Hello to all my good friends at St. Lawrence School!  I hope everyone had a healthy and interesting summer!  I am delighted to be returning as your school nurse again this year.  I will be at school Tuesdays 11:30 am to 2:45 pm and Thursdays 7:45 am to 11:00 am.   

If your student is new to St. Lawrence, we must have complete immunization records.  This is state law.  I will be asking for records from your student's last school if your child is transferring.  I may need your help if the records are not sent quickly.  You may need to ask for a copy of immunizations from your child's doctor or health department.

Let's have another safe and healthy year!!!  (Keep washing those hands!)

WATER SAFETY TIPS

1. Don't rely on swimming aids like swim rings, arm bands, or floats.
2. Swim with a buddy in a supervised area.
3. Obey all rules and warning signs around the water.
4. Wear a life jacket that fits properly when around water, boating, or water-skiing.
5. Never swim when you hear thunder or see lightning.
6. Never swim when you're tired or ill.
7. Drive only in areas marked safe for diving.
8. Take an American Red Cross swimming or water safety course. 

DON'T MISLEAD CHILDREN BY COMPARING MEDICATIONS TO CANDY

Recently one of my students at one of my schools ate a chocolate flavored laxative thinking it was candy.  Fortunately, the child was not harmed, but did miss several days of school due to diarrhea.  Please be aware that medicines - even over the counter meds such as laxatives, Tylenol, allergy and cold medicines can cause illness and even death, if taken by children incorrectly. 

Never tell children that medicine is candy or "tastes like candy".  Please lock up medicine.  Never leave medicine by the bedside or on the dresser or sink.  Even vitamins left on the kitchen table could cause problems (especially in vitamins with iron).  Teach your children that medicines are only to be taken when an adult is present. 

If a possible poisoning happens, call Poison Control at 636-5111 for help and information. 

NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

This has been National Nurses Week.  I am very proud to be a registered nurse and an Ohio certified school nurse.  The first school nurse was Lina Rogers who was hired in 1902 by the NYC schools to "Keep children healthy and in school."  This is my goal also at St. Lawrence School.

I try and keep students healthy by not only contacting you about illness, injury and immunizations, but also working with the Cincinnati Health Department about communicable disease issues (such as scabies and chickenpox.)  I screen children for vision and hearing problems and then help obtain glasses and hearing aids through the Lions Club or BCMH.  The American Lung Association offered free medicine cards to children with asthma to help keep students in school.  The Cincinnati Dental Sealant Team checked 120 students and placed sealants on the teeth of over 80 students! 

I have taught classes on hand washing, lice prevention, hygiene and healthy snacks and completed a year-long project with the kindergarteners to encourage them to drink more milk.  Outside speakers gave programs on healthy food choices and asthma. 

This year I have talked with more families than ever before in person, on the phone and by letter.  Please keep contacting your school nurse about students health problems and concerns.  We all want St. Lawrence children to be "healthy and in school"!!

DENTAL VISITS

Some of you have received letters home that let you know that your child needs to see a dentist because of possible decayed teeth (cavities).  This is a follow up to the dental sealant program.  Please have your child seen by a dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth fixed!

If you do not have a family dentist or dental insurance, the Price Hill Clinic has a dental clinic.  Call 357-7600.

Students!  Keep brushing your teeth and eating healthy snacks.  Remember to drink your milk, too!  Keep those teeth healthy!!!

TORNADOES

Spring is severe weather time.  Tornadoes can pack winds of 200 miles per hour in a "funnel shaped" cloud  A tornado watch means certain conditions could make a tornado, so be prepared to find a safe place.  These warnings are usually on television and the radio.  A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted!  Take cover at once!  The television and radio will carry the tornado warning, and the sirens will sound.

BE PREPARED!  Know a safe place to go!  Go to the lowest floor (basement is best) of a building.  If you can't go downstairs, go to a bathroom and get in the bathtub - cover up with blankets and pillows.  Or go to an inside hallway or closet - "make like a turtle" - kneel with hands over head and head next to an inside wall.

I know many of my St. Lawrence students are home alone in the afternoon.  Talk to your family about the safest place in your home during a tornado.  MAKE A PLAN!!!

