Island Health Encourages Healthy Habits For A Strong Start To School Year

Island Health’s Public Health team is reminding parents and caregivers to take proactive steps to support their children’s health and well-being.

Island Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton says it’s normal for children to feel both excitement and anxiety at the start of the school year.

She suggests talking to your children to see how they are handling things.

“Anxiety can become more serious and persistent,” says Dr. Fenton.

“If anxiety is getting in the way of day-to-day activities, like going to school or spending time with friends, then it’s time to talk to a doctor or mental health professional.”

Island Health is also encouraging parents to make sure their kids’ vaccinations are up to date, especially with recent cases of measles reported in B.C. and abroad.

One in 10 people who get measles are hospitalized.

Children and youth are eligible for vaccines protecting them from more than a dozen diseases including polio, chickenpox, meningitis, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

To book an immunization appointment or check your child’s records, visit the Island Health immunizations webpages or a local public health unit.

It may also be a great time of year, health officials say, to remind or teach children proper handwashing techniques.

For more information, visit Island Health.