HEALTH NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
October 2011 | November 2011 | December 2011 | January 2012 | February 2012 | March 2012
April 2012 | May 2012
WIN A $25 FRUIT INFUSER OR GIFT CERTIFICATE TO BED,BATH, & BEYOND !!
Just CLICK HERE, print out the survey, fill it out and return it to the school
April, 2012
SPRING CLEANING THE NOSE , THROAT & SINUS CAVITIES
The mucous in our nose and sinus cavities traps viruses, bacteria, fungus, pollen , and dirt particles. It is then swept away towards the throat. Without adequate fluids and humidity, the mucous becomes thick and heavy causing inflammation, congestion, discomfort and even infection.
To enable this transport system, especially if you have sinus problems, try the following:
-Drink an adequate amount of non-caffeinated fluids every day ( see March nurse’s notes )
-Use nasal saline spray frequently, i.e. every 2-3 hours
-Expose yourself to steam 1-2 times per day ( shower, facial steamer, etc. )
-Gargle with warm salt water ( ¼ tsp to cup of water )
- Try a neti pot ( nasal irrigation system )
Aah… now stop and smell the roses.
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AN EASY, INEXPENSIVE CURE-ALL?
March, 2012
We all know we’re supposed to drink 8 glasses of water a day – really?? No, not really…
So how much should you drink to avoid dehydration? A more accurate estimate would be to divide your weight in pounds by 2 and drink at least that amount in ounces every day. Of course, there are times when you tend to lose more fluid and will want to increase that daily amount – such as during sickness and increased activity. If you don’t like plain water, add a lemon wedge to that water bottle . Better yet, purchase an inexpensive fruit infuser ($ 25) and make your own flavored water without all the additives and for a lot less money. It’s a perfect way to use the fruit that’s just starting to go and no one wants to eat anyway. SO JUST DO IT! Here’s why…
- Drinking water helps you lose weight by suppressing the appetite and flushing down the by-products of fat breakdown.
- Helps relieve headaches and back pains due to dehydration
- Helps replenish skin tissues, moisturize skin, and increase skin elasticity
- Helps you think better, be more alert, and more concentrated ( your brain is mostly water )
- Helps you exercise with more energy ( water fuels muscle tissue and regulates body temp)
- Helps digestion and constipation ( raises your metabolism )
- Helps lubricate joints and muscles so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains
- Helps build immunity (especially with lemon added) so you’re less likely to get sick
- Helps relieve fatigue by flushing out toxins and carrying oxygen to tired organs
- Helps improve your mood because your body feels better
- Helps reduce the risks of bladder and colon cancer by diluting the concentration of cancer causing agents and by shortening the time they are stored in the body
**Source: Mangosteen Natural Remedies 2009-2010
Asthma Education Workshops Offered in Cranston Schools
February, 2012
In conjunction with the Community Asthma Programs of Hasbro Children’s Hospital, we will be offering asthma education workshops in our school district. Babysitting, pizza and a raffle for families who attend will be provided. Transportation will be provided upon request. In addition, each child with asthma will receive a peak flow meter and a spacer. The workshop will include an informative class for parents and a class for children 6 – 12 years of age so they can learn how to take care of their asthma. Dates for the workshops are as follows:
2/29 – Park View Middle School: 5pm Registration; 5:30pm Class Start Time; 7:30pm End Time
3/1 -Western Hills Middle School: 3:30pm Registration; 3:45pm Class Start Time; 6pm End Time
3/14-Bain Middle School: 2:45 Registration; 3pm Class Start Time; 5:15 End Time
Families may attend the workshop at any of the three schools. If you want to be contacted by the outreach workers at Hasbro Children’s Hospital about the program, please contact me at 270 – 8026; or you contact the Community Asthma Program directly at 444-8430 with any questions you may have. I also have forms in my office with all the information about the program.
Seventh Grade School -Provided Medical & Dental Exams
January, 2012
Notices have been sent home with all 7th grade students who have not provided proof of a recent physical and dental exam. By Rhode Island law, such children will be provided a school physical exam and a dental screening unless declined by the parent/guardian.
Please return these forms as soon as possible or contact Ms. Farren, R.N. at 270 -8026, if you do not want your child examined by our school physician and dentist. The dates of the exams are as follows:
Dental screenings: February 14, 2012 9am
Physical Exams: March 20 , 2012 8:15 am
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
HEALTHY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
December, 2011
To Protect Your Heart -- and Your Figure -- Snack on Pistachios -- Not Pretzels
Sip Iced Green Tea Instead of Diet Coke to Ward Off Cancer and Whittle Your Waistline
For Super Strong Bones, Get Your Greens From Kale Instead of Spinach
Swap Sour Cream with Yogurt to Fight Stomach and Flu Bugs
Blend Your Smoothie with Cocoa Powder Instead of Peanut Butter to Keep Your Arteries Clean
To Keep Blood Pressure in Check, Coat With Panko Instead of Italian Breadcrumbs
To Absorb the Most Nutrients, Choose a Chicken Thigh Over a Breast
Reduce Your Lung Cancer Risk by Picking Red Peppers Instead of Yellow or Green Ones
To Lower Cholesterol, Top Your Sandwich with Avocado Instead of Mayo
To Ward Off Breast Cancer, Think Quinoa, Not Couscous
Fish for Trout Instead of Cod to Ward Off Alzheimer’s
Cut Your Risk of Tumors by Picking Raspberries Instead of Strawberries
To Fight Cancer and Diabetes, Pour Real Maple Syrup, Not the Fake Stuff
Chew on Parsley Not Gum to Ward Off Breast Cancer
To Keep Your Liver Clean and Healthy, Eat Whole Eggs Instead of Egg Whites or Beaters
For a copy of the above with complete nutritional info and references,
see Ms. Farren, RN, CSNT in room 124. Happy, healthy New Year!
IS IT THE FLU OR JUST A COLD?
November, 2011
The flu is often confused with the common cold, but flu symptoms tend to come on quickly; and they are generally more severe than the sneezing ,coughing ,and sore throat associated with a cold. In addition, flu is often accompanied by fever, headache, extreme fatigue, muscle aches; and in children, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also common.
Students who have been diagnosed with the flu must be symptom freedom free (without the use of fever reducing medicine) for a full 24 hours before returning to school. A student who is seen by a physician and started on antibiotics for a bacterial infection should stay out of school for 24 hours after treatment has begun.
All incidences of communicable diseases such as flu, chicken pox, head lice, impetigo, strep throat, Fifth’s disease, scarlet fever, and herpes simplex should be reported to the school nurse-teacher. The student’s return to school will be discussed and planned at that time.
D.Farren, R.N. C.S.N.T.
October 2011
FLU CLINIC REMINDER: Our clinic is scheduled for October 20, 2011 from 4-7pm. Register online at www.the wellnesscomp.com/school or complete a consent form when you arrive at the clinic. All family members are welcome. If you have children at other schools, they may all be registered at one school.
Habla espanol? Fala portugues? Parlez francais?
Call 401 -222-5960/RI Relay 711
Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended by the Department of Health for everyone 6 months of age and older – unless the person has a specific contraindication to the vaccine. Contact your physician if you have any concerns about receiving the vaccine.
Flu activity commonly peaks in January and February, but the flu virus can cause illness from October to May. The best proven way to prevent the spread of germs and infections is frequent hand washing with soap and warm water. This practice should be enforced at home as well as in public.
Feel free to contact me with any questions at 270 -8026
D.Farren, R.N. C.S.N.T.