GUIDELINES FOR "LATCH-KEY" KIDS

Many students here at St. Lawrence go home to a house or apartment with no adult after school.  The American Red Cross suggests these guidelines to help children who must stay alone for a while after school

1. Parents and students should make a set of rules to follow. (For example, may the student use the telephone? May the student have friends over?  May the student answer the doorbell?)

2. Students should lock the door as soon as they get into the home.

3. Students should call parents at once.

4. Emergency telephone numbers (parents, grandparents, friends and 911) should be posted near the telephone.

5. Make up a fire escape plan and practice it!

6. Parents need to show students where smoke detectors are.  They need to know what they sound like.

Be smart and be safe!

VACCINATIONS

Most of us know about how important it is to immunize infants and young children.  Thanks to childhood immunization, the risk of a child getting such diseases as measles, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, whooping cough and chicken pox are greatly reduced. 

What you may not know is that vaccines should be considered as necessary throughout life.  Some vaccines wear off over time, others are given at pre-adolescence or adolescence to protect against a variety of diseases. 

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough (Pertussis), Meningococcal and HPV (papiallomavirus) vaccines are now available to adolescents 11-12 years of age.  Talk to your family doctor or health department. 

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

SPRING IS HERE - GET OUT AND GET ACTIVE

Spring is finally here!  So it's time to get outside and be active (OK if it just doesn't rain!)  Go play some basketball, or baseball, fly a kite, run, jump, skip, or ride a bike!  Or how about doing some gardening and cleaning up your yard! 

While you are getting ready to lose that "winter weight", let's choose low fat - low sugar snacks!  Drink Low fat/skim milk or water.  Fresh fruit, raw veggies, and low fat yogurt in the fruit are good choices!  Popcorn (with no butter) is a fun and healthy choice, also. 

PORTION (SERVING) SIZES

Our 3rd graders had an interesting program by Children's Hospital Dieticians about foods this week.  The students learned about  portion control (or serving size).  It is not always about what you are eating, but about how much you are eating. 

How to figure out portion (serving) sizes from the American Dietetic Association:

• A deck of playing cards is about equal to one serving (3 ounces) of meat, poultry (chicken), or fish. 

• Half of a baseball is about equal to 1/2 cup of fruit, vegetables, pasta, or rice

• Your thumb is about equal to one serving (one ounce) of cheese

• A tennis ball is about equal to one serving (one cup) of yogurt or chopped fresh greens. 

PERSONAL HYGIENE

I want to talk to all of my students about keeping themselves clean and fresh.  I need everyone to take a shower/bath and "scrub up" every day (or at night) with soap!  I also want all of you to wash your hair with shampoo often (some need it every day).  Those of you who are in grades 4-8 need to use deodorant also.  Don't forget to brush your teeth and wear clean clothes each day!

If you need soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush or deodorant, please leave me a note or see me.  I want all my friends at St. Lawrence to be their best!

BEDBUGS

Recently there has been a lot on tv about bedbugs.  The bedbug is a tiny, reddish brown insect (.5cm).  Bedbugs are most active at night.

Bedbug bites appear as a small, tiny red bump, often with a red center.  The bites often appear in a line of three or a grove of three.  Sometimes you will notice spots of blood on the sheets or mattress.  Because bedbug bites can be mistaken for other insect bites (such as fleas, body lice, or scabies), your doctor needs to make the decision.  Treatment is to apply anti-itch cream (such as cortisone) and to keep the area clean to avoid infection. 

To check for bedbugs, look at night in the edges and cracks along mattresses, beds, stuffed furniture and on walls.  Bedbugs cause an intense, sweet odor, also.

To prevent bedbug problems, check beds/furniture in motels and do not put luggage on the floor.  Do not bring furniture bought at yard sales/resale shops, etc., in your house until you have fully checked them.

For more advice on removing a bedbug problem, call Mr. Alam, Cincinnati Health Department (Environmental Health) at 357-7201.  Most of my information came from www.mayoclinic.com which has photos of bedbugs and bites and from www.emedicine.com which also has interesting information. 

Please - A WORD OF CAUTION!  Do not panic and spray your house with insecticide/bug spray without talking with your doctor.  Bedbugs can only be killed by specific pesticide chemicals.  These pesticides are poisonous and can be harmful to children, especially babies, those with asthma and persons with an immune system problem (such as chemotherapy for cancer). 

