ABSENCE:
When a student is absent, her parent/guardian must telephone the Main Office,
973-226-0660, Extension 1110 prior to 8:00a.m. The parent/guardian must
indicate why the student is absent. Please be specific, example: sore
throat, stomach virus, head cold, etc. DO NOT state "sick." It is important
that the Health Office keep an accurate record of absenteeism.
DROP-OFF:
Only students having a medical issue with written permission from a physician
may be dropped-off and picked-up at the top of the hill, in front of Mount
Saint Dominic Academy. The physician order must be brought to the Health
Office.
MEDICATIONS:
The Health Office must receive written notification of all medications the
student is currently taking. For emergency purpose a 3 day supply should be
maintained in the Health Office.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE HEAVY SCHOOL BOOKS:
In the back of the hard covered school books is an ISBN number. One may
obtain a second set of hard covered books by going to Amazon.com with the
ISBN number. Some of the books are as low as $12.00 - $30.00. Your
daughter would have two sets of books, home and school. The school books
could remain in the designated class, allowing your daughter to only carry
her notebooks.
ICE YOUR CELL PHONE
Put ice on your cell phone. ICE means: "in case of emergency."
Put ICE by the names of the people you want to be called in case of an
emergency.
The purpose is to let rescue workers, police or doctors check your cell
phone and reach the people you would want contacted if you are in an
accident or emergency.
May:
Allergy season:
Little Tip:
Wash hair and take a warm shower prior to going to bed. Change the pillow
case each night. You will have a good nights sleep and decrease the amount
of pollen in your environment.
World "No Tobacco Day" - May 31st, 2009
The World Health Organization sponsors World No Tobacco Day and brings
attention to the seriousness of the impact of tobacco on health. Global
event where smokers around the world unite to break free their dependance on
tobacco.
APRIL
WORLD HEALTH DAY:
World Health Day is April 7, 2008. The purpose is to bring international
attention to global health issues. The theme is "protecting health from
climate change." The earth is warming, the warming is increasing, resulting
in the glaciers melting, natural disasters, heatwaves, increased foodborne
and waterborne illness.
It is important that everyone take an active role in protecting mother
earth. Some simple tasks are to recycle, use less paper, avoid plastic
supplies, sanitize with Green supplies, conserve on energy, gasoline, and
water.
The World Health Day will also focus on a safe enviornment. Maintaining
clean water and sanitation, safe and adequate food, immunizations and
disease surveillance.
The World Health Organization monitors the global health by strengthening
surveillance and control of infectious diseases, ensuring safer use of
diminishing water supplies, and coordinating health action in emergencies.
March: National Nutrition Month
Foods that build the immune system:
berries, nuts, beans, fish, green leafy vegtables and chickens strengthen
the immune system.
Super Foods: spinach, yogurt, tomatoes, black beans, walnuts, carrots,
blueberries and oats.
Think color/think healthy
GRAINS: Whole Grains, such as whole wheat pasta and bread, brown rice and
oats. These foods have nutrients, fiber which protect health and provide
eating satisfaction._
EAT at least 3 ounces of whole grains per day, 6 ounces of grains per day.
VEGTABLES and FRUITS: Eat at 5 servings of vegtables and fruits each day.
They provide fiber, minerals, and nutrients.
EAT at least 2.5 cups of veg. per day, 2 cups of fruits per day.
MILK: Low fat and fat free dairy products. Maintain 3 cups of skim milk or
yogurt per day. Calcium builds strong bones.
PROTEIN - MEAT and BEANS: fISH , LEGUMES, NUTS, white poultry, soy and
seeds. Protein rich foods excellent sources of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
EAT 5.5 ounces of protein rich food per day.
TOPIC: THE HEART TRUTH/RED DRESS
Heart disease is the # 1 killer of American women, one in three.
The centerpiece of The Heart truth is the Red Dress, it is the national
symbol for women and heart disease awareness.
The dress reminds women to protect their heart health and inspire them to
take action in living a healthy lifestyle.
National Wear Red Day is Friday February 6,2009.
DECEMBER:
Checklist and Tips for Safe Winter Driving
1.) Get your car serviced.
2.) Check your battery.
3.) Check your cooling system.
4.) Fill the washer reservoir.
5.) Check your windshield wipers and defroster.
6.) Inspect your tires.
7.) Know your car and where everything is located.
8.) Plan your travel and route.
9.) Stock your vehicle (blankets, lights, snacks and battery chargers.)
10.) Know what to do in an winter emergency.
November:
DIABETES MYTHS:
Myth #1 You can catch diabetes from someone else.
No. Although we dont know exactly why some people develop diabetes, we
know diabetes is not contagious. It cant be caught like a cold or flu.
There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly type 2
diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part.
Myth #2 People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate.
If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets
and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. They are no more off
limits to people with diabetes, than they are to people without diabetes.
Myth #3 Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
No. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.
However, being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2
diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a
healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.
Myth #4 People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods.
A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is the same as that for
everyone low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt
and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit.
Diabetic and dietetic versions of sugar-containing foods offer no special
benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive
and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.
Myth #5 If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy
foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta.
Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is the
portion size. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy
vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals
and snacks. The key is portions. For most people with diabetes, having 3-4
servings of carbohydrate-containing foods is about right. Whole grain
starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut
healthy.
