Back to School Health and Safety Tips - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

Here are a few health and safety tips to make sure your student's school year is off to a great start:

Playground accidents are the leading cause of injury to elementary aged children. While students are being supervised by teachers at all times, it's a good idea to send your child to school in snug fitting clothing that is free of draw strings so they are less likely to get stuck in a piece of playground equipment.

To help your child avoid injury, your students backpack should weigh less than 15 percent of his or her body weight. Heavier items should be placed closer to the child's back in the backpack. help them choose a bag with two wide padded straps and encourage them to use both straps at all times.

Having a routine sleep schedule is very important for students as well.. Maintaining a regular bedtime makes it easier to go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning. A good sleep environment that is cool, dark, and quiet without noise from a TV will help your student maintain a good sleep schedule.

The spread of germs in schools is another major health concern. Hand washing with warm water and anti-bacterial soap is a must. Another common way germs spread is through sharing food and drinks with friends. If you think your child might be sick, it's probably best to keep them home from school.

Follow those tips to keep your student healthy and happy in school this year. 

Click Here for some school bus safety tips.