As the new school year approaches, parents are busy preparing lunchboxes, buying uniforms and restocking pencil cases – it’s also important to look after your child’s health and wellbeing. From boosting immunity and supporting focus in the classroom to preventing the dreaded return of head lice, a little preparation now can make all the difference.
We’ve rounded up our top recommended health essentials to give your family the best start to the school year.
Back to School Supplements for a Great Start to the School Year
The classroom can be a hotspot for colds, sniffles, and bugs, especially in the early weeks of school. That’s why it is so important to support your child’s immune system, energy levels and overall health with the right vitamins and minerals. A well-balanced diet lays the foundation for your child’s health. The right supplements can offer that little extra support for the busy school year ahead – helping to fill nutritional gaps and keep energy levels steady.
1. Vivio Junior Tonic
A great all-rounder, Vivio Junior Tonic is suitable for children aged 1-12 and contains 12 essential vitamins and minerals. It supports brain function, growth, and immunity, and it’s sugar-free and gentle on teeth. A great option if your child isn’t a fan of tablets or gummies.
2. Vivio Junior Gummies
For little ones who love something fruity and chewy, the new Vivio Junior Gummies offer the same essential nutrients with added fun. Packed with vitamins C, D, and zinc, they help keep immune systems strong and energy up. These are vegetarian-friendly and free from preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colours, artificial flavours, gluten, and lactose, making them a parent favourite! Suitable for children 3+ years.
3. Chewy Vites
Made with real fruit juice and no artificial colours or preservatives, Chewy Vites are a delicious-tasting gummy vitamin that supports your child’s daily nutritional needs. They come in a variety of options including Multivitamins, Brain Support & Immune Support, all in fun shapes that kids love and parents trust.
4. Pharmaton Kiddi Liquid
If your child is feeling a bit run down after a busy summer, Pharmaton Kiddi Liquid can help. With a blend of vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex, plus lysine to support appetite and growth, this delicious syrup is ideal for boosting energy and vitality during the school year. Suitable for children 3+ years.
5. Revive Junior
Revive Junior includes 26 active ingredients designed to support immunity, bones, cognitive function, and energy. It’s ideal for children aged 5-12 and has a great-tasting orange flavour your kids won’t complain about. Can be mixed in a favourite cereal, juice or water!
6. Revive Teen
Tailored specifically for teenagers ages 13-19, Revive Teen contains a unique blend of 18 essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support growth, immunity, skin health, and energy. Perfect for helping teens keep up with busy school schedules, sports, and social lives.
Boost Focus & Brain Power for Busy Minds
For older children and teens, school, homework and activities can take a toll on concentration. Whether it’s staying alert in class or preparing for exams, mental focus is key.
1. NEW Revive Focus Complex
Designed to support cognitive performance, Revive Focus Complex is ideal for students aged 15+ or adults who need help staying sharp. It contains key ingredients and vitamins to help with memory, mental performance, and brain function. It’s perfect for exam time or periods of intense focus.
2. Eskimo Brain 3.6.9
Eskimo Brain 3.6.9 combines Omega-3, -6, and -9 along with Coenzyme Q10 and vitamins to support brain function, vision and cognitive health. Suitable for children aged 12+, it’s a great addition to support learning, memory, and concentration throughout the school year.
Managing Head Lice
Head lice are a common problem, especially in primary school children, but anyone with hair can get them. They spread through head-to-head contact, not because of poor hygiene, and can live in clean or dirty hair.
Signs & Symptoms
- Often no symptoms at all
- Some people may get an itchy scalp due to an allergic reaction to lice bites or droppings – although an itchy scalp can be caused by other conditions
- The only sure way to know is to find a live louse on the scalp
Detection Combing
The best way to check for lice is detection combing, ideally on wet hair:
- Continue combing daily for a few days after treatment to ensure all lice are gone
- Wash hair with shampoo and add plenty of conditioner
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle and straighten the hair
- Using a fine-toothed lice comb, start at the scalp and comb through to the tips
- Wipe the comb after each stroke and check for lice
- Work in sections and check behind the ears and at the nape of the neck
If Lice Are Found
- Check the whole family
- Only treat those with live lice (not “just in case”)
- Inform close contacts and the school
Recommended Treatments
Some treatments we recommend to treat head lice:
- Hedrin: the full range of Hedrin is great to treat head lice, including Hedrin Once and Hedrin Treat & Go, which physically suffocate lice.
- Full Marks: has a range offast-acting solution and lotion treatments that work in minutes to kill head lice and eggs.
Both are safe and effective when used correctly. Always follow the instructions and ask our pharmacy team for advice, especially for babies under 6 months, pregnant women, or those with allergies/asthma.
Getting back to school is a busy time, but a little health planning goes a long way.
Whether you’re looking to support your child’s immunity, boost their focus, or prevent unwanted visitors like head lice, don’t hesitate to call into us at Adrian Dunne Pharmacy and ask one our healthcare advisors for advice. You can find your local Adrian Dunne Pharmacy here.