Shovel Safely

Snow—a lot of thick, heavy snow—has fallen, which means this Iowa winter finally has Iowa winter weather. Freshly fallen snow offers a pristine, blank canvas on which we can build pudgy snowmen, make sweet snow angels, have a neighborhood snowball fight, or even tattoo a field with snowmobile tracks. While playtime in the sparkling spread is enough to make most anyone smile, many of us become dismayed at the sight of the fluffy white stuff, as we are tasked with the dreaded chore of snow removal.

Snow removal is a necessary evil. If the driveway, sidewalks, or roadways are not properly scooped, scraped, or plowed, vehicles may become stuck and people could become injured. On the same train of thought, if snow removal is not done safely, injury can result. So, before the time comes for you to brave the bitter cold to make your driveway passable, please take these safe shoveling tips from the Snow & Ice Management Association into consideration.

1. Stay on top of the snow. Don’t wait until the storm is over to remove the snow; shovel your driveway and walkways every few inches to avoid snow and ice making your territory their temporary home.
2. When shoveling, wear layers of clothing that allow your sweat to evaporate. Layer breathable materials, like cotton or silk, that you can remove as you become uncomfortably warm.
3. Wear warm, waterproof boots with good traction to keep your feet from becoming cold or from slipping.
4. Stretch before you shovel. Shoveling is a workout, and stretching will warm up and loosen your muscles before “working out” in the cold. Stretching may also help prevent injury and fatigue (no unnecessary visits to the GRMC ER).
5. Whenever possible, push the snow off to the side, don’t lift it. This will help conserve your strength and energy, while putting less stress on your body, particularly your lower back.
6. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. As mentioned earlier, shoveling is a workout, so drink water as if you were working out in a gym or running long distance.
7. Pay attention to your surroundings. Focusing on the task at hand is important in preventing injuries, but pay attention to your surroundings, particularly while shoveling next to the road, as motorists may not have good traction due to the snow and ice.
8. Keep your cell phone close, that way in the event there is an emergency, you can seek help.

In the event of an injury, the GRMC emergency room is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are unable to get to the ER safely or cannot physically manage, call 9-1-1.

The Art of Gifting - to Yourself

It is the time of year when talk of gifts to give and receive abounds. You may be in the gifting mode yourself, with a list that falls to your knees of people you plan to buy or make gifts for.

But, take a closer look at your list – is your name on it? 

It should be – and it should be at the top of the list. The greatest gift you can give yourself is the gift of health. When you have the best health possible, you can best provide for all of those other people on your gift list. So, make out several of those gift tags to read “To: ME.”

Ideas for health to gifts to yourself:

·         Stock your kitchen with some of the foods from the Mediterranean diet, such as beans and lentils, fish and seafood high in heart and brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, poultry, whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive and grapeseed oils, seeds, vinegars, garlic, herbs and spices, eggs, yogurt, cheese, and milk.

·         Drink water.

·         Be active every day.

·         Get seven to eight hours of a good sleep each night.

·         Schedule an annual check-up.

·         Enjoy the company of others.

·         Write down three things that you are grateful for every day.

·         Spend 20 minutes a day in quiet reflections, meditation, or prayer.

What is one of the best things about gifting to yourself?  You don’t have to wrap it!

-Written by Elaine Hammes, MS, RDN, LD

Be the One

Grinnell Regional Medical Center conducts an Annual Fund Drive, which is an essential part of the patient experience. Gifts to the annual fund go toward various programs within the medical center and can be designated at the discretion of the donor. So far, 2015 has seen over $124,600 raised by 278 donors, and distributed to many different programs.

Contributions are used to purchase new medical equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; underwrite training for clinical staff; purchase bike helmets for all area third-graders; support the healthcare needs of the uninsured or underinsured; fund health services like Grinnell Regional Hospice, Grinnell Regional Home Care, Grinnell Regional Public Health, and Grinnell Regional Mental Health; offset the costs of programs like the Babies Room, the Loan Closet, and the Seniors Education Program. You can designate your gift to a specific service, department, or program at GRMC, or your donation can also be “unrestricted,” meaning it will be used for the greatest need at the time.

Lives have been dramatically impacted in a positive way because of the programs listed above. For instance, for the past 20 years GRMC has provided all area third-graders with a new fitted helmet to keep them safe. The program serves 12 schools and about 550 children. Each year, members of the GRMC staff and volunteers go to schools in six different counties to provide bike/wheel safety education and to provide each third-grader with a helmet.

