Why kids are often sick when school starts

Q: My eight-year-old son objected to going to school several times in the first couple of weeks, saying he had a headache. I made him go anyway but felt guilty about it. Did I do the right thing? – Sarah F., Franklin, Tenn.

A: The start of a school year is stressful for kids. Socially and academically, there are a lot of unknowns, and there often are big changes in sleep schedules and daytime routines that can cause physical symptoms, such as a headache. In fact, neurologists at the Comprehensive Headache Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, looked at emergency-room records and found at the start of the school year, there’s a 30 per cent spike in the number of kids who come in because of headaches.

Now, if headaches are persistent or stop your child from enjoying everyday activities, they should be evaluated. But if they aren’t triggered by a greater health issue, the researchers suggest it’s time to look at what else is going on.

Do you make sure your youngster gets 10 hours of sleep a night? Do you make time for breakfast every school day? Have you taught your child to stay hydrated and avoid sports drinks, caffeinated soda and sugary beverages? Those steps help prevent physical triggers of headaches.

It’s also important to talk to your son about his concerns. What are his classmates like? His teachers? How does he feel about his homework load? Ask him what he’s worried about. If anxiety is the cause of his headaches, that can hamper learning and interfere with making friends.

If those steps don’t help, ask yourself if you, too, are anxious about school (and transferring that anxiety to him) or if he might benefit from some counselling or therapy to strengthen his coping skills; many schools have counsellors who can help at no cost. This choice can be very worthwhile for both of you.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.