BREAKFAST - ROUND 2. 

What a fun morning we had Tuesday at breakfast!

We had 106 students start their day with a nutritious meal and a prize.  Next week on Thursday, March 11, we will do it again.  This time we will have a hot breakfast, prizes and a raffle.  The "Godmother of Breakfast" also plans to attend!

Be sure to come to breakfast and start your day full of "brain fuel" and some fun day!

BREAKFAST - THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY!  NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK IS MARCH 1-5. 

Many studies have shown that students who eat breakfast have better behavior in the classroom and better attention to classroom lessons.  Students learn and remember more if they have eaten breakfast.  They also have more energy and show a more positive attitude if they are not hungry. 

St. Lawrence serves a delicious breakfast every morning from 7:15-7:45 am.  Mrs. Dugan, our cafeteria director, and Nurse D-C are teaming up to try to get more of our students to come in early and start their day with a good breakfast right here at school.  On Tuesday, March 2, every student eating our school breakfast in the cafeteria will receive a small prize on his or her food tray.  Our goal is to see at least 100 students for breakfast that day!  Hope to see you there!

"LET'S MOVE" CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Recently First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off a new national public awareness campaign against childhood obesity.  One in every three American children is considered overweight or obese.  This puts them at higher risks for developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other health problems.  Public Health officials say today's children are on track to have a shorter life span than their parents. 

Mrs. Obama's "Let's Move" campaign has 4 parts:

1. Help provide better food choices

2. Serve healthier foods in schools

3. Make healthy food more available and more affordable

4. Encourage kids to exercise more.

Check the website www.letsmove.gov for more information.  Let's all do our part and suport the "Let's Move" campaign.  Serve more fruit and vegetables.  Cut down on the amount of sweets and junk food your children eat.  Let children exercise through sports and good old-fashioned playing!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February is Black History Month.  African Americans have made many contributions to the health of Americans and people around the world.  Here are three "African American Health Heroes:"

Pastors Richard Allen and Absolom Jones were free Methodist ministers when the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793 struck in Philadelphia.  Many people fled the city but Pastors Allen and Jones rallied their African-American community to tend to the sick without regard to race. 

Dr. Mae C. Jemison was the first African-American woman to fly in space.  She was a crew member on the Endeavor Space Shuttle in 1992.  Dr. Jemison noted "Both women and members of other minorities can contribute if given the opportunity."

Dr. Lucy Oxley was the first African-American woman to graduate from the University of Cincinnati Medical School in 1935.  She was denied an internship at the Cincinnati General Hospital (now University Hospital) so she went to Freedman Hospital in Washington DC.  She returned to Cincinnati in 1940 and started a medical practice.  Dr. Oxley was a family physician in Walnut Hills until her death in 1991. 

LEAD POISONING

REMINDER:  If you returned the Dental Sealant forms please make sure your student is on time for school Monday, February 1st to guarantee that the dentist sees him/her. 

Recently nurses from the Cincinnati Health Department talked to our preschool and kindergarten students about lead poisoning, which can cause learning problems, slow growth and may even cause brain damage.  Children under 6 are more likely to have lead poisoning.  A child with lead poisoning may show no problems, or may have stomach pain, headaches, constipation, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping or just feel tired and cranky. 

Lead is a metal found in older paint and soil and old pipes.  The lead in paint chips, dust or dirty may contain lead dust.  To prevent lead poisoning be sure children wash their hands before meals and snacks.  Make sure children eat foods full of calcium (like milk and cheese), iron (like green vegetables, raisins and meat) and Vitamin C (like orange juice and other fresh fruits). These foods help your child's body NOT absorb (take in and hold) lead.  Talk to your doctor about a lead test at your child's next check-up. 

SHIGELLOSIS

Earlier this week we sent home a letter from the Cincinnati Health Department about a diarrheal disease called Shigellosis.  Please be on the alert for diarrhea in your children.  PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR STUDENT TO SCHOOL IF HE OR SHE HAS DIARRHEA.  Shigellosis can be a serious illness for some - especially young children.  Remind your student to always wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer after using the toilet or before eating anything. 

On another subject ... this is National Flu Immunization Week.  There is now a good supply of H1N1 vaccine available free from the Cincinnati Health Department; call 357-7393 for clinic locations and times.

C-O-L-D

It's January and it's COLD!  I need all my St. Lawrence friends to be careful in these extremely cold temperatures.  Be sure not to forget to wear your coats, hats and gloves!  Remember C-O-L-D for protection when playing outside.

1. COVER your head, neck and face.  These areas lose heat rapidly and are at risk for frostbite.

2. OVEREXERTION or being too active can cause you to sweat and chill quickly in cold and windy weather, increasing the loss of body heat.

3. LAYER your clothes to keep warm in cold windy weather.  Think undershirt, shirt, sweatshirt, sweater, coat, hat, hood, gloves, mittens, etc.

