The back-to-school season is undoubtedly bittersweet for many parents and children. The days of summer are over, and getting your child back into the learning mindset isn't always easy. However, one of the best things you can do for your child during the back-to-school season is to encourage healthy habits. According to current data, the U.S. needs about 52,000 more primary care physicians by 2025 to meet our healthcare needs and keeping your child healthy means they'll have to miss as little school as possible. Here are just a few healthy habits to encourage in your children this school year.

Eating A Healthy Breakfast
The keyword here is 'healthy', which means sugar-filled cereals don't exactly count. While it's never good to send your child to school on an empty stomach, allowing them to fill up on what's basically pure sugar with no nutritional value won't do anything but cause their teachers a headache and inhibit learning for the entire class. Instead, provide healthy granola bars, an egg sandwich, or peanut butter toast. Anything with protein will help them stay full and focused all the way to lunch.

Washing Hands
Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to avoid illness. Make sure your child understands the importance of washing their hands every time they eat, use the bathroom, come back from a public place, or anytime they feel dirty. Once your child makes a habit of this, you're likely to notice a significant improvement in their frequency of illness. Fewer visits to a walk in health clinic for children means your child will be able to attend each and every class.

Getting A Good Night's Sleep
Any parent can tell you it's not always easy getting your child to sleep. That being said, it's critical for keeping the immune system strong and capable of fighting off germs. Try to make sure your child is getting as close to eight full hours as possible.

Ultimately, keeping these healthy tips in mind can help your child make a smooth transition into the back-to-school season. Keep in mind that despite your best efforts, your child is bound to catch something at least a few times a year, and in those cases, a low cost health clinic for children that accepts family health care plans is a great option for quick and affordable treatment.