DENTAL SEALANTS

Your students will soon be bringing home permission forms for Dental Sealants.  The Cincinnati Health Department Dental Team will be at St. Lawrence School on April 14-18 for the FREE dental sealant program.  Sealants on the back teeth seal out food and bacteria that cause tooth decay (cavities). 

Students in grades 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 will be screened by a dentist if the teacher has received a signed permission slip.  Sealants are then applied by Health Department Dental Technicians. 

Having the sealants put on the teeth is painless.  Your student will miss about 30-40 minutes of class .  The plastic sealant will protect teeth for about ten years. 

I am delighted that the FREE Dental Sealant program is being offered again at St. Lawrence School.  This is a great way to help prevent cavities in your child's important back teeth.

Please call me if you have any questions (Tuesday afternoon, 11:30 - 3:00 pm or Thursday mornings 8:00-11:15 am) at 921-4996. 

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Developing good oral health habits at an early age and regular dental visits help children get a good start and a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Daily brushing of the teeth keeps the teeth clean and keeps the gums healthy.  Children should brush teeth immediately after eating, if possible (if not, rinse with water).  Be sure to brush at least two times a day (morning and bedtime).  Dental floss should be used daily to clean between the teeth.  (Parents!  You are the role model for your children!  Make sure you brush and floss also!)

Don't forget to also eat healthy low sugar foods like raw vegetables and nuts such as apples and carrots.  Lastly, don't forget professional dental care!  The Cincinnati Health Department will again offer FREE dental sealants at St. Lawrence April 14-18.  See your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and to keep those healthy smiles. 

TIPS FOR HANDLING THE COUGH/COLD/FLU/STREP THROAT SEASON

The cough/cold/flu/strep throat season is here!  Below are some good health habits to keep healthy!!

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.  Keep sick children away from their well brothers or sisters if possible.

• Keep your students home w hen sick.  This will help prevent others from becoming sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.  It may prevent those around you from getting sick.  (St. Lawrence students know how to cough in their sleeves and how to use a tissue for sneezing and then wash their hands.)

• Wash hands often with soap and water and hand wash "gel".  This will remove germs.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Illnesses are often spread when a person touches something that has germs on it and then touches his/her eyes, nose or mouth.

• Practice good health habits.  Get plenty of sleep, exercise, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.

• For more information, please see www.cdc.gov. 

AFRICAN-AMERICAN "HEALTH HEROES"

February is the month when we salute America's African American citizens.  I would like to spotlight several African American "Health heroes!"

Miss Mary Mahoney was America's first African American Registered nurse graduating in 1879.  She worked until her death in 1929 for better nursing education.

Dr. James Smith was the first African American doctor (1837 University of Glasgow, Scotland).  He was also our first Black pharmacist.

Dr. Charles Owen, MD, invented a method of preserving blood in the 1930's and is called the "Father of Bloodbanking."  This medical advance helped save my son!

Vivien Thomas was a brilliant surgical technician who assisted famous heart surgeons at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the development of surgical techniques and instruments.  Mrs Thomas' inventions helped make the surgical procedures possible to save "blue babies."

WEIGHT LOSS

A parent recently asked how she could help her student who is overweight to lose weight.  Of course, the first thing to do if you feel your child is overweight is to talk with your family doctor!  Be sure there is no medical problem.

Here are some simple ways to help your child to slim down:

1. Encourage every day physical activities.  Cut down how much your child waches TV and video games.  "Couch potatoes" gain weight.  Try to get your student in some activity 3-5 times a week.  Basketball and soccer teams are great, but so is jumping rope and running.

2. Limit your child's "junk food" such as chips, soda and other snacks.  These are high in calories and fat and low in nutrition.  Offer low fat milk and cheese.  Give your child more fruits and less fruit juices (which often have sugar added.)

Always be sure your student eats breakfast!

For more information, check www.MyPyramid.gov. 

READY, SET, BREAKFAST!!

"Eat your breakfast - it is the most important meal of the day!"  Why are moms and dads (and your school nurse!) always saying that?

Well, pretend you are a car after a long night of resting; your fuel tank is empty.  Breakfast is the fuel that gets you going!  Any breakfast is better than no breakfast, but try to not just eat doughnuts and pastries all the time.  Those foods won't make you feel full for long.  St. Lawrence serves a healthy breakfast every day!

REMEMBER kids who eat breakfast do better in school and tend to be healthier overall.  So tomorrow don't run out the door on an empty stomach (or "fuel tank".)  "Fuel up" with a healthy breakfast!