The program was the brainchild of Phillip Brooks, MD, a GRMC retired radiologist, who cared for a child with a severe head injury that a helmet would have prevented. After the program started, a young girl from a town in the GRMC service area was wearing her helmet while riding a bike in front of her home.  A car came speeding over a hill. The car swerved to miss her, but her bike got caught by the left passenger mirror and she was dragged. She suffered from scrapes, abrasions, and a mild concussion. The hit that created a 3 ½ inch crack in her helmet would likely have caused brain damage if she had not been wearing the helmet. That young girl was wearing a helmet from GRMC. The girl’s mother said, “GRMC’s bike safety program is great. I know for a fact that it is making a difference. If it saved even one child from permanent damage, it’s paid itself off.”

Stories like the one above are not uncommon among the various programs at GRMC. Gifts to the annual fund allow the medical center to continue to raise the bar in quality and safety. You still have time to give a gift this year! To donate to GRMC, please go to http://www.grmc.us/donate or contact Jan Veach at 641-236-2946 or Heidi Ramaeker Pearson at 641-236-2961.

Thank you for supporting GRMC—your gift makes a difference!

GRMC Annual Report of Operations

Each year, GRMC releases a document that is a compilation of the financial report, donor list, and successes at GRMC. This document is known as the Annual Report of Operations. In 2014, GRMC enjoyed strong community support that enabled the medical center to experience significant successes. All advances were focused on providing better care to area residents. The top 10 list of achievements in 2014 included:

1. Opened the Manatt Family Urgent Care
2. Installed a new Computed Tomography Scanner
3. Installed a new daVinci XI robotic surgical unit
4. Added pulmonary rehabilitation services
5. Launched electronic web-based patient record system (patient portals)
6. Recruited a rheumatology specialist, a second ENT specialist, and two advanced care professionals
7. Earned recognition from Iowa Healthcare Collaborative with an award for quality
8. Expanded Mental Health Care
9. Opened the Paul W. Ahrens Fitness Center in the Postels Community Health Park
10. Dedicated the Marion A. Jones Patient Care Wing

Generous gifts bestowed upon GRMC combined with the total net revenue generated overall revenue of $45,125,435. However, the financial picture at GRMC continued the three-year trend of insufficient reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid insurances and contractual agreements with private insurance. The total net expenses were $45,213,228; expenses exceeded revenues by $87,793, thus ending the year with a negative operating balance sheet. GRMC remains hopeful that this trend will be rectified by potential changes on the healthcare reimbursement horizon.

Find the complete financial report, list of donors, and successes in 2014 at http://www.grmc.us/donate/who-we-are/annual-report.

Professional Skills + Friendly Staff + Trust = Excellent home care

Your formula for Home Health Services

Grinnell Regional Home Care is the place to start when you need home care services. We have served Poweshiek County and the surrounding communities for over three decades and we have excellent patient-based quality scores to back up our program. According to the patient satisfaction scores, 95 percent of our patients would recommend Grinnell Regional Home Care for services, which is well above the national average. Plus, our scores published on The Home Care Compare by Medicare are well above any other surrounding home care agency. Check out Grinnell Regional Home Care at Home Health Compare.

Grinnell Regional Home Care is staffed by local nurses who have extensive training and experience in home care services. The average nursing experience at Grinnell Regional Home Care is about 15 years.  

Grinnell Regional Home Care nurses, along with physicians, offer skilled assessments and nursing care to help determine the best plan of care for individuals needing care in the home. Some of the nursing services offered include wound care, catheter care, medication management, and infusion therapy. The Grinnell Regional Home Care team also offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, social workers, home care aides, and homemaker services.  We are Medicare and Medicaid certified and accepts most insurances.

All the nurses, home care aides, and staff are hometown people who would love to care for you or your loved one. Home Health nurses offer a free evaluation visit to determine if someone is eligible for services. We can answer your questions, help guide you through the process, and work with you and your family to receive the services you need in the home.

The home care team is a high quality medical team that is driven to serve the needs of people in their home.  Grinnell Regional Home Care has dedicated, skilled staff that will try to help you or your loved one stay at home as long as possible. After all, there is no place like Grinnell Regional Home Care.

For a free assessment or information, call 641-236-2542 or email dwerner@grmc.us.

