March 25, 2008

Scoliosis whats that? (Grades 5,7 & 8)

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. The incidence of mild scoliosis is nearly the same in boys and girls. In most incidences of scoliosis the curve is slight and does not progress. However, in some children the condition progresses without pain or discomfort, particularly during early adolescence and rapid growth. Scoliosis that is untreated can become quite severe and can lead to deformity or disability, which is difficult to correct. This need not happen today, especially when children are screened in school.

Scoliosis screening takes only a minute or two and will be scheduled during gym class during the school day for grades 5, 7 and 8.

Girls should wear bathing suits, and boys should wear swim trunks or athletic shorts, underneath their gym clothes.

Boys will be asked to remove their shirts for the screening.

If a student misses the scheduled screening they will be screened the week following April vacation.

Forms will be sent out during gym class if you do not want your child to participate in the scoliosis screening please sign the form and return it to the health office prior to the date of screening. If signs of scoliosis are suspected, the parent will be notified and asked to take their child to their physician for further evaluation.

Schedule

Grade 7- April 10th, Thursday, 4^th period

Grade 8- April 8th, Tuesday,6^th period

Sincerely, Mrs. Jill F. Schmidt RN, 426.5102 ext. 21

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************

February 15, 2008

Dear St. Rose Parents:

Recently I have seen a few cases of “fifth disease” in St. Rose School. Hopefully the following information will be helpful. Sincere regards, Jill F. Schmidt RN (203) 426-5102 ext. 21

WHEN YOUR CHILD HAS FIFTH DISEASE

Fifth disease is very mild disease characterized by bright red or rosy rash on both cheeks for one to three days (“slapped cheek” appearance) followed by pink “lace-like” or “net-like” rash on the extremities. The lacey rash appears primarily on the thighs and upper arms. It comes and goes several times over a period of one to three weeks, especially after warm baths and exercise, and sun exposure. The rash may itch. Your child may have a mild fever or upset stomach, slight runny nose, and sore throat or no other symptoms besides the rash.

Fifth disease is caused by the human parvovirus B19. It was named because it was the fifth pink-red infectious rash to be described by physicians (the others are scarlet fever, measles, rubella, and roseola). Once your child has had the virus, he is protected from becoming infected again. The virus is spread by exposure to airborne droplets from the nose and throat of infected people.

HOME CARE

No treatment is necessary. This distinctive rash is harmless and fifth disease causes no symptoms requiring treatment. Sometimes the diagnosis can be made by telephone. Your child can go to school. Over 50% of children exposed to fifth disease will come down with the rash in 10 to 14 days. Because the disease is contagious mainly during the week before the rash appears, a child who has the rash is no longer contagious and does not need to stay home from school or day care. Most adults who get fifth disease develop just a mild pinkness of the cheeks or no rash at all. More adults develop joint pains, especially in the knees, than a rash. These pains may last 1-3 months.

PRECAUTIONS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

The virus that causes fifth disease doesn’t cause birth defects but some studies have shown that it might increase the risk of miscarriage within the first 18 weeks of pregnancy. Recent research has shown, however, that 10% of babies who are infected with fifth disease before birth develop severe anemia. Most adults are immune to fifth disease, however if you are pregnant and exposed to a child with fifth disease before the child develops the rash, the safest approach is to see your obstetrician. He will take a sample of your blood for an antibody test to see if you already had the disease and are protected from becoming infected again. If you do not have antibodies against fifth disease, your pregnancy will be monitored closely.

CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IF…

Your child develops a fever over 101.
You feel that your child is getting worse.
You have any other questions or concerns.

January 29, 2008

Dear St. Rose Parents,

I have often been questioned by parents regarding

"When should I keep my child home from school?"

Below are some guidelines to follow.

Child should be fever free for 24 hours. A child's temperature is lowest in the morning, so a low temperature on awakening is not a true indicator. If you have given your child Tylenol or Motrin at night, the medication could still be affecting your child's temperature. A child should be fever free without the assistance of medication for 24 hours before returning to school. Temperatures should be less than 100.
A child diagnosed with strep throat/scarlet fever should remain home for the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. A child remains contagious until he/she has been on antibiotics for 24 hours.

A child should be free of vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school. A child who has been ill during the night may feel slightly better in the morning and even ask to go to school. However, the child will likely experience symptoms of illness later, will also be tired from loss of sleep, and will still be contagious to other children.
A child diagnosed with conjunctivitis (pink eye) may attend school after 24 hours of treatment. There should also not be any drainage from the eyes.