THE COUGH & COLD SEASON HAS FINALLY COME!

Most diseases are spread by our hands to other people.  Don't forget these easy ways to not spread diseases (including coughs and colds)!

• Wash hands with soap and water often always afer using the toilet, before eating and when you get home from work or school.

• Do not sneeze or cough in your hands (the children at St. Lawrence know how to "cough" in their elbow).

• Keep hands and fingers away from eyes, nose and mouth.

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION PRESENTATION

The American Lung Association gave a very interesting program about Asthma ("Asthma 101") here at school this week.  Great news!  The American Lung Association has free money to give to families with children who have asthma to help pay for asthma medicines (such as co-pays, spacers, and extra inhalers).  Call Mrs. D.C., the school nurse, as soon as we are back at school.  I will be happy to help you fill out the easy form.  Merry Christmas and PEACE in 2008.

ASTHMA 101

I hope you have all read the information in the school newsletter about the "Asthma 101" program on Tuesday, December 18 at 3 PM.  This is a terrific FREE program given by the American Lung Association all about asthma.  I hope many parents and grandparents will attend!  We want to keep all our students well this winter and able to come to school!

The American Lung Association has sent several of our students to summer camp and three students also attended a Bengals football game through their donation of tickets!  Please support this very special program coming only to St. Lawrence School on December 18!!

HEALTHY CHOICES ON THE RUN

Did you know that the average American adult gains 7 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years!?!  During this busy season, here are some easy things to do to cut calories!

NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH

Did you know that this is National American Indian Heritage month?  Native Americans first grew and ate many of our healthy foods such as squash, pinto beans, tomatoes, peanuts, bell peppers and strawberries.  Native Americans also used many herbs and plants to treat diseases.  Native American healers made a drink from willow bark for pain (it contains a substance like aspirin.)  Native American medicine looks at the whole person and the community when there is an illness.  Have a healthy and safe Thanksgiving  Give thanks for all the healthy food we have to choose from!

HEALTHY START

Does your child qualify for the School Meals Program?  If so, your family may qualify for free health coverage!

Healthy Start offers free health care coverage for kids (birth to age 19) and pregnant women.  Healthy Families offers free health care coverage for the entire family - parents and kids.

What is covered?  Doctor visits, hospital care, immunizations, prescriptions, vision services, dental care, mental health, substance abuse, and much more! 

For information/application, call 1-800-324-8680 or call Sister Diane.

HEALTHY SNACKING

I want all my St. Lawrence friends to think about eating healthy snacks!  Choose fruits like apples, oranges and pears.  Why not have a PBJ sandwich after school?  Drink a glass of cold milk!  Try some vegies and low fat Ranch dip.

Cookies, candy, pop, cakes, chips and such are OK as treats, but not every day!

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

Hi boys and girls!  It's almost Halloween!  I want all my friends to have fun with silly and scary costumes as you "Trick or Treat", but please stay safe!  Here are some ideas to be safe and have fun:

• Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
• Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars and trucks.
• Cross the street only at corners.
• Don't hide or cross the street between parked cars.
• Wear light-colored or reflective type clothing so you can be seen.
• Plan your route and share it with your family.
• Have an adult or teen go with you.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Keep away from open fires and candles (costumes can burn very easily).
• Visit homes that have the porch light on.
• Accept treats at the door - NEVER go into a stranger's house.
• Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.
• Stay away from dogs.
• Have a grown up inspect your treats before eating and don't eat anything that is open.

STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA)

You may know about recent news reports about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of "staph" infection that can cause skin infections and more serious infections that may be difficult to treat.  Common signs of MRSA skin infection will look like a spider bite, boil, abscess or pimple.  If not treated, it could become a more serious illness.  Skin to skin contact, direct contact with infected would drainae, or contact with contaminated surfaces or things such as sports equipment are the likely ways of transfer.  MRSA skin infection are not spread through the air.

Students can protect themselves from MRSA infections by:

• Keeping their hands clean by washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs
• Showering after games and practices
• Covering any open skin areas such as scrapes or cuts with clean dry bandages
• Not sharing personal items such as towels or razors
• Contacting your doctor if you think a family member may have MRSA

FLU SHOTS

Hello to all my St. Lawrence families!  It is time to get "flu shots!"  The best way to prevent "the flu" is by immunization.  The "flu shot" is not 100% effective but will lower everyone's risk of getting "the flu".  This season talk to your family doctor but for certain ask about a "flu shot" for your child if he/she has asthma or other health problems.  Also children who live with other family members with chronic illnesses (such as asthma, COPD, cancer) should be immunized to lower the risk of spreading "the flu" to family members. 