It’s Here…The Flu

Even though the weather doesn’t feel like it, the influenza season has officially begun in Iowa. And, it appears to be off to an early start, as the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced on October 30 that testing by the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) has identified cases of influenza circulating the state. 

While influenza activity remains at a low level, the identification of the virus in Iowa should serve as motivation for those who have not yet received their yearly influenza vaccination to do so now.

Grinnell Regional Public Health has influenza vaccine available. You may schedule a vaccination by call 641-236-2385. Our public health staff reminds you to bring your insurance card.

IDPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend annual influenza vaccinations for everyone 6 months of age and older. It’s especially important to be vaccinated if you have regular contact with people more vulnerable to the complications of influenza, including babies, children with asthma, and the elderly. IDPH also recommends pregnant women be vaccinated to protect themselves, and to pass on some immunity to their baby.

The flu is a serious respiratory illness caused by viruses. The flu comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days, and often puts healthy people in bed for days. Influenza may cause severe illness or even death in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions.

For more information about where and what kind of influenza is in Iowa, go to https://idph.iowa.gov/influenza/reports.

Contact your health care provider or local health department to find out where the vaccine is available in your community or use the Flu Vaccine Finder at www.flu.gov/.      

Fall Family Fun!

As temperatures begin to cool, thoughts drift to comfy foods like a warm apple pie, and red and gold leaves seem to dominate the skyline, people can tend to head indoors to hunker down. Instead of ousting autumn in favor of winter behavior, try a few of these fun, simple activities to engage the whole family in some fall-themed fun!

Play in a leaf pile

Knock out a would-be boring chore by having the whole family gather leaves from around the yard and create a pile. The colorful heap is fun to jump over or into, toss around, and even crunch underfoot. It is also the perfect opportunity to get some playfully festive candid family photos, so be sure to have a camera on hand!

Paint a pumpkin

This simple twist on a traditional activity helps the creativity flow freely by adding pops of color. With virtually an unlimited number of paint shades (available at most shopping centers), everyone can decorate his or her pumpkin to best represent them. Add on other crafting supplies like glitter or fuzzy pom poms to really dress up fall’s favorite gourd.

Play a festive game

Prepare for Halloween by playing a game of reverse hide-and-seek. This game, called “Ghost in the Graveyard”, is played outside with four or more players, usually at night. The object of the game is to find the “ghost” or the one player who is hiding. When one of the other players finds the ghost, they call out, “Ghost in the graveyard!” to alert the other players that the round has ended.

Light a bonfire

Just because summer has ended does not mean the flames have to fizzle out! A blazing bonfire is sure to ward off the chill of the coming winter. Round up friends and family, roast some hot dogs and s’mores, sip some hot apple cider, and bust out the guitar to turn a run-of-the-mill evening into a mini fall festival.

Visit a corn maze

This activity is a fall favorite sure to please the whole family! If the maze portion is too simple for an older audience, challenge the group to a game of hide-and-go-seek in the corn maze. For an even more fun, but challenging twist, wait until nightfall and wear dark clothing to play hide-and-go-seek in the maze. Who said being an adult couldn’t be fun?!

Dancing to Improve GRMC’s Emergency Department

By the time The Dweebs wrapped up their three-song encore at Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Blue Jean Ball, a total of $35, 238 had been raised toward the emergency department renovation project! Denim, dancing, food, and fun were enjoyed by 225 guests and volunteers during the third GRMC Blue Jean Ball, held this year at the Harris Center, Grinnell College, on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Seven live auction items and 65 silent auction items, all contributed by generous donors, were transferred into the possession of new owners via many munificent bids. The GRMC Auxiliary hosted a Wine Pull at the Blue Jean Ball that raised $2,020 toward the auxiliary’s pledge to the Chemotherapy and Infusion Suite.

One of the many highlights of the evening was the recognition of four individuals chosen to serve as honorary chairs of the GRMC Moving at the Speed of Life campaign. Campaign co-chairs Nicholas Kuiper, MD, Dan Agnew, and Debby Pohlson, recognized Jewel Kintzinger Day, the late Marion Jones, Leila Maring, and Waldo Walker for their years of service and dedication to GRMC.

