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.