Back2School with Methodist Health System

Kick off the School Year with Free Safety Bracelets

Every August, we can't believe that time could move so fast. That the days of fun in the sun and sleeping late are already turning into days of school supply shopping and earlier bedtimes. That in a matter of weeks, parents will be treated to the cries of:

"Mom, I don't want to go to school."

Fake cough - "Dad, I think I'm sick."

Methodist Health System knows that back to school time can be hard on kids and parents (though sometimes for very different reasons.) To help you get ready for this busy time of year, the answers2 blog is launching its first Back2School series.

Each Tuesday and Thursday in August, we'll cover topics like food allergies, seasonal allergies, backpack safety, healthy lunches, how to get your kids on a sleep schedule and more. To kick off the series, we're offering your family free light-up safety bracelets. Your kids can wear them on their wrists, backpacks or shoes. Not only are they fun, they can help keep your kids safe as they walk home from activities. We may not want to believe it, but the days will be getting shorter before we know it.

Parents can register for the free safety bracelets here: http://methodistfamilycare.com/back2school/ and the bracelets will be shipped to you within 4-8 weeks, while supplies last.

It's time for back-to-school physicals

Remember, back-to-school season is a good time to get your children's back to school physicals. Methodist Family Health Centers can see most patients the same day; most insurance plans are accepted. Go to methodistfamilycare.com to find a physician near you. Don't want to make an appointment? You can walk into Methodist Urgent Care clinics in Richardson, The Colony and Dallas' Inwood Village. The clinics take most major insurance plans, and they also offer physicals for $25. Learn more here.

Safety tips for your kids at back-to-school time

• Teach kids to put phones, headphones and devices down when crossing the street. It is particularly important to reinforce this message with teenagers.
• It's always best to walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Children under 10 need to cross the street with an adult. Every child is different, but developmentally, most kids are unable to judge the speed and distance of oncoming cars until age 10.
• Be a good role model. Set a good example by putting your phone, headphones and devices down when walking around cars.

Make sure to check back in with Methodist's answers2 blog every Tuesday and Thursday in August for more back to school health & safety tips!