Go Back Healthy To School with MinuteClinic

I’m proud to partner with MinuteClinic as part of their Back to School #GoBackHealthy campaign. As part of my involvement, I have received sponsorship from MinuteClinic for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are purely my own.

Can you believe it’s already time for kids to head back to school? (If they haven’t already!) There’s always so much on my to-do list and while a lot of it is buying school supplies and getting organized at home, I also make sure they are as healthy as possible when going back to school. When my son first started school, he was always sick! I know that he had to build up his immune system but ever since that first year, we make sure that he gets as healthy a start as possible when starting school.

Here are some of my top tips for getting off to a healthy start for school plus some great tips from the CVS MinuteClinic too!

Sleep Routine

During the summer, I tend to let my son stay up later. He likes to have special time with me after his sisters go to sleep and then play on his iPad or read books. It usually tends to be THREE hours after his normal bedtime so a few weeks before school starts, we try to get him settled back into his normal bedtime. It can be a rough transition but sleep is so important for your health and for your little one!

Eye Exam

My son had eye surgery when he was 2 and started wearing glasses in Kindergarten. Getting an eye exam before school starts is an easy way to remember to get it done annually and will address any problems before they are in their classroom and sitting in front of their chalkboard.

Healthy Eating Habits

I have to admit that during the summer, our healthy eating habits can go down. With school getting ready to start, I sit down with my son and we make a list of healthy items to go in his lunchbox – along with after-school snacks!

Buy New Items

I like to start the new school year off for my son with a new tooth brush, deodorant, bar soap and face wash, socks, underwear and more! There’s something about just starting off the school year with new and fresh items.

Back to School Vaccinations

My kids usually get their vaccinations around their birthday each year but there are many schools and colleges that require them before you can attend. In particular, it can be important to get the vaccines for Meningitis, Pertussis and HPV. You can get all of these vaccines at your local MinuteClinic – no going to the doctor! You can walk-in and bring the whole family with you, no appointment required.

Sports Physicals

If your child plans on playing fall sports like soccer or football, I’m sure they need a sports physical. Even if they don’t require it, it’s good to have as it can help to keep immunizations up to date and provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have. Sports physicals are only $49 and insurance is not accepted. You can walk in 7 days a week to get this done – no appointment required!

Acne Treatment 

We haven’t hit this stage YET, but I remember the days when acne was a big problem for me while in school. If your older kids (or you!) has a concern, you can visit the CVS MinuteClinic for personalized consultations and treatment recommendations for all ages.

The MinuteClinic can diagnose, treat your acne and can provide prescriptions. If no prescription is needed,they can help you figure out the right over-the-counter product too.

No appointment is necessary and you can walk in 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.

Ten Tips to Prevent Acne from the CVS MinuteClinic

1. Keep your face clean. Whether or not you have acne, it’s important to wash your face twice daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and extra oil from your skin’s surface. Washing more often than twice daily is not necessarily better; it may do more harm than good. Use warm, not hot, water and a mild facial cleanser. Using a harsh soap (like deodorant body soap) can hurt the already inflamed skin and cause more irritation. Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly with a washcloth, an exfoliating glove, or loofah (a coarse-textured sponge). Gently wash it with a washcloth or a very soft cloth. Always rinse well, and then dry your face with a clean towel. (Toss the towel in the laundry hamper, as dirty towels spread bacteria.) Also, use the washcloth only once before washing.

2. Moisturize. Many acne products contain ingredients that dry the skin, so always use a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and skin peeling. Look for “noncomedogenic” on the label, which means it should not cause acne. There are moisturizers made for oily, dry, or combination skin.

3. Try an over-the-counter acne product. These acne products don’t need a prescription. They may have ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, which curb bacteria and dry your skin. Start with a small amount at first. Then you can adjust how much you use and how often, depending on how much peeling or drying you have. Use these products with caution if you have sensitive skin.

4. Use makeup sparingly. During a breakout, avoid wearing foundation, powder, or blush. If you do wear makeup, wash it off at the end of the day. If possible, choose oil-free cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Choose makeup that is labeled as “noncomedogenic,” meaning it should not cause acne. Read the ingredients list on the product label before buying.

5. Watch what you put on your hair. Avoid using fragrances, oils, pomades, or gels on your hair. If they get on your face, they can block your skin’s pores and irritate your skin. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Oily hair can add to the oil on your face, so wash your hair often, especially if you’re breaking out. Got long hair? Keep it pulled away from your face.

6. Keep your hands off your face. Avoid touching your face or propping your cheek or chin on your hands. Not only can you spread bacteria, you can also irritate the already inflamed facial skin. Never pick or pop pimples with your fingers, as it can lead to infection and scarring.

7. Stay out of the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase inflammation and redness, and can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark discoloration). Some acne medications may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a broad-brimmed hat. Whether you have pimples or not, always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Look for “noncomedogenic” on the sunscreen label to make new pimples less likely. Read the ingredients on the product label to know what you’re putting on your skin.

8. Feed your skin. Most experts agree that certain foods, like chocolate, don’t cause pimples. Still, it makes sense to avoid greasy food and junk food and add more fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains to your diet. Dairy products and foods high in processed sugar may trigger acne. Avoid these.

9. Exercise daily. Regular exercise is good for your whole body, including your skin. When you exercise, avoid wearing clothing or using exercise equipment that rubs your skin and may cause irritation. Shower or bathe right after exercise.

10. Chill! Some studies link stress with the severity of pimples or acne. Ask yourself what’s making you feel stressed. Then look for solutions.

I hope some of these tips have helped you get ready for the Back to School season! I’d love to hear some of yours! Make sure to find a CVS MinuteClinic near you so you can take advantage of these great services.