4. DRY - staying dry is the key to preventing cold weather injuries.  Staying dry in waterproof clothing and immediately removing wet clothes is very important in reducing the loss of body heat.

Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) can affect the brain in such a way that you may not be able to think clearly or move well.  Early s ymptoms are shivering, fatigue and loss of coordination.  At signs of hypothermia, it's important to get to a warm room or vehicle, remove all wet clothes and wrap in blankets or something warm.  Drinking warm beverages such as hot chocolate or tea is also helpful.

As always:  Have Fun by Stay Safe!

HAPPY HEALTHY HOLIDAYS!

Over the Christmas holiday I want all my friends to remember how to stay healthy!  Don't forget to cover your cough.  (Cough into your sleeve.)  Use a tissue to blow your nose, then throw it away and wash your hands.  Keep washing those hands with soap and water before you eat, after playing with pets, after using the toilet, and when coming in from playing outside.  Play outside, get lots of exercise and plenty of sleep.  (Don't just stay inside playing video games!)  Make healthy food choices.  Remember the Food Pyramid; eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and meat/fish.  The Christmas cookies, candies and cakes should be a treat, NOT your whole meal.  Stay safe!  Stay healthy!

HINTS FOR A HAPPY - NOT HAZARDOUS - HOLIDAY

The holidays should be a wonderful time for children, but each year emergency rooms treat over 8700 people for injuries due to falls, auto accidents and electric shocks.  Did you know that Christmas trees are the cause of over 400 fires each year because of faulty lights and careless use of candles?  Young children are at added risk of injury this time of year from sharp objects, such as broken tree ornaments and toys which are not age appropriate.  Please be careful.

A few more tips for the holidays:

1. Never leave food which should be refrigerated out longer than 2 hours.

2. Read the box and all instructions before buying a new toy or allowing a child to play with a new toy.  If the toy is too advanced for your child, it could be hazardous.

3. Check Christmas tree lights for broken bulbs or sockets and frayed or loose connections; throw away all broken sets.

4. Do not burn Christmas wrapping paper in the fireplace.  A flash fire may result and the wrapping paper ignites suddenly and burns intensely. 

DENTAL SEALANT PROGRAM

The Cincinnati Health Department Free Dental Sealant Program will be at St. Lawrence from February 1-5, 2010.  Permission forms will be sent home after Christmas.

The holiday season is a great time for children to remember to brush their teeth at least 2 times per day.  Limit sodas and urge them to drink water, juice, and milk.  Everyone eats candy during the holidays, but try to make it a "treat" and not a meal.  Oranges, apples, grapes and tangerines are also tasty holiday treats!

HEALTHY & FIT FAMILIES EAT BREAKFAST

A great way to help kids get started on the right foot at school is to have them eat breakfast.  It doesn't matter if they have breakfast at home or at school - kids need to eat breakfast.

Why eat breakfast?  Breakfast helps fuel the body and brain.  It kicks in the body's metabolism so it will start burning calories and producing energy! 

Research shows that children who eat breakfast

• Get more vitamins, minerals and other nutrients

• Perform better in school

• Are able to concentrate and be more alert

Get a good start to the day!

H1N1 VACCINE EVENT

The H1N1 flu vaccine event held at St. Lawrence last Wednesday was a big success!  Thanks to our staff and volunteers who did so much to make the event possible, especially Mrs. McGuiggan, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Kinney, Mrs. Schulz, and Mrs. Damico.  A special thank you to Mrs. Joesting to started talking to the Cincinnati Health Department in August about bringing the H1N1 event here.  St. Lawrence was the FIRST non-public school to receive the vaccine.

We had 274 people receive the flu vaccine (students, staff and family members)!!  The Health Department will return in about 4 weeks to give the second vaccine dose to those students not yet 10 years old.  I was delighted with the cooperation and behavior of our terrific St. Lawrence students!  I am very, very pleased that so many students, staff and family members will be protected from H1N1 flu.

H1N1 VACCINES

Great news!  The Cincinnati Health Department expects to come to St. Lawrence next week for the H1N1 Flu Vaccine event!  Pregnant women really need this H1N1 vaccine.  We will let you know the exact day. 

Anyone with a long-term (chronic) illness such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma will probably also be able to receive the vaccine.  This depends on how much vaccine the Health Department brings.  I will send home a note next week with exact times.  Family members will probably be first or last.  You can fill out the form at the event.

I am very excited that St. Lawrence School will be one of the first elementary schools in all of Cincinnati to receive the protection of the H1N1 vaccine!  I know our students will show everyone their St. Lawrence spirit of courtesy, respect and cooperation. 

