Winter Health and Safety Tips

  1.  Wear a helmet when skiing, snowboarding, playing hockey, sledding,
        snowmobiling or any activity that would merit a helmet! Helmets can
        prevent skull fractures but a hard hit to the helmet may still cause a
        concussion. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way
        your brain functions. Please take time to learn the signs and symptoms
        of a concussion at this link:
      
       http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/TBI_factsheets_PARENTS-508-a.pdf 

    I am sending “PHAT” (Protect your Head at All Times) stickers home with
    students this week. If you would like an extra sticker, please see me in the
    Health Office.

    2.    In addition to wearing a helmet, here are other safety tips for sledding:

                                              a.   Choose a hill free of obstructions ie: trees, poles and fences.

                          b.  Encourage feet first, not head first sledding. 

                          c.  Choose an area that is not crowded with other sledders.

   

    3.  Dress in layers to be ready for the variances in temperatures at this time

         of year. 

   4.   Consider wind when deciding if kids can play outside.  At school,

         students go out to recess if it is 0 degrees with wind chill. Please

         be sure to send in the appropriate winter clothing for outside play. 

   5.   Fingers, toes, cheeks and noses can be prone to frostbite, which is when

        the skin and tissues freeze.  Do not rub the skin if frostbite is

        suspected as it causes more tissue damage.  Signs of frostbite include

        pale or grey skin that feels hot or numb to the child. Call your MD if this

        occurs. Warm body by bundling child in blankets.

   6.  If a child has been out in cold temperatures for a long period of time and

        appears clumsy or lethargic, is shivering or has slurred speech, 

        Call 911. These are signs of hypothermia, which can be life threatening

        if moderate to severe. 

   7.  Cold weather does not cause colds and flu, but there are more cold
        and flu viruses  around in the winter months. Combine that with spending
        more time indoors and we have an increase in the sharing of illnesses.

        Frequent hand washing, covering coughs with your elbow,

        keeping hands away from your face and proper disposal of tissues

        can reduce the spread of colds and flu viruses.  Remind children 

        of these important steps that can help keep our whole community well!

   8.  A new information sheet has been put out by the Vermont Department of

        Health regarding colds and antibiotics:  “Get smart about when

        antibiotics are appropriate —to fight bacterial infections.” Taking

        them for viral infections, such as a cold,  most sore throats, acute

        bronchitis and many sinus or ear infections:

        a. Will not cure the infection

           b. Will not keep other people from getting sick

           c. Will not help you or your child feel better

           d. May cause unnecessary and harmful side effects

   Please see the full information page at: 
   http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/antibiotics/getsmart.as

9. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect you and your children from

     this year’s flu strains. Getting the flu vaccine will also help to protect our

     whole community. People can be infected with a flu virus and not show

     any symptoms but can still spread germs to others. The more of us
     that are protected, the less the flu virus will spread, and the less
     chance that a community member at high risk for complications, such 
     as infants,  the elderly or the chronically ill, will get sick with the flu.

With cold and flu season upon us, I would like to pass on the following information from the CDC. You can find the link here:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive.pdf

Everyday Preventive Actions 
That Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu

CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting influenza (flu). 

The first and most important step is to get a flu vaccination each year. But if you get the flu, there are prescription antiviral drugs that can treat your illness.Early treatment is especially important for the elderly, the very young, people with certain chronic health conditions, and pregnant women. Finally, everyday preventive actions may slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu. This flyer contains information about everyday preventive actions.

How does the flu spread?
Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through droplets made when people
with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with
flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose. Many other viruses spread these ways too.
People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up
to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you
know you are sick as well as while you are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who
have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days.

What are everyday preventive actions?
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you or your child gets sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you (or your child) stay home for
at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should
be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash
after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
• If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include
information about how to increase distance between people and other measures.

What additional steps can I take at work to help stop the 
spread of germs that can cause respiratory illness, like flu?

• Find out about your employer’s plans if an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs and whether flu vaccinations are offered on-site.
• Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones, to help remove germs.
• Make sure your workplace has an adequate supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes.
• Train others on how to do your job so they can cover for you in case you or a family member gets

 sick and you have to stay home.

• If you begin to feel sick while at work, go home as soon as possible.

What additional preventive actions can I take to protect my child from germs that can cause respiratory illness, like flu?

• Find out about plans your child’s school, child care program, or college has if an outbreak of flu or
 another illness occurs and whether flu vaccinations are offered on-site.
• Make sure your child’s school, child care program, or college routinely cleans frequently touched objects
 and surfaces, and that they have a good supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs,
 and disposable wipes on-site.
• Ask how sick students and staff are separated from others and who will care for them until they

 can go home.

Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause many different illnesses and may offer some 
protection against the flu.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

Information for Schools & Childcare Providers

Educators and staff can help slow the spread of colds and flu. On this page, you will find information on preventing the flu as well as materials and tools for schools.

Each year, an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of flu-related complications. Influenza causes more hospitalizations among young children than any other vaccine-preventable disease. The single best way to protect against seasonal flu and its potential severe complications is for children to get a seasonal influenza vaccine each year. Flu vaccination is recommended for all children aged 6 months and older. Making healthy choices at school and at home can help prevent the flu and spreading flu to others.

Encourage children, parents, and staff to take the following everyday preventive actions  [2 MB, 2 pages]:

• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands. If a tissue is not available, cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve, not your hand.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/index.htm

See also: Everyday Preventive Actions That Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu  

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive.pdf

Here are the long awaited videos from the UID World Jammin' Minute that we participated in on September 26th, 2013.

