May 2018
Flu prevention tips: best way to stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs is the GOOD OLD FASHION way of HAND WASHING with SOAP and WATER! Encourage your child(ren) to wash before eating, after using the bathroom and any time they sneeze or cough into their hands with or without a tissue. Encourage use of their elbow for coughing and sneezing.
If your child is running a temperature of 100.5 or higher please KEEP them home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducers. Working together we can help keep everyone healthy! Talk with your doctor and get those flu shots!
Just a reminder that any medications needed by your child at school (prescription, over-the-counter, or Epi-pens) must have a medication authorization form, completed by both you and your doctor, on file in the nurses’ office. Inhalers may have a doctor order or a copy of the prescription label on the box and the Asthma Inhaler Administration form completed by you and your child. If you are in need of any forms, please contact me at school. NEW this year, any student with asthma is requested to send in Asthma Action Plan for their child from your doctor.
Reminder to all 2nd grade parents/guardians that your child must have a completed dental exam on file by May 15, 2018. (dated between Nov. 15, 2016 and May 15, 2018)
Thank-you to all the parents who have turned in your child’s dental exam form for Second graders. If you haven’t turned one in, please make your appointment soon. May 15, 2018 is the date that I need the completed dental exam forms for ALL Second grade students. These can be dated between November 15, 2016 and May 15, 2018. Please contact me if you need a dental exam form.
It is hard to believe that another school year has come and gone, almost! As we get ready for summer, just a few reminders about time spent outside in the sunny weather.
CURRENT 2nd grade students who have not turned in a completed DENTAL exam form have until May 15 to do so. If you are unable to get an appointment before May 15, please send in a copy of the appointment card. If you are having trouble finding a dentist, please contact me.
Skin cancer has been on the rise and is one of the most prevalent and serious current public health problems. So it is very important to protect our self and our children from the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer. Unlike melanoma skin cancer, it is not usually fatal, but can still cause serious damage to skin and eyes.
There are steps we can, and should take, to protect ourselves from skin cancer and other harmful effects of sun exposure. By following a few simple rules, we can avoid damaging sunburns and have better health overall.
With the coming of spring, the mosquitoes are swarming! Well-proven guidelines for keeping mosquitoes bites to a minimum include:
LYME DISEASE PREVENTION:
Tick Removal Procedure:
1) Use fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick at the place of attachment, as close to the skin as possible.
2) Gently pull the tick straight out.
3) Place the tick in a small vial labeled with the victim's name, address and the date.
4) Wash your hands, disinfect the tweezers and bite site.
5) Mark your calendar with the victim's name, place of tick attachment on the body, and general health at the time.
6) Call your doctor to determine if treatment is warranted.
7) Watch the tick-bite site and your general health for signs or symptoms of a tick-borne illness. Make sure you mark any changes in your health status on your calendar.
8) If possible, have the tick identified/tested by a lab, your local health department, or veterinarian.
If the mouthparts break off in the skin - should I dig them out?
We have heard two competing opinions about this.
One viewpoint states that the mouthparts can cause a secondary infection, and should be removed as if it was a splinter.
Another viewpoint was shared with us by a pediatrician in a hyperendemic area. He states that parents can do more harm by trying to hold down a child and dig out the mouthparts with a needle. He instructs his families to leave the mouthparts, and that they will come out on their own as the skin sloughs off.
CAUTIONS:
* Children should be taught to seek adult help for tick removal.
* If you must remove the tick with your fingers, use a tissue or leaf to avoid contact with infected tick fluids.
* Do not prick, crush or burn the tick as it may release infected fluids or tissue.
* Do not try to smother the tick (e.g. petroleum jelly, nail polish) as the tick has enough oxygen to complete the feeding.
Visit www.lyme.orgwebsite for further information.
These are just a few reminders for a safe and healthy summer.
It is bittersweet that I end my time as a school nurse, but look forward to the next road that I will travel. Hopefully, I have encouraged the students that have come across my path to be strong, healthy children that will grow into strong, healthy adults. To make healthy choices-exercise, eat right, don’t smoke, and get plenty of sleep. That was my goal when I started 20 year ago and remains my goal today. I feel very Blessed to have worked with Great co-workers, students and parents over the past 20 years!
Remember to BEEE your BEST!!
Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe!
Peace Out!
Nurse Debbie
If you have a question or concern, please contact me at school 377-4100 x 16151 or by email at [email protected]
BREAKFAST: Breakfast is really the most important meal of the day. Those little bellies and brains need fuel to start the learning day.
