As August marks Back to School Month, parents across Arkansas are helping their kids trade pool floats for pencils and preparing to shift from the freedom of summer to the structure of a new school year. While shopping for clothes and school supplies is important, so is making sure your child is physically and emotionally ready to succeed in the classroom.
Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or their final year of high school, Healthy Connections and My Kids Pediatric Clinic are ready to help families navigate this busy season with expert care. Our pediatric team—including Dr. Tracy Rowe, Dr. Jeremy Porter, Melanie Newman APRN, and Matt York APRN—sees patients at our Hot Springs Central location, with Dr. Rowe also available in Malvern and Arkadelphia. Plus, APRNs at all Healthy Connections locations see children, offering family-centered care across Western and Central Arkansas.
Step One: Get Caught Up on Health Requirements
One of the most important parts of back-to-school preparation is making sure your child is up to date on required school health screenings and immunizations. In Arkansas, students must meet state vaccination requirements before they can attend school.
If you’re unsure whether your child is current, we can help you review your records and guide you through what’s needed. If vaccinations are due, we’ll either help you get them taken care of at a Healthy Connections clinic or connect you with the local health department or another resource to complete the process. Our goal is to make sure your child is ready—and that nothing stands in the way of a smooth return to school.
We also offer school and sports physicals at all locations. Whether your child is joining the football team or just needs clearance to start kindergarten, these quick visits are an important part of ensuring your child is healthy, safe, and ready to go.
Step Two: Reboot the Routine—Now
With just days left before school starts, it’s important to begin re-establishing school-year routines immediately. If your child has been staying up late and sleeping in, it’s time to start shifting toward a school schedule.
- Begin adjusting bedtime and wake-up times now, moving them closer to the school-day routine each night.
- Cut off screens at least an hour before bed to help wind down.
- Reinforce consistent morning routines, including breakfast and time for getting dressed without rushing.
It doesn’t have to be perfect on day one—but getting your child’s body clock back on track now will make the first week of school far less stressful for everyone.
Step Three: Don’t Overload the Backpack
Heavy, poorly designed backpacks are a common cause of back, neck, and shoulder pain in children. When selecting a backpack, look for:
- Padded, adjustable shoulder straps
- A padded back panel
- Multiple compartments to distribute weight
- A size that fits your child’s frame
A backpack should weigh no more than 10–15% of your child’s body weight. Encourage kids to use both shoulder straps and only carry what they truly need. If your child complains of discomfort, our providers can check for posture issues or strain during their visit.
Step Four: Support Their Mental and Emotional Health
The start of a school year can trigger anxiety, stress, or behavioral challenges—especially for children changing schools, entering new environments, or facing social pressures. At Healthy Connections, we believe emotional health is just as important as physical health.
Through our partnership with Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we offer access to kid-friendly and parent-friendly therapists who understand the challenges children face. Whether it’s school anxiety, social stress, or adjusting to new routines, our team is here with the compassion and expertise families need. Telehealth options are available for added flexibility and privacy.
Care You Can Count On
Healthy Connections has been providing trusted, affordable healthcare to Arkansas families for more than 25 years. At our My Kids Pediatric Clinic in Hot Springs, our experienced team—Dr. Rowe, Dr. Porter, Melanie Newman APRN, and Matt York APRN—specializes in pediatric care. Dr. Rowe also sees patients in Malvern and Arkadelphia, expanding access to expert care in multiple communities.
We also have family nurse practitioners at every Healthy Connections clinic who provide care for pediatric patients. Whether you need a checkup, physical, or help navigating school requirements, we’re ready to help.
We accept Medicaid, ARKids 1st, are in-network with most private insurance plans, and offer a sliding fee scale for uninsured patients who qualify. Your child’s health should never be delayed because of cost or access barriers.
Call to Action: Book Your Back-to-School Visit Today
Back-to-school appointments fill quickly. Get ahead of the rush and make sure your child is ready with a visit to Healthy Connections.
Call 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org to schedule an appointment at the location most convenient to you.