A rousing THANK YOU goes out to all who donated, in any capacity, to this year’s Blue Jean Ball! You are valued and appreciated. GRMC will continue efforts to raise funds so construction on the emergency department can begin.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month—the time of year that breast health is on everyone’s mind, and for good reason. According to www.breastcancer.org, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and although the statistics are lower, one in 1,000 males will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

Odds are we all know someone who will battle, has battled, is currently battling, or has lost their battle with breast cancer. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is take preventive measures. 

You can:

-Reduce your risk of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes staying active and maintaining a healthy weight, eating fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking.

-Become familiar with your body and do frequent breast self-exams. By knowing your body, you will likely be able to identify more easily when something is awry.

-Get regular mammograms. Mammograms are X-rays that professionals can assess for abnormal breast tissue. Mammograms can often detect a lump before it can be felt.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center radiology department can help! Schedule your appointment for a mammogram today by calling 641-236-2355. By doing so, you are taking responsibility for your health and providing yourself an opportunity to put your mind at ease by being informed and prepared.

For more information on breast cancer and other helpful tips, visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org. 

GRMC Physician Named IHA Hospital Hero

Grinnell Regional Medical Center prides itself on employing marvelous people who make a difference through quality care and service excellence every day. This source of pride is realized each time GRMC or one if its employees are recognized for operating under a banner of excellence. On October 7, 2015, Patrick Cogley, MD, GRMC emergency department physician, received the Iowa Hospital Association Hospital Heroes Award for doing just that.

According to the Iowa Hospital Association, any Iowa hospital employee or physician who has performed a heroic deed or tirelessly given of their time, talent, and expertise to improve their organization and the world around them is eligible for the Iowa Hospital Heroes Award. These leaders exemplify honesty, integrity, humility, courage, and commitment.

Cogley was one of 11 individuals throughout the state of Iowa selected for this honor. Each of the recipients is a pillar of fortitude and compassion within their respective hospitals and communities and Cogley is no different.

“Dr. Cogley is a physician who performs well under pressure; a confident leader who fearlessly takes the reigns when faced with stressful, life-threatening scenarios. Dr. Cogley has been a valuable team member for Grinnell Regional Medical Center, dedicating both his time and financial support to better the community that he serves,” says Todd Linden, president and CEO of GRMC.

A rural emergency department is a unique setting where the physician in charge has to be able to do it all. Cogley knows exactly what to do and how to get the job done, even when an emergency situation escalates, and he efficiently utilizes the capable and experienced emergency department staff. His unwavering service to GRMC makes our community safer and healthier.

Thank you, Dr. Cogley, for acting as a beacon of excellence in the healthcare community!

Picture (L-R): Todd Linden, GRMC president and CEO, Hospital Hero recipient Patrick Cogley, MD, and Ted Townsend, Chair of the IHA Board.

Soaring to New Heights

Stacey Thorson, winner of the hot air balloon ride donated by RE/MAX Partners Realty of Grinnell, looked nervous as the balloon began to lift off from the empty field on the morning of September 26. While heights are not everyone’s cup of tea, the view likely usurped any unsettled feelings. The balloon lifted off and landed safely, thanks to the balloon support team comprised of RE/MAX and GRMC volunteers.

The hot air balloon ride was an early kick-off to this year’s Blue Jean Ball festivities. Raffle tickets for the event were sold as a precursor to the Blue Jean Ball. The hot air balloon raffle raised $2,000 toward the emergency department project and set the stage for an adventure-filled evening at the Blue Jean Ball!

The Blue Jean Ball will start with a silent auction at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. A live auction will follow at 8:30 p.m. with music from The Dweebs beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at The Glass Gift Box or at www.grmc.us.  Make plans to move and groove in your favorite denim blues! Tickets are $25 per person, or $45 per couple. Tickets at the door will cost $30 per person, so don’t wait until it’s too late!

Fall Season is Flu Season

It's that time of the year again—soon the leaves will begin to transition from vibrant shades of green to the earthy hues of autumn. Cooler temperatures may encourage locals to break out their sweaters and jeans from storage, and it seems like everyone yearns for pumpkin spice everything. While this time of year brings with it a sense of coziness and comfort, fall is typically when influenza begins to rear its unfriendly head.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that infects the nose, throat, and lungs and can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, or even death. Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Luckily, Grinnell Regional Public Health (GRPH) has made that process very easy for everyone in the Grinnell Regional Medical Center service area.

