Pediatric expert Cemal İncedere urges parents to prioritise sleep, healthy eating and hygiene as children return to crowded classrooms, aiming to reduce illness and support well-being.
As the new school term begins, paediatric specialist Cemal İncedere has urged parents to treat sleep, meals, handwashing and fresh air as part of their child’s back-to-school routine. In comments reported by Son Dakika, İncedere said children are returning to crowded classrooms, buses and other shared indoor spaces, where illness cannot be eliminated entirely but can be reduced with sensible habits. Sleep guidance from the CDC and the Sleep Foundation also stresses that regular rest supports concentration, learning and general health.
İncedere advised families not to wait until the first day of school to reset bedtime and wake-up hours. Instead, he said routines should be moved earlier over several days so the change is less abrupt. That advice matches guidance from the Mayo Clinic Press and the Sleep Foundation, which both recommend a steady sleep schedule and a calming bedtime routine. Adequate sleep in children is linked to growth, brain development and better attention in class, according to the CDC.
On nutrition, İncedere said children should be given a varied diet with vegetables, fruit, dairy, eggs, meat, fish, pulses and whole grains, while sugary drinks, packaged snacks and heavily processed foods should be limited. He also suggested simple lunchbox options such as fruit, ayran, yoghurt, nuts or a wholegrain sandwich. Cleveland Clinic says a balanced diet for children should include fruit, vegetables, protein and dairy as part of healthy growth and development.
He also highlighted hand hygiene, regular physical activity and ventilation as practical ways to lower infection risk. Children should be taught to wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet and after returning home, while not sharing towels, water bottles or lunch items. İncedere said walking, cycling, outdoor play and age-appropriate sport should be built into the day, and that classrooms and homes should be aired out regularly. He added that fever, marked tiredness or a severe cough should prompt rest and, when needed, medical care.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
