Community Healthcare: Tips for a Successful and Healthy Start to the Back-to-School Season

Happy August! Back-to-school season is in full swing and we know that it can be challenging for parents whether it’s packing a healthy lunch every day or simply getting your school ducks in a row! Integrated Health Centers of WV is here to help and we have a few tips to help you lead with a healthy start.

Schedule Check-Ups & Physicals at Your Local School Clinic
All six of our school locations are open and we are accepting all patients including parents, students, and community members! We’ve got you covered no matter the reason behind the visit from yearly check-ups to sports physicals. See our full list of locations for accurate clinic hours and give us a call to schedule your next appointment.

Back-to-School Packets
As you schedule check-ups and physicals, don’t forget to fill out the back-to-school health packets. Filling out these packets ensures that your kids can receive the best quality care at their local office. We accept most insurance plans and offer the Sliding Fee Discount Scale to uninsured or underinsured individuals. If you have questions about school-related appointments, insurance, or our Sliding Fee Discount Scale please give your local location a call today.

Visit Local Farmers’ Markets
If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity for the family and a break from homework, visit your local farmers’ market! Farmers’ markets are an excellent resource for local produce that goes beyond fresh vegetables. Many market vendors also provide fresh eggs, meat, and baked goods. Look up farmers’ markets near your area or join your community Facebook page to inquire locally. You can also use the search engine Farmers Markets By County to look up what’s available nearby.

Need Help Saving A Few Dollars? Meal Prep On A Budget!
Meal prepping is an excellent way to help your kids stay on top of their nutrition and it’s a quick, convenient method for easy lunches. Not only is meal prepping efficient, but it’s budget friendly. By setting aside time to prepare a grain, protein, vegetable, and fruit option, you simultaneously achieve all major food groups in one meal. Grains like rice and pasta along with frozen vegetables come with a longer shelf life, making it easy for food preppers to get more value out of their grocery expenses. There’s plenty of meal prep recipes available online that are both delicious, nutritious, and perfect for school lunches. If you need help starting, check out this website that breaks down pricing and recipes! One of our favorites is the smoky chicken and cinnamon roasted sweet potato recipe. Yum!

Plan Before Your Grocery Trip
Pre-planning a grocery trip is the best way to save time and cut costs as the busy school season kicks off. Start by taking a quick inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. By taking inventory, you reduce the chances of buying extra on accident. Once you have an idea of what you already have, make a menu for the rest of your week with cookbooks or online recipes. Now that you have your inventory and list, make sure to eat a snack before your grocery trip to reduce impulse purchases. A good rule of thumb is to stick to your list and avoid the prepackaged and processed foods. Healthy choices pay off in the long run for both you and your kids.