GRPH will be holding its annual public influenza vaccination clinics, starting on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and continuing through Tuesday, Oct. 27. High-dosage vaccines are available to those over the age of 65. This year’s intramuscular vaccine is a quadrivalent providing protection against influenza A (H1N1) viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and influenza B viruses. The flu mist is available as well.

The vaccine clinics allow the public to receive a flu shot, without the hassle of scheduling an appointment, and once administered, your record of the vaccine will be stored and accessible via an electronic medical record system.

To participate in the public influenza vaccination clinics, you MUST have your insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid information with you, as insurance information or payment is due at the time of service. To find a clinic near you, refer to the schedule above. Please note there are three influenza vaccination clinics available in November, but they are by appointment only.

If you have questions or would like more information on the public influenza vaccination clinics please call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2385.

The Convenience of Online Giving

At Grinnell Regional Medical Center we are proud to say we have great donors, and it’s because of your efforts that we are able to provide incredible care to our patients. Keeping our donors in mind, GRMC found an easy and secure way for you to keep advancing healthcare in our community, in the wake of technological advancements. GRMC now has an online giving option that makes donating via the Internet easier and safer than ever.

Online giving allows our donors to be in complete control of their donations to GRMC. With several menu options, a donor can choose a one-time donation or set up recurring donations. Donation frequency options include one-time, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. By choosing the frequency, you are able to set up the timeline in which you would like your gifts to be distributed. GRMC donors can also express why they choose to donate in the “Your note for the Donor Scroll” field, while other donors can opt to remain anonymous. Indicate whether or not you would like to share your name and donation amount via the check boxes. The online giving option is a way to help you donate with ease from the comfort of your home.

To make an online gift to GRMC, go to www.grmc.us and click the “Donate” menu on the far right side of GRMC’s home page. This will take you to our “Make a Difference” page. At the bottom of the page, select the underlined words “Click here”. From this point, you will have the option to make a one-time gift in the amount you wish, or you may spread out your giving to fit your budget.

Lastly, you can now choose to share your donation with your friends and family via the social media sharing buttons on your screen. This may empower others to support GRMC as well! Every donation GRMC receives is helpful and enables GRMC to continue to provide quality healthcare.

Click here to donate today!

Weight-loss Surgery at GRMC

Surgeons have been performing weight-loss surgeries at Grinnell Regional Medical Center for more than 30 years. Weight-loss surgery provides an option for individuals who need to lose weight, yet it requires sacrifices and lifestyle changes associated with medical weight-loss management. The surgical technology and procedures have changed significantly; robotically assisted minimally invasive surgery is now an option available at GRMC.

Surgeons at GRMC now perform selected bariatric/weight-loss surgeries with the da Vinci Xi® robotic surgical unit. The surgeon determines which surgical technique will give the patient the best results. The precision of the robots and the experience of the surgeons give patients a shorter recovery time, less scarring, and quicker return to daily activities.

“I came out of the surgery with six little stitched areas from the surgery, rather than a long incision from my chest down to my abdomen,” said Lynne Henry of Pella, who underwent weight-loss surgery at GRMC in March of 2014.

 The Grinnell Regional Bariatrics Program has a six-month evaluation and preparation plan before an individual has weight-loss surgery.

“Dr. Coster shared with me that patients have greater success with the gastric sleeve when they have completed regimented training about how to eat and how to approach food. The surgery resets the person’s stomach size and forces the patient to eat food differently—smaller bites, less volume, and better food choices,” said Henry."The training was outstanding. It provided the reasons why a person must approach food differently. Elaine Hammes, the dietician, was wonderful. Success is so dependent on the patient sticking to the guidelines."

Elaine Hammes, MS, RDN, LD, GRMC dietician, likens weight-loss surgery to the remodeling of a house.

"I compare this weight-loss journey to remodeling a house; you can think of your body as the house for your soul, your spirit or whatever it is that you believe in.  The surgery is a very key tool to use in remodeling the house, the patient knows what they want their “remodeled house” to look and feel like, and we give the instructions and the encouragement and the redirection, as needed, to help them in their remodel," said Hammes. "What the successful patient remembers is that, just as in an any remodeling project when it is done, you are never really finished, there is always the continuous maintenance work that must be done to be truly successful."

Henry's commitment to stick to the post-operation guidelines made her a textbook success story. 

Read more about life after weight-loss surgery at http://bit.ly/1QbtS5t.

