A back-to-school health checklist
As summer wraps up and backpacks come out of storage, it’s a great time to check in on your family’s health and wellness. From eye exams to sleep routines and benefits coverage, here’s a quick guide to help your crew head into the school year feeling their best.
Health checks before school starts
A healthy school year starts with preventive care. Here are a few must-dos:
- Vision screening: Did you know up to 80% of learning is visual? Annual eye exams are key, especially for kids. In Saskatchewan, children under 18 are covered for annual exams through provincial health plans.
- Dental checkups: A fresh smile is a confident smile. Book a dental visit to catch any issues before they become distractions.
- Immunizations: Double-check that your child’s vaccinations are up to date. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect their health. Learn what’s covered by Saskatchewan Health here.
Routines that set kids up for success
Establishing healthy routines helps children thrive academically and emotionally. Set everyone up for success by getting a head start on:
- Sleep: Kids need more sleep than adults. Lack of sleep can affect mood, learning and physical health. Try adjusting bedtime gradually before school starts. Check out these five tips for a better sleep as a starting point!
- Nutrition: A balanced diet supports growth, immunity and concentration. Encourage fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
- Physical activity: Aim for at least 60 minutes of movement each day. It boosts mood, memory and overall health.
Review your benefits plan
Make sure your plan is up to date, and your dependents are covered:
- New baby? Adoption? Marriage? After a major life event, update your benefits plan to ensure your family is covered.
- Children are covered until age 18 (for Personal Health Plan members) or 21 (for Group Plan members), or up to age 25 if they’re full-time students. Find out more about dependents here.
- Contact your plan administrator or us directly for help in adding a dependent to your plan.
Tips for submitting claims
Submitting claims doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips:
- Keep detailed receipts for services like dental visits, eye exams, or therapy sessions.
- Use your online portal to submit claims quickly and track reimbursements.
- Know your plan – review your benefits booklet for pre-authorizations or annual limits.
- Need help submitting a claim? Learn more and get help here.
Back-to-school season is an excellent opportunity to reset and prioritize your family’s health. Understanding what’s covered under your benefits and taking proactive steps can help your child start the year strong – physically, mentally and emotionally!