Getting kids ready to start the school year involves more than buying school supplies, it also means safeguarding their health so they will be physically ready for the challenges of heading back to school.

A check-up at the pediatrician's office before the start of the school year should be at the top of the list.

“This particular time of year is important for certain sets of kids,” says Dr. Larnie Booker. “The kids who are going off to college because they're gonna need that information when they get there, and be sure all their medical and physical needs are met.”

Catching the common cold at school is usually inevitable.

Dr. Booker recommends being up to date with inoculations before the first day of school and to also get the flu shot as soon as it’s available.

Here is his biggest piece of advice.

“I think if the kid had issues the year prior, address before the start of school year, beginning to the next,” says Dr. Booker.

Also for parents, don't sweat the small stuff either.

“If they're positive, try to give that positive energy to their kids,” says Dr. Booker. “The more anxious we are as parents, that sometimes gets transferred down to  the kids and now the kids are worrying about things they may not have considered.”

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