It’s hard to believe it’s time to get ready to go back to school! In addition to chipping away at summer reading assignments and tracking down that elusive orange folder on the supply lists, there are a few health and safety preparations you can make now to make going back to school a little smoother.

Make sure your child is up-to-date on any vaccines; schools require documentation at certain grade levels before they will enroll a student and you don’t want any hiccups on the first day.

Talk about healthful breakfast and school lunch options with your child. Especially if you have a picky eater, you might want to prepare and/or pack nutritious foods that you know he or she likes so they are getting the fuel they need to get through the school day. There are many resources online if you’re tired of PB&J; here are some fun ideas from Parents magazine. Don’t forget easy but healthful after-school snacks they can make themselves!

If your child plays sports, make sure they have the physical they need before the season begins. Since “fall” sports practices begin long before fall-like weather does, you should make you’re your child is drinking plenty of water and sports drinks the night before practice as well as while they’re on the field. Also make sure both your student and you know the signs of heat-related illnesses and concussion.

And finally, for older children who may spend even a short amount of time home alone after school, refresh their memories about who to call in an emergency, and put emergency numbers by every phone in the house. They also should know of a neighbor’s house where they can go if they need help.

Enjoy what’s left of slow summer days, and have a safe and healthy school year!

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