DDPHE Blog: Healthy Back to School Tips and Habits

DDPHE Blog: Healthy Back to School Tips and Habits

Published on July 17, 2026

As the back-to-school season begins, families across Denver are preparing for the return of early mornings, packed lunches, and full backpacks. Set kids up for success with a healthy start to the school year and routines at home that can help them thrive physically and emotionally.

Vaccines help protect students from preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough. These highly contagious illnesses can quickly spread in classrooms. You can read more about the importance of back-to-school vaccines in our What You Need to Know blog.

Don't forget about routine wellness visits. Annual checkups allow providers to track developmental milestones, address any emerging health concerns, and complete physicals required for sports or extracurricular activities. These visits are also a chance to stay on track with immunizations

Good hygiene habits help reduce the spread of germs at school and at home. Regular handwashing, especially before meals and after using the restroom, is a simple but powerful way to stay healthy. Remind children to cough or sneeze into their elbow, not their hands, and to avoid sharing water bottles or personal items. Make sure reusable water bottles are cleaned regularly and encourage your student to refill them throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Nutrition is another key building block of health. A nutritious breakfast fuels the brain and body for the day ahead, while balanced lunches and snacks help maintain focus and energy. Try to include a mix of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and proteins in each meal. Getting kids involved in meal planning or packing lunches is a great way to teach them about healthy choices.

Physical activity is just as important for academic performance as it is for physical health. Whether it's walking or biking to school, playing outside with friends, or participating in a team sport, kids should aim to get at least 60 minutes of activity each day. Moving the body helps reduce stress, improves concentration, and supports healthy growth.

Sleep is one of the most important ingredients for school success. Children and teens who get enough rest are better able to focus, retain information, and regulate their emotions. Experts recommend between 9 and 12 hours of sleep per night for school-age children, and 8 to 10 hours for teens. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and putting away devices at least 30 minutes before bed, can go a long way in making mornings less stressful and school days more productive.

Mental and emotional health also deserve attention as students transition back to the classroom. A new school year can bring excitement and also anxiety, especially for students changing schools or facing new academic pressures. Parents and caregivers can help by checking in regularly, asking open-ended questions about their child's day, and making time for connection, whether it's through shared meals, walks, or quiet reading time together. For students who need more support, Denver Health's school-based health centers offer behavioral health services, along with primary care and even dental care, at no cost to families.

For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or severe allergies, now is the time to ensure schools have updated care plans and access to necessary medications. Talk to your school nurse or administrator to make sure everything is in place before the first bell rings.

Lastly, as temperatures remain high in the early weeks of school, staying hydrated and recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion are especially important. Encourage kids to drink water regularly, take breaks in the shade during outdoor activities, and know when to rest.

By pairing vaccinations with healthy daily routines like regular checkups, plenty of sleep, good nutrition, physical activity, and emotional support, families can help students start the year with confidence and resilience. It's all part of giving every child the best possible foundation for a successful school year.

• Public Health & Environment