Back to School, Back to Health — Small Steps Toward Community Wellness

The end of August marks the beginning of a new school year for Middle Tennessee’s kids and teens. By now, families are excitedly shopping for new supplies, laying out new clothes and setting early morning alarms. But back-to-school preparation extends beyond shopping lists and new routines.

With the return to school, children enter shared spaces with many other kids, increasing their exposure to illness. In fact, most school children will get at least six to eight colds per year, and infection rates are highest during the first half of the school year.

During the first few weeks of school, here are a few ways families, communities and providers can help keep Middle Tennessee’s kids in good health.

Emphasize the importance of proper handwashing

School desks and doorknobs are touched by dozens of hands each day, and shared spaces are covered with germs from shoes and toys.

Hand-washing is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent illness. Caregivers should teach the importance of thorough handwashing before eating, after using the bathroom and when arriving home from school.

Keep sick kids at home, when you can

Illnesses like the common cold, flu, and strep throat can spread through both respiratory droplets and direct contact, making complete avoidance impossible.

If you notice your child displaying symptoms like a fever, cough, or sore throat, talk to their teachers about keeping them home. Proper rest and hydration are crucial to recovery, and staying home can help protect other kids from illness too.

Support healthier communities for healthier schools

Beyond building good habits at home, keeping kids healthy requires dedicated providers, timely care, and a healthcare system that works for families.

That's why Better Health for Middle Tennessee advocates for a healthcare infrastructure that meets local needs and keeps care close to home.

Access to timely care is extremely important during back-to-school season, yet some families in rural Middle Tennessee live 15- 30 miles from the nearest hospital. We are working to expand existing health systems and establish new freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers to bring 24/7 care closer to where families live and attend school.

And while Middle Tennessee’s healthcare providers prepare for fall seasonal illnesses after last year’s devastating flu season, we will continue pushing for stronger local infrastructure to reduce strain on hospitals and providers across the state.

While establishing healthy habits and monitoring symptoms can help in the immediate term, the future of our children's health depends on the healthcare systems we build today.

We are working with community leaders, healthcare providers and policymakers to improve access to care in Middle Tennessee.  That way, when children get sick, families will have access to care that is accessible, high-quality, and close to home.

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