Health Office
Health Office
Vicky O'Malley, RN, BSN
School Nurse
Spring Things…from the Health Office
Spring is here with sunny, warm days and early emergence of pollen and molds that trigger seasonal allergies. Children, who have never been diagnoses with seasonal allergies before, are often affected when the pollen/mold levels are high.
Common symptoms include itchy/watery eyes, nasal stuffiness/drainage, scratchy throat, and headaches. If your child suffers from allergy symptoms, please contact your doctor for advice on eye drops, nasal sprays, or an appropriate non-drowsy allergy medication that can be taken before school to provide all day relief from symptoms.
Poison Ivy is everywhere. Contact with the oil from the plant’s leaf causes irritation and a red pimple-like rash. Children should wear appropriate clothing to protect skin exposure to poison ivy, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Showering after being outdoors is also a good practice to prevent irritation. If a skin rash develops, over-the-counter medications such as caladryl lotion or hydrocortisone cream will provide relief from minor symptoms. When the rash affects the face or eyes, contact your doctor, as a prescription medication may be needed. It is important to remove over-the-head clothing carefully to protect the face and eyes from contact with poison ivy on clothing.
As outdoor evening activities increase, the time of day when mosquitoes are most active, use of bug repellent can help prevent bites. Ticks can be found in the woods, but also in low bushes, grass and on pets. It is a good practice to check children and pets for ticks when they come in from outdoors.
Drinking enough fluids and good nutrition are very important during the arm weather as the body works harder to regulate temperature. Please encourage your child to have a full glass of a beverage, water preferred, with breakfast and to bring a drink for snack and lunch. Sunscreen can be applied in the morning since recess is usually outdoors, weather permitting.
Vicky O’Malley, RN, BSN
School Nurse
Willett Elementary
If we need to contact you...
Please remember to keep ALL telephone numbers up to date. It is very important that the school is able to reach you when your child is absent, becomes sick in school or in the event of an emergency! It is for your child's safety that the nurse is in contact with a parent when the child is not in school. Please remember to call the school when your child is out sick or absent.
Height and Weight/BMI Screening
Schools in Massachusetts are now mandated by Massachusetts General Laws to obtain heights and weights on students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10. Heights/weights/BMI screenings will be completed at Willett in the next few months. After obtaining your child's height and weight, your child's BMI (Body Mass Index) will be calculated and you will be notified of the results in a confidential manner. If you would like your child to be exempt from the Massachusetts mandated screenings, you should provide the nurse at your child's school a written request to exempt your child.
Vision and Hearing Screening
Vision and Hearing is mandated by Massachusetts State Laws in grades 1 thru 3, 7 and 10. Vision screening is conducted in grade 4. Screenings will be started in January, 2013. If your child does not pass this basic screening you will receive a referral letter asking you to follow-up with the child's physician and/or appropriate specialist. If you do receive a letter it is imperative that you return the letter with the follow-up, so this important information can be kept in your child's medical record. If you would like to have your child exempt from the screenings, you need to send a written note, one for each screening you do not want your child to participate in, and it will be kept in your child's health file. Please send the written correspondence to the nurse at your child's school.
Tips for a Safe And Healthy Life
Eat Healthy:
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains every day.
Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat and alcohol.
Eat a balanced diet to help keep a healthy weight.
Be Active:
Be active for at least 2 1/2 hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles.
Help children and teenagers be active for at least 1 hour per day.
Take 10,000 steps every day.
Protect Yourself:
Wear helmets, sunscreen, seat belts and insect repellent.
Wash hands to stop the spread of germs.
Avoid smoking and breathing other people's smoke.
Build safe and healthy relationships with family and friends.
Be ready for emergencies.
Be informed. Make a plan and keep a supply kit.
Manage Stress:
Balance work, home and play.
Get support from family and friends.
Stay positive.
Take time to relax.
Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Make sure children get more, depending on their age. get help or counseling, if needed. www.cdc.gov/family/tips/index.htm
Five Tips for School Success:
Get on a good sleep schedule.
Cut down on morning madness. Get clothes, shoes and school work ready the night before.
Eat breakfast.
Find a quiet, comfortable place to do homework.
Organize your time.
Promote Healthy Habits for your child in your home
Help your family to:
Eat three meals a day
Eat balanced foods in the proper amounts from the major food groups: Meat, Fruit, Vegetables, Milk, Grain, Fats.
Wash hands before every meal.
Brush teeth after every meal (when able).
Exercise to have fun for at least ½ hour every day.
Visit your doctor.
Read for at least ½ hour every day.
(From Scholastic News)
22 Ways to be Fitter & Healthier:
1. Drink more water.
2. Eat smaller meals throughout the day.
3. Keep your plate colorful with fruits & vegetables.
4. Walk 30 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week.
5. Add spices to your meals.
6. Avoid injury and stretch daily.
7. Eat your broccoli!
8. Use the stairs when able.
9. Fat-free yogurt is a healthy snack.
10. Sit down to eat. Don’t eat on the run.
11. Turn off the TV to promote conversation.
12. Save time for R & R.
13. Avoid fried foods.
14. Broil, steam, grill & bake to reduce bad fats.
15. Sleep more.
16. Skip caffeine. It makes the body jittery. Many coffee drinks add many extra calories.
17. Eat whole grains, which are healthier for you.
18. Have an apple a day.
19. Chew. Chew. Chew. It allows you to savor your food and cut back on overeating.
20. Give your recipes a makeover. Try to find new ones your family will enjoy.
21. Incorporate good posture into your fitness routine.
22. Have realistic expectations. Thin is out, healthier living is in.