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