Tips: stay away from sugary breakfast cereals and donuts, try a variety of whole grain cereals that are low in sugar, make fun finger foods that kids can eat easily and quickly. Encourage your child to drink a glass of milk and a glass of water in the morning. Hungry or dehydrated brains have a hard time concentrating in the morning. Websites: www.easy-kids-recipes.com/eat-breakfast.html, or www.nutritionexplorations.org/kids/activities/detective.asp
MEDICATIONS AT HOME: Many children take medication on a regular schedule at home. It is important to remember that a child should be supervised when taking any medication. Students who have not had their prescribed medication on schedule often struggle to learn throughout the day.
HEAD LICE: Head lice can be a family’s worst nightmare. Head lice is not a communicable or even harmful disease. It is, however, a spreadable nuisance. Head lice is caused by a tiny fast crawling bug called a louse. A single louse can lay many eggs in a short period of time. These eggs are called nits. It is important to use a louse killing shampoo and remove all the nits from the hair. It is recommended that you wash bedding, coats, hats, etc. in hot water at the same time that you treat your child. You should also vacuum furniture, floors and car seats. If your child is found to have head lice, please treat as recommended and accompany your child to the nurses office upon return to school.
HYGIENE: Please remind your child to brush their teeth at least twice per day. Feel free to assist them as needed. Flossing is often difficult for little fingers to do. Also, encourage daily bathing at home, along with clean clothes and hand washing at home, school and as needed.
SHARING FOODS AT LUNCH: Please encourage your child to eat only the lunch they brought to school or bought at school. There are so many children with food allergies that sharing foods at lunch should be discouraged.
FOOD ALLERGIES
The most common is PEANUT, but there are many others also. Each classroom, with a peanut allergy/food allergy or any food allergy, will have all students instructed regarding the importance of NO food sharing at anytime and the importance of hand washing with soap and water. Parents, before sending treats, please check with the classroom teacher for ANY students with a food allergy and send an appropriate treat. When helping with Field Trips and if packing a lunch, please be aware of any food allergies.
If your child is running a temperature of 100.5 or higher please KEEP them home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducers. Working together we can help keep everyone healthy! Talk with your doctor and get those flu shots!
Just a reminder that any medications needed by your child at school (prescription, over-the-counter, or Epi-pens) must have a medication authorization form, completed by both you and your doctor, on file in the nurses’ office. Inhalers may have a doctor order or a copy of the prescription label on the box and the Asthma Inhaler Administration form completed by you and your child. If you are in need of any forms, please contact me at school. NEW this year, any student with asthma is requested to send in Asthma Action Plan for their child from your doctor.
Reminder to all 2nd grade parents/guardians that your child must have a completed dental exam on file by May 15, 2018. (dated between Nov. 15, 2016 and May 15, 2018)
Thank-you to all the parents who have turned in your child’s dental exam form for Second graders. If you haven’t turned one in, please make your appointment soon. May 15, 2018 is the date that I need the completed dental exam forms for ALL Second grade students. These can be dated between November 15, 2016 and May 15, 2018. Please contact me if you need a dental exam form.
It is hard to believe that another school year has come and gone, almost! As we get ready for summer, just a few reminders about time spent outside in the sunny weather.
CURRENT 2nd grade students who have not turned in a completed DENTAL exam form have until May 15 to do so. If you are unable to get an appointment before May 15, please send in a copy of the appointment card. If you are having trouble finding a dentist, please contact me.
Skin cancer has been on the rise and is one of the most prevalent and serious current public health problems. So it is very important to protect our self and our children from the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer. Unlike melanoma skin cancer, it is not usually fatal, but can still cause serious damage to skin and eyes.
There are steps we can, and should take, to protect ourselves from skin cancer and other harmful effects of sun exposure. By following a few simple rules, we can avoid damaging sunburns and have better health overall.
- slip on a shirt
- slop on sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
- slap on a wide-brimmed hat
- sunglasses to help prevent cataracts
- shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you are, you are more likely to burn. Remember, “ No shadow—Seek shade.” The sun is most intense between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Sunbathing in natural sunlight and at tanning parlors should be avoided.
With the coming of spring, the mosquitoes are swarming! Well-proven guidelines for keeping mosquitoes bites to a minimum include:
- Try to avoid areas where they are likely to be, particularly at dusk and dawn.
- Help community efforts by eliminating areas of standing water, (where mosquitoes breed); these include birdbaths, old tires, and small ponds.
- When possible, wear lightweight & light colored clothing, (including hats), that covers most parts of the body.
- Use an appropriate mosquito repellent for children and adults.
LYME DISEASE PREVENTION:
- Don’t confuse large dog ticks with smaller deer ticks.
