Back-to-School Health Check: Start the Year Strong

August is here, which means supply lists are filling up carts, email inboxes are buzzing with teacher assignments, and kids are soaking up the last summer days before the first bell rings. While the start of a new school year can feel overwhelming, a little planning now can set the whole family up for a smooth, healthy transition.

At Maple Health Direct Primary Care (DPC), we make it easier to tackle those last-minute to-dos—whether that’s school and sports physicals, wellness checkups, or advice for starting the year with healthy habits.

School and Sports Physicals: One Appointment, Less Stress

Sports tryouts and extracurriculars often come with a stack of forms that need a doctor’s signature before your student can hit the field. In Ohio, most schools use FinalForms or a similar system to track athletic clearance, which requires an updated physical each year.

If your child had a camp physical this summer, it may count toward their sports requirements. If not, now’s the perfect time to schedule. We can see multiple family members in the same visit, saving you time and multiple trips. Whether your child plays soccer, runs cross country, or is just starting their first season, we’ll make sure they’re ready to play—and that the paperwork is done on time.

Annual Well-Checks: Not Just for Kids

Before the school calendar fills with practices, homework, and after-school activities, consider scheduling annual wellness visits for the whole family. For children, these visits help track growth and development, ensure immunizations are up to date, and address everyday health topics like nutrition, hygiene, and injury prevention.

For parents, well-checks are just as important. Staying on top of your own health helps you keep up with your family’s busy schedule—and sets a great example for your kids. At Maple Health DPC, we dedicate 45 minutes or more to each visit, so you have plenty of time to ask questions and leave feeling confident about your family’s health plan for the year ahead.

Sleep: The Secret School Supply

One of the biggest challenges of back-to-school season? Resetting those summer sleep schedules. Sleep affects everything from mood to focus to immune function, so it’s worth the effort to get bedtime routines back on track.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Teens: 8–10 hours per night

• School-age kids: 9–12 hours per night

• Preschoolers: Up to 13 hours per night

• Adults: 7–9 hours per night

Start easing into earlier bedtimes about two weeks before school starts. Keep devices out of bedrooms, dim lights in the evening, and aim for consistent sleep and wake times—even on weekends.

Staying Ahead of Common School-Year Health Concerns

Once school is in session, kids are exposed to all kinds of new environments—and that can mean new health risks. While colds and flu are common, parents should also keep an eye out for vision problems, scoliosis, head lice, and the emotional toll of bullying or social stress.

Our team at Maple Health DPC is here to help with preventive screenings, treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, and guidance on navigating both physical and emotional health challenges. And with our membership model, you’ll have easy access to your provider—whether it’s a quick text for reassurance or a same-day appointment when something pops up.

A new school year is full of possibility. Let’s make sure your family starts it feeling healthy, prepared, and confident. Schedule your physicals, well-checks, or first visit with Maple Health DPC today—and take one big thing off your back-to-school list.