Photo Courtesy Luminis Health
ANNAPOLIS, MD. -- As students return to classrooms over the next few weeks, Luminis Health is offering parents and families practical tips to help children start the school year on a healthy note. From nutritious eating habits to establishing healthy screen-time routines, small changes can help students feel their best and stay focused throughout the school year.
Healthy habits begin with nutrition. Before students leave the house, parents and guardians should make sure they start the day with a nutritious breakfast.
“Breakfast should always include a protein,” said Colleen Kiley, Luminis Health’s Lead Diabetes Educator. “While eggs are an obvious choice, a good source of protein is also Greek yogurt, a protein shake, protein waffles or pancakes with peanut butter, or cheese.”
Parents and guardians should also include the following options:
- Include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Offering different fruits with breakfast and lunch can help keep meals interesting for children. When packing lunch, cut vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery are healthy and delicious options.
- When students return home, good afternoon snacks include an apple with peanut butter or a yogurt bowl with fruit, chia seeds, and protein granola. Another option is a high-fiber, high-protein muffin.
- Avoid sugary drinks before, during and after school. Water is always best, but families can also consider zero-sugar drink mixes or zero-sugar sports drinks.
With a new Maryland law requiring all public schools to prohibit student use of personal electronic devices and certain social media during the school day by the 2027-2028 school year, screen time is an increasing concern for many parents and educators.
“One of the best ways to limit screen time is to delay giving young children their own personal device for as long as possible,” said Dr. Jesselina Curry, a Luminis Health child and adolescent psychiatrist. “Early exposure to screen time has been linked to developmental and cognitive concerns, including delays in language development. When you introduce screen time in your home, it should be in an open area and not behind closed doors.”
Other ways to promote healthy screen time habits include:
- Set clear expectations by discussing what is and isn’t acceptable screen use
- Establish consistent weekly screen time limits. If your child currently spends several hours a day on a device, gradually reduce that time to make the change more manageable
- Practice what you preach by limiting your own recreational screen time
- Set limits on social media by using built-in phone settings to monitor screen time and establish boundaries
- Create device-free family time, such as during meals or while watching TV or a movie together as a family
- Make screen time a reward that they can work towards
- Download age-appropriate games that do not require internet access for young children
- For older children, require approval before they make purchases or download new apps
Beyond offering families tips for healthy habits at home, Luminis Health supports students throughout the school year through programs and services designed to promote physical and behavioral health.
Guided by our vision, Living Healthier Together, Luminis Health provides behavioral health education and support services in six Prince George's County schools. Developed in close partnership with educators, the program has supported more than 1,200 students over the past two years and has helped improve student well-being.
In Anne Arundel County, Luminis Health’s Orthopedic and primary care teams provided free sports physicals over the summer to 240 Anne Arundel County Public Schools student-athletes.
“As athletes head back to school and onto the fields, I can’t stress enough the importance of strengthen training,” said Dr. Mark Denzine, a Luminis Health Orthopedic surgeon. “Throwing injuries are the most common, particularly in younger athletes when their growth plates are still active. To help avoid these injuries, coaches should monitor pitch counts, teach proper throwing mechanics and ensure athletes follow a healthy progression with long-toss training. health long toss progression.”
Each year, Luminis Health team members collect backpacks and school supplies for kids and teens at The Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County and Lamont Elementary School in Prince George’s County.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate Luminis Health’s commitment to supporting children’s physical and behavioral health and the communities they call home.
