅ Confirm school and sports physicals are up to date

• Many schools and athletic programs require a physical within the past 12 months.
• If your child hasn’t had one in this time frame, now is a good time to call your doctor’s office to set this up!
• Be sure to bring any school forms you need signed to your visit (hint – here’s the New York State one).

✅ Review immunizations

New York State requires certain vaccinations for school, and you never want to be the parent scrambling last minute to get these completed.

Recommended vaccines vary by age, but commonly needed school updates to be aware of include:

• DTap/Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), hepatitis B, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), Varicella and Polio for kindergarten
• Tdap and Meningococcal #1 for middle schoolers
• Meningococcal #2 for high schoolers

Other vaccinations that are not required but may be recommended by your family’s pediatrician or family doctor include flu, COVID-19, and HPV.

If you’re not sure if your child is due for any vaccinations before the start of the school year, contact your family doctor, pediatrician, or school nurse for guidance.

✅ Review and refill medications

If your child takes medication during the school day (like for asthma, ADHD, allergies, or another condition), ensure that:

• You have enough refills to get through the fall
• Emergency medications (like inhalers or EpiPens) are current and not expired
• The school has up-to-date instructions, forms, and care plans from your doctor on file

✅ Don’t forget vision and hearing checks

Even small changes in vision or hearing can impact your child’s ability to focus or participate fully in class.

If your child has been squinting, turning their head to listen, or struggling to follow along, your doctor may be able to do basic screening in the office or recommend checking in with an eye doctor or audiologist.

✅ Ease back into daily routines

A few simple steps can make the transition from summer flexibility to school year hustle smoother for the whole family:

• Start waking up a bit earlier in the week or two before school begins
• Create a simple bedtime routine if summer habits have drifted
• Make space for quiet, screen-free wind-down time in the evenings

These rhythms don’t have to be perfect, but attempting some consistency is important.

✅ Talk about the year ahead

New teachers, classrooms, and schools may drum up those back to school jitters, but a few simple conversations can help ease nerves:

• Practice the morning routine together
• Visit or drive by school before the first day
• Ask open-ended questions that stir up excitement, like “What are you most curious about this year?”

✅ Take care of you, too

As your family settles into the school year, consider how you’re caring for your own health as well. If you’ve been putting off a checkup, craving more personalized care, or simply feeling stretched thin, know that you’re not alone.

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At Heirloom, I’ll be welcoming patients in the Capital Region of New York very soon, and I can’t wait to offer care that supports your whole family’s well-being.

Whether your child needs their next annual exam, you’re looking for a doctor who knows your name, or you’re just ready for a calmer way to approach your family’s health, we would love to get to know you!

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