A child with thick or constant nasal discharge and productive cough should remain home. Very few younger children can effectively blow their noses and wash their hands afterwards. A child with the above symptoms will quickly spread the illness to other children
A child with a rash may be excluded pending diagnosis.

If a child has a temperature above 100, pink eye, vomiting/diarrhea, rash, has copious nasal congestion and or a constant disruptive cough they will be sent home.

Sincerely, Mrs. Jill F. Schmidt RN (Monday-Friday 8am-3pm) 426.5102 ext.21

*********************************************************************************************************

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECESS-November 9,2007

The National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education takes the position that recess is an essential component of education and that preschool and elementary school children must have the opportunity to participate in regular periods of active, free play with peers.

Typically recess occurs outdoors and in a designated play area.

During the period of time commonly referred to as recess, learning occurs in ways not possible inside the regular classroom. An increasing body of research continues to indicate the benefits of unstructured play and specifically outdoor play for young children

.Physical inactivity poses health threats for children as well as for adults. Inactivity, according to research is associated with the tripling of childhood obesity since 1970, accompanied by increases in health problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

“Any child well enough to come to school is generally well enough to go outside.”

Reminder: We will continue to go outside for recess during cold weather and we expect all children attending school to play outside. Please provide your child with warm clothing each day including a coat that is sufficiently warm, hat or hood, gloves or mittens, warm pants and appropriate shoes or boots. If your child wears boots to school, we prefer that you provide shoes to wear in the classroom. Also, an extra pair of gloves or mittens kept in your child’s bag can be very “handy.”

Although we have had a very mild fall so far, cold weather has arrived. We want you to know that we will go outside for a short recess even on very cold days, so please be sure to dress your child appropriately for the weather.

All preschool children will be going outside for recess/gym whenever the wind chill is 35 and above.

Sincerely, Mrs. Jill F. Schmidt RN (Monday-Friday 8am-3pm) 426.5102 ext.21

*****************************************************************************************************************************

October 24, 2007

Dear St. Rose School Parents:

Recently I have seen many cases of strep throat in our classes, if your child has signs and symptoms please have them evaluated by their physician.

In general, signs and symptoms of strep throat include:

Throat pain

Difficulty swallowing

Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks

Swollen, tender lymph glands in the neck

Fever (but not always)

Headache

Rash

Stomachache and sometimes vomiting, especially in younger children

It's possible for you or your child to have many of these signs and symptoms but not have strep throat. The cause of these signs and symptoms could be a virus, tonsillitis or other illnesses. That's why your doctor may test specifically for strep throat. If you or your child has strep throat, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. To prevent the spread of strep throat it is essential that an antibiotic be taken for at least 24 hours prior to returning to school. In most cases, antibiotics will quickly wipe out the bacteria behind the infection.

Please report any cases of strep throat to the nurse and feel free to contact her with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely, Mrs. Jill F. Schmidt RN (Monday-Friday 8am-3pm) 426.5102 ext.21

**********************************************************************************************************************

October 18, 2007

Dear Parents:

There has been a case of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or "MRSA" diagnosed in a student attending Newtown High School. Staph is commonly found on the skin or in the nose of healthy, as well as ill persons. At any time 25% to 30% of the population is carrying the staph bacteria, while about 1% of the population is carrying MRSA. Most people carry "staph" on their skin without symptoms or infection, but if it gets into cuts or abrasions of the skin, it may cause skin infections. These infections usually appear as pimples, boils, or abscesses and may be mistaken for "spider bites." Children who become symptomatic should be seen by a health care provider for evaluation.

Children with MRSA infection may require exclusion from the school setting when draining lesions are not able to be adequately covered with a dry dressing, however if lesions can be covered by a dry dressing or clothing children need not be excluded from school. MRSA is most frequently spread by direct skin-skin contact or with direct contact to wound drainage of someone who is carrying or infected with the bacteria.

First line of prevention includes good hygiene, proper hand washing with soap and water, keeping all sports equipment clean and not sharing personal items. If your child develops a sore or infection, which seems to get worse rather than heal, contact your physician for evaluation and inform the school nurse.

Sincerely,

Jill F.Schmidt, RN

School Nurse

Ana Paula Machado, M.D.

Co-Medical Advisor, Newtown Schools

Alice Cupole, RN

Nurse Supervisor

*********************************************************************************************************************

Stay healthy wash those hands!!!

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol based product to clean your hands. Alcohol based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting. Safety precautions are listed below along with various links about hand washing.

Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot, soapy water (for kids' hands, use warm, soapy water instead). Thoroughly scrub hands, wrists, fingernails, and between fingers.

