Helpful Tips for the Parent

Each year the school nurse  looks forward to working with parents to help keep children  healthy throughout the school year.  We hope parents take time to review some of the following helpful ways to promote health and wellness in their families.

Handwashing
Wash your hands!  The single most important thing you can do to prevent the flu and colds is to wash your hands. Flu and cold germs most frequently come into your body through your hands. Encourage your family to scrub their hands for 30 seconds as often as possible.  A good rule would be to encourage your family members to wash after using the restroom and before and after meals.

Boost Your Child's Immune System
Mother was right!   One of the most important defenses against infection is to strengthen your body's natural immune system  - a sound diet, exercise, plenty of rest, and avoiding stress helps to strength your body's natural defenses.
  • Encourage plenty of rest.  Children from age 4 to 7 years need 11-12 hours of sleep everyday.  Children from 7 to 9 years need 10-11 hours, and children 9-12 years need 9-10 hours.
  • Encourage a good diet high in fruits and vegetables.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Eating a good breakfast will help your child to stay healthy and to learn better!  Have your child take advantage of your school's salad bar.
  • Encourage exercise.  Exercise strengthens the immune system.  Help to support our PE program by encouraging your child to be active.
  • Avoid stress.  Stress can hurt your immune system.  Kids need time for free play as well as organized activities.

 
Avoid Lead Poisoning
The Facts
Lead poisoning is a serious disease, especially for young children. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, developmental disabilities, and stunted growth. Children under six are most at risk.

No treatment completely removes lead from the body.  Children can pick up tiny, dangerous particles of lead in many places. For example, leaded paint crumbles into house dust or soil. After crawling on the floor, children may put their dirty hands in their mouths and eat the poisonous lead. And lead comes from other places besides the paint.

The Good News
Lead poisoning is preventable. By following simple steps, you can help reduce your family's exposure to lead. It is recommended that parents discuss with their child's pediatrician, the possible need for getting a blood lead test for their child.

Contact the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program for more information.

Donate or Volunteer
There are various health screenings/events throughout the school year in which extra adult supervision might be required.  Please take time to read your school newsletters on a regular basis to find out how and when you may be needed as a school health volunteer. 

The Health Office often needs a change of clothes for life's little "accidents", whether it's nature calling too soon or a mud puddle in the way.  Please consider donating used clothes to the Health office.  We can use large sizes as well as small.  A donation of new socks and undergarments is also appreciated.

 
Know The FLU
What is the flu?  The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by type A and type B influenza viruses.  It is most common in the fall and winter.  The flu is highly contagious: the virus usually enters the body through mucous membranes in the mouth, nose or eyes.  When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne and can be inhaled by anyone nearby.

In most communities, it is school-age children who are the first to get the flu, and then they carry it home and to other group activities.  In a mild flu season, about 10-15% of the population becomes infected.  In a more severe flu season, 20% or more of the population can suffer from the flu.

How do I know if I have the flu?
Flu generally strikes 1-3 days after exposure to the virus.  The onset of flu often seems sudden:  People describe feeling like they've "been hit by a truck."  Common flu symptoms include sudden onset, fever and chills, cough, muscle and joint pain, headache, fatigue and weakness.  Some people also get a stuffy nose and sore throat. 

Is the flu dangerous?
A bad case of the flu will probably send a healthy adult or child to bed for 3-5 days.  Afterwards, the person will recover fully, but cough and tiredness may persist for days or weeks.  Nonetheless, the flu can be a serious illness.  Each year, up to 40 million Americans develop the flu, and about 150,000 are hospitalized.
 
Can the flu be cured with antibiotics?
No. Because the flu is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics.  Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria and are, therefore, only useful for treating bacterial infections.  If your doctor does not think that you need antibiotics to treat your infection, do not insist.  Inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, which is a major public health problem.

What should I do if I get the flu?
Rest is important to help you get better.  Plus, if you stay home, there's less risk that you'll give the flu to other people.  Flu continues to be contagious for 3-4 days after symptoms appear.  You should also drink plenty of fluids. Hot liquids may relieve the feeling of congestion.  A pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, can be taken for aches and fever.  Never give aspirin to a child under 12 who has the flu (or any illness you suspect is caused by a virus) due to the risk of a serious adverse effect known as Reye's syndrome.

The following are some simple common sense things you can do to try to protect yourself from the flu:

  • Keep your distance, if possible, from people who have the flu since the virus is
    spread when a person with the flu coughs or sneezes.
  • Wash your hands frequently to reduce your risk of catching a cold or the flu.
  • Avoid second- hand cigarette smoke.
  • Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle: follow a good diet, get enough sleep, keep stress levels low and drink lots of water