Health and Medical Information

Announcements
NurseInstructor: Ms. Mariotti, RN

Health Letter:
Dear Parents/Guardians:
As you know it is the height of cold/flu season. New Jersey has been designated as "high activity level" with cases of the flu. We strongly advise that you take a few minutes each morning to check your child's health before he/she leaves for school. It should be remembered that a student cannot function properly in a classroom situation if he/she is not feeling well. The following are a few suggestions which will help guide you.

REASONS FOR KEEPING A CHILD AT HOME:
1. Illness during the night.
2. FEVER of 100 degrees or more. CHILD MUST BE KEPT HOME FOR 24 HOURS AFTER TEMPERATURE RETURNS TO NORMAL.
3. Complaints of nausea, headache or abdominal distress. 4. Symptoms of communicable disease i.e. sore throat, "red" eyes, swollen glands, rash, runny nose or cough.

NOTIFY SCHOOL:
1. Of any absence, before 8:30a.m.
2. If hospitalization of child becomes necessary.
3. If school insurance forms are needed.
4. If home tutoring is needed.
5. If a communicable disease is present.
6. When your telephone number has changed.
7. When you change your emergency contact.
8. When your child is required to use crutches during the school day.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION IN SCHOOL:
Medication administration in school will only be permitted when the student's health and continuing attendance in school so require and when the medication is prescribed by a physician. NO MEDICATION will be administered to students in school except by the school nurse or the student's parent. All medication must be delivered to the school nurse in it's original labeled container and must be accompanied by a physician's written and signed statement of:
1. Reason for medication
2. Name of medication
3. Dose to be given
4. Time to be given in school
5. Date when medication will be discontinued
6. Possible side effects.
A FORM CONVENIENT FOR THESE PURPOSES IS AVAILABLE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

Crutches:
Please notify the School Nurse if your child will be using crutches in school. It is crucial that we know this in order to assure your child's safety during an emergency evacuation.

Flu shots matter:
Clinical evidence shows that the potential benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the potential harm for most people and that getting immunized is the best way to reduce the incidence and lessen spread.

According to the CDC, there is greater risk for serious complications from the flu than from the shot, and even if the flu shot isn't a perfect match for every virus, the three viruses included provide broad protection.

Because the flu shot contains INACTIVATED virus, the flu CANNOT be transmitted by the shot.

Theme of the Month:
Children's Health Month
Throughout the month of October the EPA is recognizing that children are most susceptible to environmental hazards (i.e. pollution and toxins).

Nurse's Notes:
Just as crucial as maintaining health and wellness, is knowing the importance of keeping students home when sick to allow for their complete recovery. In addition, this effort will prevent others from becoming sick as well and can prevent a cycle of illness from occurring in our school.

WELCOME BACK!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns by phone, Email or note.
I appreciate open dialogue with students and parents and find that potential problems can be easily averted by this practice.
Please know that a healthy, well nourished, well rested child can achieve well beyond our expectations!