At YES Prep, our commitment to student success includes ensuring every student, staff member, and family has access to the care and resources they need to thrive. That’s why we’re proud to be partners with Legacy Community Health to bring school-based clinics to many of our campuses. Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing a series of guest blogs from the Legacy team highlighting helpful health tips and the many services available right at school. 

We’re kicking off the series with four simple, powerful ways to start the new year strong—from staying active to scheduling routine checkups. Read on to learn how healthy habits at home and support from Legacy clinics at school work hand in hand to help students feel their best and stay focused on learning. 

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Guest Writer: Legacy Community Health 

January: Four Healthy Tips 

Healthy habits start at home—and Legacy Community Health is here to make it easier for you.  

As we kick off the new year, let’s focus on simple steps that help your child stay healthy, happy, and ready to learn. In YES Prep schools, your children have access to Legacy’s School-Based Health Care clinics, where we offer pediatric and behavioral health services. We are open Monday–Friday, and our team is available for all of your child’s health care needs. 

Recommendation 1. Keep Kids Moving 

Active kids are happier and learn better. Movement helps build strong bodies and minds. 

• Ages 3–5: Be physically active throughout the day. Parents can encourage active play like jumping or riding a tricycle. 
• Ages 6 and older: Children and adolescents can build a habit with 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day, including:  
• Aerobic activity: Walking, running, or anything that makes their hearts beat faster (at least 3 days/week should include vigorous-intensity activities). 
• Muscle-strengthening: Includes activities like climbing or doing push-ups (at least 3 days/week). 
• Bone-strengthening: Includes activities such as jumping or running (at least 3 days/week). 

Tips: 

• Start your morning with movement. Morning exercise helps transition the body from rest to activity, stimulating blood flow, increasing oxygen delivery to the brain, and igniting your metabolism.  
• Do crunches while you watch TV 
• Do 10 squats every time you stand up throughout the day 

Recommendation 2. Prioritize Sleep 

Sleep is essential for growth and mental health. Establishing a routine helps children thrive. Recommended hours per age group: 

• Infants (4–12 months): 12–16 hours (including naps) 
• Toddlers (1–2 years): 11–14 hours 
• Preschool (3–5 years): 10–13 hours 
• School-age (6–12 years): 9–12 hours 
• Teens (13–18 years): 8–10 hours 

Tips: 

• Practice a relaxing bedtime routine to make it easier to fall asleep quickly. 
• Stick to the same sleep schedule every day—even weekends. 
• Minimize light and sound disruptions; keep the bedroom cool. 
• Disconnect from electronic devices like mobile phones and laptops at least 30 minutes and ideally an hour before bed. 
• Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon or evening. 

Recommendation 3. Hydration Matters 

Water is the best choice for growing bodies. Staying hydrated supports energy, focus, and overall health. Daily recommendations: 

• Children (1–8 years): 
  • 4–7 cups per day, including water, milk, and other fluids.  
  • Encourage water with snacks and after active play. 
• Tweens & Teens (9–18 years):  
  • Girls: 7–9 cups/day  
  • Boys: 8–11 cups/day. Needs go up with sports, heat, or growth spurts. 
• Adults (19–60 years):  
  • Women: 9 cups/day  
  • Men: 12–13 cups/day. Needs increase with exercise, heat, or illness 

Tips: 

• Carry a reusable water bottle. 
• Freeze water bottles for ice-cold refreshment. 
• Choose water over sugary drinks. 
• Serve water during meals and add lemon or lime for flavor. 

Recommendation 4. Stay Up To Date With Preventable Screenings 

Schedule a routine checkup for your child. Regular checkups help catch issues early and keep your child healthy all year. Legacy offers these services right at your child’s school, making it easy and convenient for families. During your child’s visit, our medical team will perform developmental screenings, vision and hearing checks, scoliosis screening, and ensure your child is up to date on all immunizations. 

What to schedule: 

• Yearly wellness checkups 
• Immunizations at recommended intervals 
• Developmental screenings (especially ages 2 months–4 years) 
• Oral health screenings and dental cleanings every 6 months 
• Vision and hearing screenings yearly 
• Scoliosis screenings during pre- and early puberty 

Tip: 

• Schedule your child’s checkup around their birthday; it’s an easy reminder!  

Ready to take the next step? 

Legacy School-Based Health offers well-child visits right at school for students, siblings, and children of school staff. Schedule your child’s wellness visit today—conveniently at school! Call 281.628.2050 or visit legacycommunityhealth.org/programs/school-based-health-care/. Together, we can help your child thrive—because when kids are healthy, they’re ready to succeed.