From making sure books are distributed evenly in backpacks to singing Happy Birthday while washing hands, there are so many fun tricks that help keep us and our children happy, healthy, and safe. MAA’s Nurse, Mrs. Kelly Van Evera, shares 4 tips and tricks for making sure this year is a happy and healthy one.

The Backpack Stack

Pack light when you can. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10% to 20% of a child’s body weight. Adjust the pack so that the bottom sits at the waist.

Maybe even more importantly, make sure to always use both straps! Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.

Hand Wash Sing-along

To encourage kids and make sure they’ve spent enough time on washing their hands, ask them to sing the alphabet song or “Happy Birthday to You” from start to finish as they wash their hands. Don’t forget to wash the fronts and backs of your hands as well as in-between your fingers. Handwashing is our best, first defense against getting sick, and it is so easy!

Eat a Rainbow Every Day!

No, this does not mean eating a bag of skittles! It means eating foods of every color — red tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, etc . . . orange carrots, mangoes, peaches, etc . . . yellow peppers, bananas, pineapple, etc . . . and, of course, your greens! Make it a fun game to see how many colors you can get in one day.

Make Play a Priority

We make sure MAA students have plenty of time to get out and play during the school day because it is so important. Aim to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Make active time family time by taking a walk after dinner, go on a bike ride, toss a ball together, shoot some hoops, jump rope, garden, rake leaves, or shovel snow, it all counts!