Wash hands before and after you eat, and especially after preparing food.
Wash hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, handling pets, or whenever you have touched something that may be contaminated.
Rinse and dry hands with a clean towel or consider using durable, disposable paper towels for drying hands, so germs are thrown away.
http://www.cleaning101.com/HandHygiene/
http://www.itsasnap.org/index.asp
http://www.cleanhandscoalition.org/
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/handhygiene.asp
http://www.fightbac.org/

Stay healthy wash those hands !

Sincerely, Jill F. Schmidt RN

********************************************************************************************************************

Tidbits from the nurse 10/02/07

Attendance

Regular attendance in school is very important for students to get the best possible start in life. It is important to attend school promptly and develop desirable behavior patterns. Tardiness is usually frowned upon in school, it is disruptive and important academics are missed. It also encourages bad habits in school and in later life.

All absences should be reported to the main office prior to 8:00am @426-5102.

All absences require a note that specifies the reason for absence.

This is school attendance policy and is in the family handbook on page 12.

This is especially important when tracking illness of the student body at large.

Sports physicals

Its that time of year when basketball and cheerleading is under way. All sports physicals should be done yearly, please make sure your child (ren) are up to date. A St. Rose School sports physical should be submitted yearly and parental permission on the back of the sports form should be completed as well. This is required for basketball and cheerleading. This is a Diocesan requirement.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the St. Rose School health office, Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm 426-5102 ext. 21 or schmidt@stroseschool.com

Sincerely, Mrs. Jill F. Schmidt RN

**********************************************************************************************************************

Dear St. Rose Parents,

I hope everyone is enjoying there lazy days of summer. Before you know it we will be starting school again. To help with that transition it is best to be prepared.

All pre-kindergarten students, kindergarten students and new students must have a record of a completed physical examination on file in the health office prior to the start of school. The physical examination should be done within one year of the start of school.

Students in the sixth grade also need a state required health assessment, prior to January 2, 2008.

Sports physicals are required yearly for basketball, cheerleading and baseball. A sport physical should be put on a

St. Rose School Sports Physical Form.Sports physicals expire 1 year after the date of the last physical. For example, if your child had a sports physical on September 18, 2006 it would expire on September 18,2007.

Please refer to the St. Rose School Handbook for further health requirements.

Report any special health problems or allergies to the school nurse before the beginning of school this should also include any illness or injury that requires modification of a childs physical education class.

If you have any health issues and/or concerns, please contact, via e-mail schmidt@stroseschool.com.

Sincerely, Jill F. Schmidt RN

****************************************************************************************

April 3, 2007

Dear St. Rose Parents,

A child in our school has contracted chickenpox (varicella) and your child may have been exposed. Because this virus spreads easily, most children who have never had chickenpox and come into contact with someone who has this illness will become ill with chickenpox. A relatively mild illness can result in the loss of a week or more of class time for a child. Although chickenpox is not usually a serious illness, it can cause serious complications and can even result in death.

Some children who are vaccinated will still develop chicken pox. These cases also called breakthrough are usually mild. Nonetheless they are still contagious. Because they are mild, they may not be recognized or excluded, therefore leaving more opportunities to infect others, especially those who are at high risk for severe disease and have contraindications for vaccination (e.g. susceptible pregnant women, immunocompromised persons).

The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends that children who have already received one dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine receive a second dose of the vaccine during an outbreak. If your child has had only one dose of vaccine, please contact your health care provider about getting a second dose of varicella as soon as possible. Since there are susceptible people who either have not or cannot be vaccinated and who are at a high risk of severe complication from chickenpox, stopping outbreaks among vaccinated school children is important.

If your child does develop chicken pox, he/she should be kept from attending school until the rash has scabbed over. This is true even if your child was previously vaccinated.

Sincerely, Jill F. Schmidt RN

*****************************************************************************************

March 6, 2006

Helping Kids Get Ready To Learn written by: Gerri Harvey RN, Belmont Middle School, New Hampshire

When it comes to childrens school success, most parents think about homework done, planners signed, and good study habits. While this is all very important, there are other less-obvious things that can also help to promote school success. As the school nurse, I see children every day who need a little help being in a "ready to" learn state.

Imagine yourself heading out to work in the morning, expected to perform your best. Think about those times you have a great day, and those times you have a terrible day. Most of the time, it is not just a matter of luck, it is a matter of covering the basics and setting yourself up to succeed or fail by the choices you make from day to day. It is the same with children. While everyone is focused on how well schools are doing in educating kids, remember that tired, hungry, sick, itchy, stressed out kids will have less chance of success, no matter how excellent their teachers and school.

In our busy lives as parents, it is easy to get caught up in the speed of life and miss those health-related decisions that can make or break a childs day, week and school year.