Remember!  Keep washing your hands with soap and water and talk to your doctor about "flu shots" for your family!

FIRE-PREVENTION MONTH

This is Fire Prevention Month!  Don't forget to check your smoke alarm batteries!

Talk to your children about fire safety:

• Never play with matches

• Never play with lighters

• Don't light candles unless an adult is nearby

• Children should not use the stove unless they have been taught how to use it safely and have parent permission.

Be sure to teach your children to stop, drop, and roll in case their clothes catch on fire. 

Every child needs to be able to call 911 in case of a fire emergency -- even kindergartners can learn to do this.

LICE

As the cooler weather start, unfortunately head lice start to be a problem.  Head lice are tiny insects which live on human heads (not pets).  The first sign is often intense itching where the lice have bitten the head.  Lice lay eggs, or nits, which are white, gray, or black and are "cemented" to the hair shaft.

Lice cannot jump or fly but because they can move "really fast", person to person contact is the most common method to spread head lice.  Teach your children to avoid head contact and remind them not to borrow combs, brushes, hair bands, hair clips, hats, scarves, coats or sweatshirts with hoods. 

Please do not send your student to school until your child has been treated with a lice killing product and all nits (lice eggs) have been removed.  If your child has a medical problem (asthma, allergies, etc.), please call your doctor for advice concerning the safest product to use.  Upon returning to school, a staff member will need to check the child before he/she returns to class.

Thank you for your cooperation.  Check the U.S. Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov for factual information and interesting pictures. 

CLEANLINESS

I want every student K-8 to pay special attention to cleanliness and good health habits!  Please take a bath or shower (with soap and water) each day.  Please wash your hair at least every other day.  Brush your teeth two times a day.

Students in grades 5-8, use deodorant every day.  Bring deodorant in your gym bag.

All students should wear clean clothes (and underwear/socks) every day. 

(Boys and girls -- help your families with the wash!  You can fold and sort clothes, carry the basket and hang up clothes.)

I want all my friends at St. Lawrence to be clean and fresh each day so you can be your best!

BREAKFAST

The National Dairy Council reports that kids who eat breakfast seem to have an easier time learning than kids that don't

• They are able to concentrate
• Make fewer errors
• Score higher on tests
• Are more creative
• Work faster
• Behave better in school
• Less likely to be in the nurse's office with headache or stomachache

ASTHMA & INHALERS

If your student has asthma and uses an inhaler (Albuterol or Proventil) please send one to keep in the school office, if possible.  That way, we always have an inhaler in case of a breathing problem.  Ohio state law allows students to keep and use their own inhalers, but state law requires a Medication Permission Form signed by the parent and doctor.  The inhaler must have the pharmacy label on it (or on the box).  Thank you for helping to keep students healthy and safe!

Fall Allergy Season is here.  PLEASE, if your student has asthma and uses an albuterol ("rescue") inhaler, WE NEED ONE AT SCHOOL!!  All inhalers must have the pharmacy label with the name of the student on it (or on the box).  A student is allowed to carry his/her own inhaler if the student is old enough to safely use the inhaler and if the parent and the doctor have signed permission for the student to keep his/her own inhaler.  It is always best to also keep an inhaler in the office "just in case" ("just in case" it is left at home, in the car, or at Grandma's).

Please be aware that if your student has an asthma attack at school and there is no inhaler with a pharmacy label or signed permission, the staff will try to contact a family member for help.  (Bring an inhaler, go home, or go to the doctor.)  However, if the staff or school nurse feels that the student is having serious trouble breathing, 911 will be called for the safety of the student.

Thank you for your cooperation.  Please cal me if you have questions:  Tuesday 11:30-2:45 and Thursday 7:45-11:00 at 921-4996. 

HANDWASHING

Last week the kindergarten children learned about washing their hands.  Washing your hands with soap and water or handwashing "gel" is the best way to prevent disease!  Always wash your hands after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or blowing your nose, after playing outside or with pets and when you arrive home from school and work.  Stay healthy!  Keep washing your hands!