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[HEALTH] · Türkiye · 10 sources

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Health experts provide guidance for children returning to school

As schools reopen, medical experts are providing guidance to parents regarding children's health, nutrition, and sleep routines.

Pediatric specialists recommend that children undergo general health check-ups before the school year begins. Key focuses include vision and hearing screenings, as these can significantly impact academic success. Experts also advise checking vaccination records and monitoring growth metrics like height and weight.

Regarding nutrition, experts advise parents against the pressure of creating 'perfect' lunchboxes seen on social media. Instead, the focus should be on sustainable, balanced nutrition. Practical suggestions include pairing carbohydrates with proteins, fiber, or healthy fats, such as fruit with yogurt or whole-grain crackers with cheese. Experts suggest a 'familiar food + new food' approach to introduce new tastes without forcing consumption.

For sleep hygiene, specialists warn that screen use—such as phones and tablets—before bedtime can disrupt melatonin production, leading to difficulty falling asleep and daytime drowsiness. It is recommended to establish gradual sleep routines, such as reading or bathing, and to avoid digital content at least one hour before sleep. Maintaining a dark, quiet environment is also essential for quality rest.

Entities

Hakan Çoban · Hasret Ayyıldız Civan · Karadeniz Technical University · Liv Hospital Ulus · Volkan Şahin

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