FROM THE DESK OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
The goal of school health services is to strengthen and facilitate the educational process by improving and protecting the health status of children and staff. Parents/guardians and educational professionals know that the health and intellectual development of children are inextricably related. Certain health services are mandated by the state because they are necessary either to protect the public health or to support the continuing participation of children in school. For instance, screening of students for current immunization helps to reduce absences due to illness. Screening for reduced vision or hearing identifies the need for equipment or accommodations to remove obstacles to learning. School health services staff provide physical and emotional support so that children can better cope with periodic illness and injury, which are commonly a part of growing up.
SCREENINGS
Vision, Health, and Mass Body Index Screenings have begun. Referrals are sent to parents of students who do not pass the screening. If you receive a referral form after any school screening, it simply means that the screening detected a possible problem and further evaluation is recommended. The form is to be completed by your private physician, dentist or eye doctor and returned to the school nurse. As always, if you have any questions, contact the school nurse.
ORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
Once again, through the “Oral Health Initiative of North Central Massachusetts” grant oral exams, cleaning, fluoride varnishes and dental sealants are being offered to students of Northwest. The Initiative’s dentist, Dr. Stephen Shea, and hygienist, Healther Reid, have already started this year’s work with the school and are currently distributing permission forms in all grades with exams and services beginning soon. For information about the program contact project managers Stacey Auger & Marnie DuBois at (978)- 345-7040 x33
CHILD’S HEALTH
In an effort to safeguard your child's health and the health of all the children in our school, we have a few suggestions that will help stop the spread of infection among students and staff. These guidelines should be used as a reference point to aid you in making a sound decision regarding school attendance.
• Strep Throat: Children may return to school 24-48 hours after the first dose of antibiotic therapy has started, provided the child is feeling well enough to attend and does not have any other symptoms.
• Fever: Children may return to school when their temperature has been normal for 24 hours without medications.
• Vomiting/Diarrhea: Children should be symptom-free for 24 hours and be able to hold down food and fluids before returning to school.
• Pink Eye/Conjuctivitis: Children need 3 sets/doses of drops and no drainage and/or crusting in the morning before returning to school.
Please help us keep the school safe and healthy by encouraging proper hand washing techniques and basic infection control, such as covering mouth with tissue when coughing. If your student’s illness or injury results in medications being delivered during school hours, please note the following points from the student medication policy; All medication has to be delivered and picked up by parent/guardian, be in a properly marked pharmacy container, and be accompanied by a physician medication order with both physician and parent signatures.
HEALTH COVERAGE FOR ALL
Health coverage is an important part of your child’s success at school. Having health insurance means knowing your child will be able to get the health care they need and can help relieve the stress of wondering how to pay for it. If you have questions or would like to receive assistance in applying for healthcare in Massachusetts, call the Health Care for All Helpline: 1-800-272-4232
FLU
Influenza, known as flu, is a very contagious disease of the respiratory (breathing) system. The flu is caused by a virus that is easily passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. For most people, the flu makes them feel very sick, but they generally get better in about a week. However, young children, people older than 65 years of age, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions can have serious complications from the flu. These complications can include pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or asthma. For more information about influenza visit, www.cdc.gov/flu or www.mass.gov/dph/flu, or call the MDPH Immunization Program at 617-983-6800 or 888-658-2850
Information about flu clinics in Leominster is available at http://flu.masspro.org/search.htm |
