Iran (IMNA) — With the arrival of autumn, schools once again welcome millions of students. Classrooms become busier, sleep and eating patterns change, and students spend more hours in educational environments. At the same time, as temperatures gradually decline and the season of respiratory illnesses begins, paying attention to students’ health becomes increasingly important.
For many students, the first days of the school year bring changes to their daily routines. Staying up late during the summer holidays, skipping or neglecting breakfast, insufficient physical activity and prolonged use of mobile phones can make the transition back to a structured school schedule more challenging. Preparing for the new academic year, therefore, involves more than simply getting school bags and books ready; physical health and daily habits are also part of that preparation.
Under such circumstances, families and social media users encounter a wide range of recommendations for preventing illness and supporting health, from medical advice to home remedies and traditional medicine practices. While some of these recommendations may form part of everyday care, not every suggestion should be considered scientifically appropriate for children and adolescents without proper evaluation.
The key question is what students should do in autumn to reduce their risk of illness, and whether a particular food or herbal tea can prevent disease, or whether a combination of simple, consistent habits is more important. Answering this question requires consideration of sleep, nutrition, personal hygiene, physical activity, and the distinction between traditional health practices and self-medication.
No magic formula for autumn: Simple ways to help students stay healthier
Behnam Yousefian, a traditional medicine specialist, told IMNA that with the arrival of autumn and the reopening of schools, students are increasingly exposed to changes in temperature and common seasonal illnesses.
He said that daily attendance at school and close contact with classmates can also increase the likelihood of transmission of certain respiratory infections. In this context, following basic health-care practices can help students maintain better physical health throughout the autumn season.
Yousefian noted that one of the most important factors in maintaining students’ health is getting sufficient, regular sleep. Changes in sleep schedules during the early days of the school year and staying up late can lead to fatigue and reduced concentration in class. Gradually adjusting sleep schedules before school begins and maintaining a consistent rest routine can help students preserve their energy and perform effectively throughout the day.
The traditional medicine specialist also emphasized the role of nutrition in students’ health, saying that eating a balanced breakfast, consuming fruits and vegetables, and drinking enough water should be part of students’ daily routines. Alongside these recommendations, traditional medicine also emphasizes adapting dietary habits to the season and consuming certain warm foods and beverages.
A healthy autumn for students depends on a combination of healthy habits
Yousefian continued by stressing the importance of personal hygiene at school. Regular handwashing, avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with contaminated hands, and maintaining an appropriate distance from people who have symptoms of illness are measures that can help reduce the transmission of respiratory infections.
He added that students who develop symptoms of illness should, with their families’ knowledge and based on medical advice, determine whether they should attend school.
The traditional medicine specialist cautioned that recommendations circulated on social media under the labels of traditional medicine or “boosting the immune system” should not be accepted without proper evaluation. Some medicinal herbs and herbal products may interact with medications or may not be suitable for certain individuals. Therefore, particularly when children and adolescents are concerned, the use of herbal products should preferably be undertaken with guidance from a qualified and knowledgeable specialist, and self-medication should be avoided.
Yousefian added that a healthy autumn for students depends less on a particular food or herbal tea than on a combination of healthy habits. Adequate sleep, a balanced diet, physical activity, personal hygiene and attention to symptoms of illness all play a role in maintaining health. Awareness among students and families of these principles can help ensure a better start to the academic year and reduce problems associated with seasonal illnesses.
Students’ health during autumn does not depend on a particular food, herbal tea or special remedy. What matters more is a combination of everyday behaviors, including regular sleep, a balanced diet, adequate water intake, physical activity and good personal hygiene. These simple habits can play an important role in maintaining health.
At the same time, families and students should be aware of recommendations related to traditional medicine. The fact that a product is natural or herbal does not necessarily mean that it is safe for everyone. Particularly for children and adolescents, taking medications or using herbal products without professional guidance can lead to problems.
It is also important to recognize that illness cannot always be prevented. Even when appropriate health and hygiene measures are followed, students may still develop seasonal illnesses during autumn. What matters is recognizing symptoms, getting adequate rest and seeking medical attention when necessary, rather than relying on unverified recommendations or self-medication.
A healthy autumn requires less of a “magic formula” than consistent adherence to healthy habits. When health care begins at home and at school, and students understand their own role in maintaining it, returning to the classroom can be a smoother and less stressful experience for both students and their families.
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