A healthy back-to-school

AUSTIN (KXAN) - As your children head back to school, doctors say it is a good time to go over habits that can keep them and your family healthy.  Dr. Kristen Kocurek with Texas MedClinic tells parents and children to focus on the lunchroom.  Remind children not to share food or drinks, and label all containers clearly so children will not get their water bottles or other items confused with another child's.

Try to pack as much non-perishable food in the lunch box as possible.  Remember doctors say bacteria can grow when perishable food reaches temperatures over 40 degrees, so pack plenty of ice packs.

"Food does spill inside the lunch container and that can grow molds and bacteria to it's a good idea to sanitize it periodically," said Dr. Kristen Kocurek with Texas MedClinic.

Dr. Kocurek says the advice may seem common sense, but schools are breeding grounds for germs.

"Wash your hands before you leave the school or use the hand sanitizer before the child gets in the car, because the illnesses they bring home on their hands, the germs they bring home on their hands, can affect other family members such as parents and other siblings," said Dr. Kocurek.

Also, although it may seem early, she suggests parents start thinking about flu shots to protect your children before the virus starts spreading.

Dr. Kocurek also reminds parents to make sure teachers are aware of their child's allergies and medication, and in this heat, parents should remind their child to drink plenty of water at school.