For more information about weight-loss surgery at GRMC, call Surgical Associates at 641-236-4323 or Grinnell Regional Bariatrics Center of Excellence at 641-236-2069.

Recently, GRMC bariatrics became larger than life, literally; a billboard advertising weight-loss surgery available at GRMC was placed on the south side of I-80 in early August 2015. The billboard faces east-bound traffic, just before exit 164 near Newton. The billboard's image can be viewed above.

Adventure is Here!

Grinnell Regional Medical Center and RE/MAX Realty Partners have joined ideas to launch GRMC’s Blue Jean Ball a little early this year. RE/MAX Realty Partners has donated the ride of a lifetime: an adventure for two through the clouds in a hot air balloon.

The hot air balloon ride will be Saturday, Sept. 26, during the annual Fly-In/Drive-In breakfast sponsored by Lowry Flying Service and the Grinnell Optimist Club. Everyone in the community is welcome for breakfast. Tickets for the breakfast may be purchased in advance through Wes Finch Auto Plaza, Community First Credit Union, or Grinnell Optimist Club members. The hot air balloon ride for two will be departing from the Grinnell airport between 7:30 and 8 a.m., so you can rise with the sun! This hour long ride will float you over the beautiful rolling hills of south-central Iowa.

Raffle tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at https://rallyup.com/d47ee5 or at The Glass Gift Box. Get yours today for the opportunity to win the adventure of a lifetime! All funds raised will go toward the Moving at the Speed of Life campaign to renovate the GRMC emergency department. ‪#‎AdventureIsHere ‪#‎GRMCCares

Are Your Kids Ready for School?

Area schools will begin classes within the next week – to the delight of some parents and the dread of others. It's a good idea to take a couple of steps to set students up for a safe, healthy year. Here are five back-to-school health tips to consider.

1. Get vaccinated

Grinnell Regional Public Health follows the CDC’s recommendations for childhood vaccinations. The state of Iowa has laws that require certain vaccinations for children entering school and seventh grade. 
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/ImmTB/Immunization.aspx?prog=Imm&pg=Laws. Check with your primary provider and your school to make sure your child is protected. If you need a vaccine, call Grinnell Regional Public Health for an appointment, at 641-236-2385. View the schedule at http://www.grmc.us/services/public-health.

2. Get rested

Transition to regular bedtimes for students the week prior to school’s start date. This will help make those first mornings of the school year less stressful and help students begin the year rested.  Most children and adolescents need more than eight hours of sleep each night. Teens’ body clocks often do change and they may want to sleep on a different schedule. Find a compromise that gets them enough sleep and gets them to school on time. To get younger kids ready to wake up for school, adjust their bedtimes a little earlier each night for a week or two before school starts. Sticking to a routine is important too – avoid adjusting bedtimes on weekends.

3. Get nourished

A healthy diet can have a huge impact on how well your child does during the school day. Start with a breakfast with protein, whole grains, fruits and dairy. The Institute of Medicine recommends that 10 to 30 percent of the calories a child over age 3 takes in should come from protein. On average, this equates to 19 grams of protein daily for boys and girls aged 4 to 9 and 34 grams of protein per day for kids aged 9 to 13. As they reach adolescence, boys need more protein than girls. Between the ages 14 to 18, boys should get about 52 grams of protein daily, while girls need approximately 46 grams of protein per day. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/protein-foods

4. Get sparkling

Well, kids don’t and won’t sparkle but you do want to teach them good hand washing and hygiene habits. Require that they wash their hands before every meal, after using the toilet, after sneezing, and anytime that their hands are dirty. Simple enough. Teach your children to cover their cough with a tissue or elbow, and, wash their hands afterwards. Check out http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/protect/cdc_cough.pdf for more information.. Many classrooms in the school have hand sanitizer available to students. The goal is to minimize the spread of germs in the schools. Everyone can help.

5. Get comfortable

Starting school may be stressful for your child and well as yourself. Watch for stress related health issues – not sleeping well, stomach aches, headaches, and withdrawn behavior. Help your child manage stress by talking about anything bothering them, and take care not to overload anyone's schedule, including your own. Schoolwork and after-school activities are important, but it's also essential to take time to relax, play and spend time as a family. Build a quiet time into the day to talk with your child and comfort them about stressors in their school day.

Remember that the healthy habits you create and enforce with your children during their school years will affect their habits as adults in the working world. You play such an important role in their success now and in the future.