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Back to School Guide

Summer's almost over and a new school year is about to start. New schedules, new teachers, new friends — it can be overwhelming for you AND your kids. Get organized now to ease the transition and ensure your family is prepared to have the best school year ever!

Pre-School Prep
Your child's school will tell you what immunizations are required, but here are some health precautions you may not have thought of:

Will your kids play sports? A sports physical will help detect any conditions that could lead to injury when playing sports.

For college students, exposure to meningitis may be increased by dormitory living. Be sure your child has a meningitis vaccine before heading back to campus.

Good Behavior
Being polite and respectful with teachers and school authority figures will help your child succeed. Help them make a good impression:

Teaching children basic good manners will serve them well in school and for a lifetime.

Every kid acts out at some point, but how do you know when it's a serious problem? Learn to recognize the signs of conduct disorder in children before your child's behavior jeopardizes his education.

Brain Food
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for children. Nutrition experts explain.

Come on, admit it — when you were a kid, did you ever throw your lunch away or trade it for something better? With these kid-friendly lunch recipes, your brown-baggers will be happy and well-fed. And if you're looking for quick breakfast ideas or easy dinner recipes, we've got those too!

Even if you aren't able to provide lunch for your child, the National School Lunch Program will ensure they'll get a nutritious meal.

Gym Class Heroes
Whether clowning around on the playground or competing in organized athletics, safety is number one. Get tips on sports safety for kids of all ages:

Preventing injuries is the goal of sports safety for children.

As kids get older, they need to understand sportsmanship as well as sports. Follow these guidelines for sports safety for adolescents.

Sports can be a great way for disabled kids to boost self-esteem and be part of the group. Check out sports opportunities for children with disabilities.

Watch video: Back to School Sports Injuries

Special Needs
Kids with special needs can thrive in the right school environment. Here are some examples:

If your child is autistic, can she attend public school? Check out educational options for autism.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, has become a household term over the last several years. If you or the school suspects your child may have it, learn how ADHD is properly diagnosed.

Safety Patrol
Your home may be a controlled environment, but the outside world is another matter. Be aware of common health and safety risks:

Many toddlers and young children will be heading off to day care or after-school programs this fall. Be sure you're aware of day care health and safety risks and know how the provider will handle them.

Headlice is most common in school-age children. Be prepared to handle an outbreak.

Cold and flu season is almost here. Before it strikes, get the facts on giving cough and cold products to children.

Pictures: DCI |

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