Take the stress out of sending your kids back to school

Getting your kids ready to start school is one of the most hectic times of the year for families.

Once you've dug out their bags and books, make sure they've done any homework, and kitted them out with uniforms and shoes, you probably feel like you need another holiday.

Thankfully, taking care of your children's health doesn't need to add to the back-to-school stresses.

With guidance available from your community pharmacist, such as Boots, it's quick and convenient to get the help you may need.

You don't need an appointment - you can simply pop into your local Boots Pharmacy store.

A pharmacist or their team will be happy to answer questions, whether you need advice on your child's asthma medication or help dealing with nits or playground grazes.

From advice on supplements to vitamins to vaccinations, visiting your local pharmacy is a quick and convenient way to help take care of your children's health.

That's one less thing you need to worry about at back-to-school time.

Below, Boots have shared advice on some of the most common issues.

Minor Ailments

With children learning and playing in close proximity all day, coughs and sniffles can be spread around schools like wildfire.

Boots' pharmacists and their colleagues are ideally placed to give advice and suggest the most suitable treatment options to help make sure the start of school is hassle free.

Consider them your first port of call for advice on preventing common childhood ailments or to help you deal with nits and other health problems such as conjunctivitis, colds, fever, sickness or diarrhoea.

And when your child takes the inevitable tumble in the playground, the pharmacy team can help and advise on the right products to keep at home at the ready.

Meningitis Vaccination Service

Meningitis is one of the most serious illnesses a child can suffer from, and can be a major concern for all parents.

The infection occurs when the lining around the brain and spinal cord becomes inflamed.

The most common form, bacterial meningitis, can lead to brain damage, blindness, epilepsy, septicaemia and even death. Meningitis diseases occurs most commonly in infants and young children. The next most vunerable group is teenagers and young adults but meningitis can strike at any age.

The NHS currently offers MenB vaccination as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme in the UK. Vaccinations are given at two, four and 12 months. Vaccinating babies helps protect them when they're most at risk of developing meningitis B and Boots fully supports the NHS programme.

If your children are outside the NHS age range, Boots offers a Meningitis B Vaccination Service for those between two and 21 years of age in selected store*. Ask your local pharmacist for more information and advice about the Meningitis B Vaccination Service. http://www.boots.com/health-pharmacy-advice/vaccinations/menb

*Eligibility criteria apply, subject to stock and pharmacist availability. Charges apply.

Eye tests at Boots Opticians

Up to 80 per cent of a child’s learning is through sight, so as the new school year begins, it’s important to get their eyes checked to make sure there is nothing that might hold them back.

Eye tests not only check that your child can read the board from the back of the classroom. They also monitor how healthy their eyes are and help identify any potential problems before they can become more serious.

Boots Opticians offer eye tests to check your child’s vision then recommend the best option if appropriate based on their needs. You should have your child’s eyes tested every year while they are at school.

All children in the UK can get free NHS eye tests up to the age of 16, as well as an NHS voucher towards the cost of glasses if they need them. In Scotland a free eye test is available to all ages. To find your nearest Boots Opticians or book an eye test online visit boots.com/opticians-service

Asthma

Parents of children who suffer from asthma naturally worry about sending them off to school. They’ll have to recognise the triggers and manage their condition on their own, maybe even for the first time. Knowing your child is able to use their inhaler independently helps puts your mind at rest.

Boots pharmacists can help children feel confident about using it when they need to and can also check your child’s inhaler technique and if the dose prescribed is suitable.

• Visit your Boots Pharmacy for child health. Click here to find your nearest branch.

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