- Ticks are most likely to attach in May or June, (but can anytime).
- If a circular rash or flu follows a tick bite, seek medical attention.
- Conduct a tick check at the end of each day.
- When in tick-infested areas:
- Wear a hat.
- Wear white or light colors to make tick detection easier.
- Wear long trousers tucked into long socks.
- Use insect repellents according to directions.
Tick Removal Procedure:
1) Use fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick at the place of attachment, as close to the skin as possible.
2) Gently pull the tick straight out.
3) Place the tick in a small vial labeled with the victim's name, address and the date.
4) Wash your hands, disinfect the tweezers and bite site.
5) Mark your calendar with the victim's name, place of tick attachment on the body, and general health at the time.
6) Call your doctor to determine if treatment is warranted.
7) Watch the tick-bite site and your general health for signs or symptoms of a tick-borne illness. Make sure you mark any changes in your health status on your calendar.
8) If possible, have the tick identified/tested by a lab, your local health department, or veterinarian.
If the mouthparts break off in the skin - should I dig them out?
We have heard two competing opinions about this.
One viewpoint states that the mouthparts can cause a secondary infection, and should be removed as if it was a splinter.
Another viewpoint was shared with us by a pediatrician in a hyperendemic area. He states that parents can do more harm by trying to hold down a child and dig out the mouthparts with a needle. He instructs his families to leave the mouthparts, and that they will come out on their own as the skin sloughs off.
CAUTIONS:
* Children should be taught to seek adult help for tick removal.
* If you must remove the tick with your fingers, use a tissue or leaf to avoid contact with infected tick fluids.
* Do not prick, crush or burn the tick as it may release infected fluids or tissue.
* Do not try to smother the tick (e.g. petroleum jelly, nail polish) as the tick has enough oxygen to complete the feeding.
Visit www.lyme.orgwebsite for further information.
These are just a few reminders for a safe and healthy summer.
It is bittersweet that I end my time as a school nurse, but look forward to the next road that I will travel. Hopefully, I have encouraged the students that have come across my path to be strong, healthy children that will grow into strong, healthy adults. To make healthy choices-exercise, eat right, don’t smoke, and get plenty of sleep. That was my goal when I started 20 year ago and remains my goal today. I feel very Blessed to have worked with Great co-workers, students and parents over the past 20 years!
Remember to BEEE your BEST!!
Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe!
Peace Out!
Nurse Debbie
If you have a question or concern, please contact me at school 377-4100 x 16151 or by email at [email protected]
BREAKFAST: Breakfast is really the most important meal of the day. Those little bellies and brains need fuel to start the learning day.
Tips: stay away from sugary breakfast cereals and donuts, try a variety of whole grain cereals that are low in sugar, make fun finger foods that kids can eat easily and quickly. Encourage your child to drink a glass of milk and a glass of water in the morning. Hungry or dehydrated brains have a hard time concentrating in the morning. Websites: www.easy-kids-recipes.com/eat-breakfast.html, or www.nutritionexplorations.org/kids/activities/detective.asp
MEDICATIONS AT HOME: Many children take medication on a regular schedule at home. It is important to remember that a child should be supervised when taking any medication. Students who have not had their prescribed medication on schedule often struggle to learn throughout the day.
HEAD LICE: Head lice can be a family’s worst nightmare. Head lice is not a communicable or even harmful disease. It is, however, a spreadable nuisance. Head lice is caused by a tiny fast crawling bug called a louse. A single louse can lay many eggs in a short period of time. These eggs are called nits. It is important to use a louse killing shampoo and remove all the nits from the hair. It is recommended that you wash bedding, coats, hats, etc. in hot water at the same time that you treat your child. You should also vacuum furniture, floors and car seats. If your child is found to have head lice, please treat as recommended and accompany your child to the nurses office upon return to school.
HYGIENE: Please remind your child to brush their teeth at least twice per day. Feel free to assist them as needed. Flossing is often difficult for little fingers to do. Also, encourage daily bathing at home, along with clean clothes and hand washing at home, school and as needed.
SHARING FOODS AT LUNCH: Please encourage your child to eat only the lunch they brought to school or bought at school. There are so many children with food allergies that sharing foods at lunch should be discouraged.
FOOD ALLERGIES
The most common is PEANUT, but there are many others also. Each classroom, with a peanut allergy/food allergy or any food allergy, will have all students instructed regarding the importance of NO food sharing at anytime and the importance of hand washing with soap and water. Parents, before sending treats, please check with the classroom teacher for ANY students with a food allergy and send an appropriate treat. When helping with Field Trips and if packing a lunch, please be aware of any food allergies.