Back to School, Back to Healthy Routines: Your Family Health Checklist from Chappelle Pharmacy

As summer winds down and families across Edmonton prepare for a new school year, September brings more than new classrooms, teachers, and activities. It also means getting back into routines that help children and families stay healthy, organized, and ready to learn.

At Chappelle Pharmacy, we’re proud to support families in Chappelle, Desrochers, Hays Ridge, Paisley, and surrounding South Edmonton communities. From prescription medications and vaccinations to minor ailments and everyday health advice, our pharmacy team is here to make the transition back to school a little easier.

Start the School Year with a Health Check

Back-to-school preparation is a good opportunity to review your family’s health needs. Before schedules become busy, consider checking whether:

• Prescriptions and refills are up to date
• Regular medications have not expired
• Asthma inhalers and allergy medications are readily available
• Required vaccinations are up to date
• Children taking regular medications have an adequate supply
• Your family has basic first-aid and over-the-counter medications at home

A little preparation now can help avoid last-minute pharmacy visits on busy school mornings.

Medication Routines for School

Returning to school can mean a major change in daily schedules. If your child takes prescription medication regularly, establishing a consistent routine can help prevent missed doses.

Our Chappelle Pharmacy pharmacists can answer questions about medication timing, storage, side effects, and what to do if a dose is missed.

If your child needs medication during school hours, check with the school regarding its medication administration policies and required documentation.

Be Prepared for Colds, Coughs and Other Minor Illnesses

Back-to-school season also means children are spending more time together indoors. Colds and other respiratory illnesses can quickly make their way through classrooms and households.

Good habits still make a difference. Encourage children to wash their hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid sharing water bottles, and stay home when they are significantly unwell.

If symptoms develop, your pharmacist can help determine whether an over-the-counter treatment may be appropriate or whether further medical assessment is needed.

Don’t Forget Seasonal Allergies

Late summer and fall allergies can make concentrating at school difficult. Sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes can interfere with sleep and classroom activities.

Our pharmacists can help families choose appropriate allergy medications and explain how to use them effectively while minimizing unwanted effects such as daytime drowsiness.

Vaccinations and Preventive Care

Vaccination is an important part of protecting individual and community health.

As we move from back-to-school season toward fall and winter, it is a good time to review your family’s immunization needs. Depending on age and eligibility, our pharmacists can provide information about recommended vaccinations and administer eligible vaccines.

Ask our pharmacy team if you are unsure which vaccinations may be appropriate for you or your family.

Healthy Routines Matter Too

Good health isn’t only about medications.

Returning to school is an excellent time to re-establish simple routines such as:

Consistent sleep: School-aged children and teenagers benefit from regular bedtimes and wake-up times.

Balanced nutrition: Breakfast and nutritious school lunches can help provide the energy children need throughout the day.

Physical activity: Encourage time outdoors, sports, walking, or other activities your child enjoys.

Mental well-being: Starting a new school year can be exciting, but it can also bring stress and anxiety. Make time to ask children how they are feeling and give them opportunities to talk.

Pharmacy Services for Your Whole Family

Chappelle Pharmacy offers convenient, personalized healthcare services for individuals and families in South Edmonton, including:

• Prescription dispensing and refills
• Medication counseling and medication reviews
• Minor ailment assessment and prescribing
• Vaccinations and immunizations
• Chronic disease management and monitoring
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Over-the-counter medication advice
• Allergy and seasonal health support
• Personalized pharmacist consultations
• Travel health advice

Whether you have a question about your child’s medication, need a prescription filled, or simply aren’t sure what to use for a common health concern, our pharmacists are here to help.

Your Community Pharmacy in South Edmonton

At Chappelle Pharmacy, we believe community pharmacy should be personal, accessible, and convenient. We value getting to know the families we serve and being available when health questions arise.

As backpacks are packed and another school year begins, we wish all our local students, parents, teachers, school staff, and families a healthy, safe, and successful school year.

From all of us at Chappelle Pharmacy — welcome back to school!