The students have been participating in Jammin' Minutes in the classroom also. Some of the classrooms have come up with their own Jammin' Minutes and some have found a favorite Jammin' Minute on youtube.com. One of my favorites is: Jammin' Minute 21. Ask your student what their favorite Jammin' Minute is and enjoy a Jammin' Minute together.

The World Jammin' Minute:

https://docs.google.com/a/cesuvt.org/file/d/0BzK9y_24sgpKTnd1SW40UUZtaW8/edit?usp=drive_web

Jammin' Minute 5:
   https://docs.google.com/a/cesuvt.org/file/d/0BzK9y_24sgpKTmc4RUdHRWhuQWs/edit?usp=drive_web

School Procedures Lice Document

Procedures for the Management of Head Lice in the School 

Head lice are an emotional issue for parents and school personnel alike.  However lice do not carry disease, are not commonly contracted at school and upon the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Vermont Department of Health, Harvard School of Public Health and the National School Nurses Association should not be a reason for exclusion.   Students should not feel alienated because they have or are perceived to have lice. 

Lice:

• An adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed and usually pale gray or reddish-brown in color.
• A female louse lives up to 3-4 weeks, lays about 10 eggs (nits) per day and “glues” them to the hair shaft, close to the scalp.  They are difficult to dislodge.
• Live (viable) nits, about the size of a poppy seed, are camouflaged with pigment to match the hair color of the infected person. 
• Empty egg casings (eggs that are hatched) are easier to see, appearing white against darker hair.
• With a first case of head lice itching may not develop for 4 to 6 weeks (it takes time to develop sensitivity to louse saliva).
• Head lice usually survive less than 1 day away from the scalp at normal room temperature.
• Eggs cannot hatch at an ambient temperature lower than that near the scalp.
• Eggs cannot be spread from person to person.
• Lice are host specific; they survive only on humans and cannot be spread by household pets.

School Management:

• Parents are encouraged to proactively check their child’s hair for lice (especially if the child is symptomatic) periodically throughout the school year. The school nurse may inspect a student’s head upon request of a parent.  However, a regular inspection by a parent/guardian by combing through wet hair with a fine tooth comb is much more effective.
• If live (crawling) lice are found the parent is notified of the suspected infestation with the understanding that the student may remain in school for the rest of the day.
• Information is provided to the parent as to the biology of lice and methods to eliminate infestation. (see Management and Treatment of Head Lice).
• The school nurse may recheck the student’s head upon their return following treatment, if requested to do so by the parent.
• It is NOT justifiable to notify classmate’s parents, do mass screenings, bag clothes or restrict use of headphones, helmets, or similar items.
• The parent should notify the parents of their child’s close contacts of the infestation.

http://cesu-nurses-information.cesu.k12.vt.us/modules/locker/files/group_files.phtml?parent=17031042&gid=2296367&sessionid=f9bedc951c422ca339ee67636e9c7aea

The above information and guidelines of management are taken from the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatricians, Harvard School of Public Health, Vermont Department of Health, and National Association of School Nurses.             

05/13

JAMmin’ across the Globe.

September 26, 2013  

 10:00 A.M. your local time

stop wherever you are and JAM

_______________________________________

             A Physical Activity MOVEMENT For EVERYONE

JAM World Record is a FUN campaign to rally EVERYONE to pause and take just a minute for a fitness break. This campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of making activity a daily habit, ensuring our kids learn healthy habits at a young age and our schools have access to quality physical education programs. EVERYONE, people of all ages and abilities, can participate in THIS world record and make a difference.

Science confirms that Just-a-Minute (JAM) is valuable.

A new study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that each minute spent engaging in some kind of moderate to vigorous physical activity is associated with lower BMI (Body Mass Index) and lower weight.

Read the full article here.  

Keep JAMmin!

Underhill ID School will be joining in the World JAMmin’ Moment on September 26, 2013 at 10:00 am.
http://www.jamworldrecord.org
Parents and siblings are invited to join us. Wear our school colors: purple and green!

See you then!
Kristen Taylor, RN

Welcome to the UID Health Office!

Here are some Health Tips to start the School year off well:

Be Active: Run, Dance, Walk, Bike, etc... '60' minutes of activity is recommended for students each and every day. Being Active not only helps our bodies to be healthy but helps our minds to be healthy also. Being Active helps our minds to learn and retain new information. How many minutes are you currently active each day? _____ What activities can you do to increase your activity each day? _________________,_____________,_________________.

Drink enough water: Our brains are made up of 77-78% water.  Being just 2% dehydrated can make our bodies feel tired and our brains feel sluggish. Drink half your weight in ounces of water each day. So, if you weigh 44 pounds, you  should drink 22 ounces of water a day. There are 8 ounces of water in one cup. So, how many cups of water would you need to drink for your weight? _____  Another indicator that you need to drink more water is when your urine in dark yellow in color. The color of urine, when you are well hydrated is light yellow to almost clear in color.

Get enough sleep: Children between the ages of 5-10 years old, should be getting between 10-11 hours of sleep each night. Children who sleep well and get enough sleep at night, do better in school. They are better able to pay attention and learn. So, if you need to get up at 6:30 in the morning to arrive at school on time; what time do you need to go to bed, if you are going to get 10-11 hours of sleep? _______

And last but not least, eat well. This includes lots of fruits and vegetables, along with protein and whole grain foods and dairy. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/

I look forward to a healthy and well school year!!!

Sincerely,
Nurse Kristen