Ah, summer is over. It’s time for the kids to head back for yet another new school year. They’ll be bringing home books, homework, projects, and maybe new friends. What you don’t want them bringing home are injuries and germs! Unfortunately, both come with the territory when you have children. So, before you have a case of either, why not stock a back-to-school wellness kit.
Over the years, we’ve had countless late-night store runs and after-hours doctor visits. Emergency cuts, bruises, colds, coughs, rashes, etc. aren’t fun for anyone. Many of these could have been avoided had we been better prepared. To save you that stress, here are some items you might want to keep on hand “just in case.”
Back to School Wellness Kit — Bug Bites & Poison Fauna
Now through late-October offers perfect weather for outings and field trips. Being in the thick of nature can bring on a new set of challenges, though. From bug bites to poison ivy, itchy rashes and allergic reactions are a sure-fire way to ruin a good time.
- Itch Relief Spray — As soon as you feel a bite or rash coming on, use this for quick relief.
- Calamine — Use a cotton ball or pad to spread this on the infected area if the irritation continues. Allow it to dry and leave on so the child can get a break from the constant itching.
- Allergy Liquid Medication — Topical help is not enough when eyes start to itch and sneezing begins. The recommended dose can help a child fight an allergic reaction from the inside.
Back to School Wellness Kit — Cold & Flu
We have a few months until cold and flu season is upon us but don’t let your guard down. I’m already starting to hear advertisements about getting the flu shot. The problem is that it can be so hard to diagnose the symptoms yourself. Plus, not every type of medicine works for every child. When Munchkin was young, Frans and I tried several brands until we found one that she responded well to.
- Hand Sanitizer — As soon as the coughing, sniffling, and sneezing in the classroom begins, arm your offspring with this. In addition to regular handwashing, they can use sanitizer after touching public surfaces.
- Digital Thermometer — Take the guesswork out of knowing if your child has a fever or not. If the temperature gets above 102, make sure you check in with the doctor!
- Cold Medicine — Find what works for your child and stick with it. Be sure to note the treated symptoms, active ingredients, and age range. Be careful to follow the dosage schedule closely.
- Medicated Chest Rub — If the poor thing can’t get any rest from being sick, this can help them breathe a bit easier.
- Throat Relief Pops — Soothes a sore throat and a lollipop is always more fun than a lozenge. Plus, there’s less worry over a child accidentally choking on it.
- Acetaminophen — Use this to give your little one a boost when dealing with pain or fever. Make sure to check the suggested age and look for one approved for use by children.
Back to School Wellness Kit — Injuries
For most kids, recess is the best part of their school day. That’s also where many injuries happen. After all, what’s childhood without scraped knees, calloused hands, and jungle gym bruises?
- Antiseptic Spray — Start by cleaning the wound from any debris or dirt. Look for a spray with Lidocaine for immediate pain relief.
- Antibiotic Ointment — Use a cotton swab to cover the open wound for faster healing. This will also help prevent scarring.
- Adhesive Bandages — Pick up various sizes (including large ones for big scrapes) and get waterproof ones for cuts on the hands. Stick to latex-free varieties in case of potential allergies.
Back to School Wellness Kit — Lice
Last but not least, include a Lice Solution Kit in your back to school wellness kit. No child (or parent for that matter) should have to deal with the nightmare known as lice. But, sometimes you can’t help it. Instead of freaking out when you get the letter from school, just pull out the kit, do what you have to, and get rid of those nasties ASAP!
- Lice Solution Kit — Includes everything you need to find and kill those contagious critters.
As you can see, CVS Pharmacy has a TON of products to keep kids healthy and to nurse them back to health in case they fall ill. I was even able to send the current 30% off discount to my card, saving me a whopping $19! Just make sure you sign up for the ExtraCare Rewards newsletter to get the deals and that you link it to your card. Using the CVS App will take care of the rest.
A new school year may be starting but we’re determined to make the best of it. By preparing now for common injuries and illnesses the school environment brings, we can nip them in the bud right away. I only wish I thought of this whole wellness kit years ago as it would have saved us a lot of time and some sanity.
How will your family stay healthy as the kids go back to school?
Disclosure: I’m proud to be working with CVS Pharmacy to help spread the word about how to #FindYourHealthy. All opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.