H1N1 ALERT

As you know from the letter that came home Monday, H1N1 flu has arrived at St. Lawrence School.   Please do not send your student to school if he or she is sick with fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhea!  Please call your doctor for advice with any of these problems.  When calling in an absence please be specific about your child's illness (Cough?  Fever?  Doctor said it's H1N1 Flu??)  The Cincinnati Health Department is collecting this information daily from each school. 

The good news is that family members who are 6 months of age or younger, parents and grandparents with  chronic medical problems such as cancer, heart problems or asthma and family members who are pregnant will probably be able to get the H1N1 flu vaccine at our school event!  Fill out the flu form in this week's parent communication envelope and return it to school at once.  You can copy the form or pick up more in the school office.  You may also be able to come the day of the H1N1 event and fill out the form, but the Cincinnati Health Department needs to know how much vaccine to bring. 

Keep washing those hands and covering that cough.  

VACCINE ALERT

There are forms coming home today concerning the H1N1 flu vaccine to be given at St. Lawrence School.  Please read over it then sign "Yes" or "No" in the consent box at the bottom of the page.  Return it as quickly as possible.  Thank you for your cooperation.

BEDBUG INFORMATION

Bedbugs seem to still be a problem for families in Cincinnati.  A bedbug is a tiny reddish brown insect.  Some are as big as a small tick -- others the size of a louse.  Bedbugs are most active at night and live on human blood.

Bedbug bites appear as tiny red bumps, often with a red center.  The bites usually are in a line or group of three.  Sometimes you will notice spots of blood on the sheets or mattress.  Bedbug bites can be mistaken for other insect bites (such as fleas and scabies) or even mistaken for chicken pox!  Your doctor sometimes needs to make the decision.  The treatment for bedbug bites is to use anti-itch cream (like hydrocortisone) and keep the area clean to avoid infection.

Check for bedbugs at night in the edges and cracks along mattresses, beds, and stuffed furniture and on walls.  Bedbugs have an intense, sweet odor.

To help keep bedbugs away from school, send your students in clean clothes every day.  Keep fresh clothing out of bedrooms, off bedroom furniture and floors.  You may need to use a plastic bag to store clothes.  Wash clothes and bed covers in hot soapy water and dry in a hot dryer to kill any bed bugs.

Do not use insecticide/bug spray without checking with Hamilton County or Cincinnati Environmental Health Officials (and your doctor if someone has asthma or is pregnant in your home).  If you are a renter, talk to your landlord about a commercial exterminator treating your apartment.  If you need help, call Legal Aid at 241-9400.  The Cincinnati Health Department website suggests spraying with undiluted 90% alcohol between professional treatments. 

For more information, call Mr. Stone, Hamilton County Environmentalist, at 946-7833.

A GOOD START

Did you know that breakfast is the most important meal of your child's day?  It provides the nutrition and energy he or she needs to concentrate in school.  Research even shows that kids who eat breakfast get better grades, pay more attention in class, and behave better.  Help your youngster begin his or her day on the right foot.  St. Lawrence cafeteria serves a delicious breakfast for our students every day.  Set the alarm to allow 10-15 unhurried minutes for breakfast at home or at school. 

HELLO TO ALL MY FRIENDS AT ST. LAWRENCE SCHOOL

We are all going to have a well and safe school year!  I want all of my friends to remember to wash their hands with soap and water or hand washing gel!  Don't forget to cover your cough! 

This year I will be at school every Tuesday from 8:00-3:00, Wednesdays from 11:15 to 3:00 and Thursdays from 8:00-11:15.  You may get ahold of me by calling the school office at 921-4996.

PS:  If you need help with co-pays for asthma medications please call me.  I have a program that might help!!

FLU PREVENTION

Tonight at the PTO meeting Mr. Phil Manning, RN, from the Communicable Disease Section of the Cincinnati Health Department will speak about the H1N1-swine flu.  St. Lawrence is working with the Health Department to do everything we can to prevent the flu.  Our students have reviewed hand washing, covering a cough, and K-2 have seen a special video about staying well.  Teachers and students are cleaning desks and computers.  Maintenance is keeping our bathrooms and buildings especially clean. 

Now I need your help.  Do not send your child to school if he or she is sick with symptoms of the flu (fever, cough, body rashes, extreme tiredness, vomiting or diarrhea).  St. Lawrence will send home any student with a fever over 100, or who shows any symptoms of the flu, especially vomiting or diarrhea. 

When you call the school office to tell us your child will be absent due to an illness, please tell us what is wrong (fever, coughing, vomiting).  The Health Department needs us to collect this information.

The Cincinnati Health Department may soon offer the seasonal flu vaccines to St. Lawrence students.  Most students would receive "flu mist" (a nasal spray) vaccine.  I will let you know about this program as soon as possible. 

Please we also need to have all asthma inhalers and epipens at school for those students with asthma or allergic reactions.  Please be aware that without these emergency medicines on hand, we will be calling 911 if your student has a severe reaction.

Thank you for your help!