Based on school health research and my own experience, here are five things a parent can do to help their children do well in school.

Be sure your child has breakfast. Hunger is not just in the belly. The brain needs quality fuel for those neurons to work at their best.

Promote a good nights sleep. A regular bedtime, reducing stimulating activities in the evening, such as TV and video games, and comforting evening rituals such as a glass of milk, quiet talking time with parent or light reading in bed help in falling asleep and staying asleep. Young children and teens need 9-11 hours a night in order not to be tired the next day that they zone out or even fall asleep in class.

Pack a healthy snack. Most active growing kids need refueling between breakfast and lunchtime. Junk food doesnt help them do this; instead it promotes an insulin rush and a mid-afternoon blood sugar low which translates into lethargy and fatigue with learning low on the list.

Be sure your child/teen is eating lunch. Parents would be surprised to learn how many children go all day with no food. They rush out with out breakfast ("I didnt have time") and then skip lunch saying they are not hungry. The human body does not function that way. Talk to them about why skipping meals promotes being tired, headaches, constipation and mental fog that make learning and retaining information impossible.

De-stress your mornings in every way you can. Organize things the night before from clothing to homework to school supplies. Pack snacks and lunches ahead. Leaving the house by the seat of your pants with everyone frazzled and upset is a terrible way to start the day and we at school will often see those kids with tears, still upset when their parents have already forgotten about the issue because we are better at putting things in perspective than our kids are.

Find that healthy balance between allowing a mildly ill or uncomfortable child to stay home, possibly with a doctors visit, or sending them to school saying they must make it through the school day. Yes, the school cares very much about attendance, but children who are running a fever, covered in a rash, dealing with an excessively running nose, or suffering from untreated allergies are usually to miserable to learn, and end up missing class anyway.

The most excellent teachers and school can only reach those children who show up at school ready to learn. Parents and schools are partners in educating children. The five ideas above are ways we can teach them to set themselves up for success by starting each day at their best.

Submitted by, Jill F. Schmidt RN. 426.5102 ext.21

****************************************************************************THE IMPORTANCE OF RECESS-January 18,2007

Typically recess occurs outdoors and in a designated play area.

Physical inactivity poses health threats for children as well as for adults. Inactivity, according to research is associated with the tripling of childhood obesity since 1970, accompanied by increases in health problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Any child well enough to come to school is generally well enough to go outside.

Although we have had a very mild winter so far, cold weather has arrived. We want you to know that we will go outside for a short recess even on very cold days, so please be sure to dress your child appropriately for the weather.

All preschool children will be going outside for recess/gym whenever the wind chill is 35 and above.

Sincerely, Mrs. Jill F. Schmidt RN (Monday-Friday 8am-3pm) 426.5102 ext.21

**********************************************************************************************************************

January 10,2007

Is it a Cold, Allergies or the Flu?

The season has arrived for colds and flu. Viruses cause colds and flu. These viral infections are usually spread by direct or indirect contact of an infected person. The virus can live for several hours on a variety of surfaces. This is why it is important to have good hygiene habits. Other reminders include the following:

Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing. By covering your mouth with the inside of your bent elbow you avoid contamination of your hands.
Throw away used tissue and wash hands frequently
Dont share food or drink.
Secondhand smoke increases the rate of respiratory illness in children.
Encourage plenty of sleep, fluids and a balanced diet.

Whereas, allergies are caused by environmental exposure to such things as dust, mold, animals, ragweed, smoke etc. To help control symptoms the best method is to avoid exposure. The next step would be to consult with a physician regarding a plan of care to avoid incidents of symptoms. The plan of care may include preventive measure such as antihistamines etc.

It can be confusing to know what your child has. Does he/she have a cold, flu or is it their allergies? The following will provide information on symptoms:

Symptoms

Cold

Flu

Fever

Occasionally (Low grade)

Characteristic High

(102-104 F)

Sudden onset: lasts 3-4 days

Headache

Occasionally

Prominent

General aches and pains

Slight

Usual: often quite severe

Fatigue and weakness

Mild

Extreme: can last 2-3 weeks

Prostration

(extreme exhaustion)

Never

Early and prominent

Runny, stuffy nose

Common

Sometimes

Sneezing

Usual

Sometimes

Sore throat

Common

Sometimes

Chest discomfort, cough

Mild to moderate; hacking cough

Common: can be severe

Allergy

Cold

Nasal discharge remains watery.

Nasal discharge gradually thickens and crusts.

More sneezing.

Less sneezing

Little or no cough.

Coughs starts dry and becomes loose. Worse with exertion.

Comes and goes during entire season.

Duration 1-3 weeks.

Eyes usually red.

Eyes usually not red.

Fewer lymph nodes in neck.

More neck nodes.

Referral to physician is advised for complications such as earache, fever, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, sore throat and chronic cough. Several parents have called to clarify when their child can return to school. At St. Rose School parents should keep children home for 24 hours after a fever and symptoms subside to ensure that they are well enough to be in school. This eliminates exposure to others and allows the student to return with optimal wellness. Please refer to the St Rose School Handbook for detailed guidelines on why children are sent home and when they should return to school.

Have a happy and healthy new year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jill F. Schmidt RN (Monday-Friday 8am-3pm) 426.5102 ext.21

******************************************************************

December 18,2006

Dear St. Rose School Parents:

Recently I have seen a significant   increase in cases of strep throat in our classes, if your child has signs and symptoms please have them evaluated by their physician.

In general, signs and symptoms of strep throat include:

            Throat pain

             Difficulty swallowing

             Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks

             Swollen, tender lymph glands in the neck

             Fever (but not always)

             Headache

             Rash

             Stomachache and sometimes vomiting, especially in younger children

   It's possible for you or your child to have many of these signs and symptoms but not have strep throat.

The cause of these signs and symptoms could be a virus, tonsillitis or other illnesses. That's why your doctor may test specifically for strep throat. If you or your child has strep throat, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. To prevent the spread of strep throat it is essential that an antibiotic be taken for at least 24 hours prior to returning to school. In most cases, antibiotics will quickly wipe out the bacteria behind the infection.

Please report any cases of strep throat to the nurse and feel free to contact her with any questions or concerns.

   Sincerely, Mrs. Jill F. Schmidt RN (Monday-Friday 8am-3pm) 426.5102 ext.21

**********************************************************************************************************************

SCREENING

  Dear St. Rose Parents,

The state of Connecticut mandates screening of children in school for vision and hearing.

Screenings are mandated for vision in kindergarten through sixth grade.

The vision screening that is done is for distance acuity only.

Hearing screening is mandated in kindergarten through third grade, fifth grade and eight grade.

All screening follows Connecticut state guidelines.

This is to identify Children with visual and hearing difficulties that may affect there learning ability and school adjustment.

In the near future I will be pulling children from class as my schedule permits to obtain these vision and hearing screenings.

Referrals will be sent to parents for those children with results out side of normal limits.

Periodically I will check children through out the school year when a parent or a teacher has a concern.

Sincerely, Jill F. Schmidt RN (Monday-Friday 8am-3pm) 426-5102 ext.21

**********************************************************************************************************************

*****************************************************************

Time for Mosquito Control

Recently there have been numerous visits to the health office with the complaint of bug bites namely mosquito bites.Most of the mosquitoes that bite us while in our yards flew less than 200 feet from where they hatched. I thought that was a pretty amazing fact. With the onset of warm weather and the recent heavy rainfalls, it is essential for everyone to get rid of any areas of standing water that may attract mosquitoes. The first place to look for controlling mosquitoes is around our homes. Any standing water should be eliminated, and water in birdbaths and wading pools should be changed at least weekly. Other areas that also harbor water, which may encourage the propagation of mosquitoes, may be flower pots,clogged roof gutters, pets water bowls, abandoned swimming pools, recycling and trash bins, and stagnant puddles.

Avoid Mosquito bites:

Spray! Apply Insect Repellent Containing DEET

Cover Up! Wearing long sleeve shirts and pants and socks

Avoid! Be aware of Peak Mosquito Hours DUSK & DAWN

Drain standing water around your home

Install or Repair Screens

Links:

www.cdc.gov/westnile

www.mosquito.org

www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/alpha_fs.htm

******************************************************************************************************

The weather has been great! Great for bicycling, that was indeed one of my favorite pastimes as a child, I can vividly recall my Dad giving me those words of wisdom at the curb, Dont forget to STOP, LOOK and LISTEN, before he let me ride my bicycle around the neighborhood.

However, bicycling does have its hazards and children are at a particularly high risk for injuries. In 2001, children 15 years and younger accounted for 59% of all bicycle-related injuries seen in US emergency departments.

Teaching your child to ride a bicycle is

*More than wearing a helmet

*More than just balance

*Teaching your child survival rules!

Safety Rules Can Protect Your Child some are listed below:

1.Never ride out into a street without stopping first.

2. Obey stop signs.

3. Check behind before turning, swerving or changing lanes.

4. Always ride to the right.

5. Never follow another rider without applying the rules.

Before you get on your bike, wear a helmet!

Tips on getting kids to wear Bike helmets may be obtained at