Myth #6 People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other
illnesses.
No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have
diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This
is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose management,
putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with type 1
diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.
Myth #7 Insulin causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high
blood pressure.
No, insulin does not cause atherosclerosis. In the laboratory, there is
evidence that insulin can initiate some of the early processes associated
with atherosclerosis. Therefore, some physicians were fearful that insulin
might aggravate the development of high blood pressure and hardening of the
arteries. But it doesnt.
Myth #8 Insulin causes weight gain, and because obesity is bad for you,
insulin should not be taken.
Both the UKPDS (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study) and the DCCT
(Diabetes Control & Complications Trial) have shown that the benefit of
glucose management with insulin far outweighs (no pun intended) the risk of
weight gain.
Myth #9 Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it
as you wish.
Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and
minerals. Because fruit contains carbohydrate, it needs to be included in
your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and
types of fruits you should eat.
Myth #10 You dont need to change your diabetes regimen unless your A1C is
greater than 8 percent.
The better your glucose control, the less likely you are to develop
complications of diabetes. An A1C in the sevens (7s), however, does not
represent good control. The ADA goal is less than 7 percent. The closer
your A1C is to the normal range (less than 6 percent), the lower your
chances of complications. However, you increase your risk of hypoglycemia,
especially if you have type 1 diabetes. Talk with your health care provider
about the best goal for you.
OCTOBER
Fire Prevention Week Quiz (October 5-11)
""It's Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!" - that's the message for
Fire Prevention Week 2008. Your home should be a safe haven. But do you
regularly check for home fire hazards? If not, there is the potential for
danger. Take this new Fire Prevention Week quiz and see how many questions
you can answer correctly. Good luck!
1. The leading causes of home fire deaths are:
a.) Cooking and heating.
b.) Cooking and electrical.
c.) Smoking and electrical.
d.) Smoking and heating.
2. You should stay in the kitchen when you are:
a.) Baking.
b.) Frying.
c.) Simmering.
d.) Steaming.
3. Most heating fire deaths are caused by:
a.) Chimneys.
b.) Furnaces.
c.) Space heaters.
d.) Wood stoves.
4. You should never smoke in a home with:
a.) Gas heat.
b.) Older adults.
c.) Oxygen in use.
d.) Paper clutter.
5. When you leave a room in which there is a candle burning you should?
a.) Blow out the candle.
b.) Move the candle away from anything that can burn.
c.) Take children and pets with you.
d.) Check the candle frequently.
6. Smoke alarms should be replaced every?
a.) 5 years.
b.) 10 years.
c.) 15 years.
d.) 20 years.
7. Smoke alarms should be placed in?
a.) Bedrooms, outside sleeping areas and kitchens.
b.) Bedrooms, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
c.) Kitchens, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
d.) Outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home including
the attic.
8. Space heaters should be how many feet from things that can burn?
a.) 1
b.) 2
c.) 3
d.) 4
9. To prevent electrical shocks in the bathroom you should have?
a.) Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters.
b.) Circuit Breakers.
c.) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.
d.) Tamper Resistant Receptacles.
10. You should call a professional electrician when?
a.) Your circuit breaker trips.
b.) You lose your electricity.
c.) You purchase a home.
d.) Your outlets are warm.
11. A home fire escape plan must show?
a.) Two fire escapes from each level and an outside meeting place.
b.) Two outside meeting places and the fire department phone number.
c.) Two ways out of the home and an outside meeting place.
d.) Two ways out of each room and an outside meeting place.
12. If there are smokers in your home, they should smoke
a.) In the kitchen.
b.) In the basement.
c.) In the garage.
d.) Outside the home.
13. Extension cords should be
a.) Used only if it has the label of a recognized testing laboratory and
following instructions provided.
b.) Secured under furniture so it is out of the way.
c.) Placed under a carpet so it doesn't get damaged.
d.) All of the above.
14. Heating equipment should be inspected
a.) Every year.
b.) When you move into a house.
c.) When it's not working properly.
d.) All of the above.
15. If the oil catches fire in a pan while cooking, you should?
a.) Carry the pan to the sink.
b.) Put the fire out with baking soda and turn the burner off.
c.) Throw water on the pan and turn the burner off.
d.) Slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner off.
ANSWERS:
1. Smoking and heating
2. Frying
3. Space heaters
4. Oxygen in use
5. Blow out the candle
6. 10 years
7. Bedrooms, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home
8. 3
9. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
10. Your outlets are warm
11. Two ways out of each room and an outside meeting place
12. Outside the home
13. Used only if it has the label of a recognized testing laboratory
and following instructions provided
14. All of the above
15. Slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner off
May:
SHINY LIP GLOSS
Some dermatologists say that slathering on shiny lip glosses can actually
increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Of course, wearing any lip
product without SPF doesnt exactly shield the thin skin from sun damage.
But the slick, shiny nature of the gloss could be making the suns UV rays
hit harder, some experts say.
These lip glosses can make more of the light rays penetrate directly
through the skin instead of getting reflected off of the skins surface,
says Dr. Christine Brown, a dermatologist at Baylor University Medical
Center in Dallas. (You're covered, however, if you wear lip gloss with SPF.)
APRIL
WORLD HEALTH DAY:
World Health Day is April 7, 2008. The purpose is to bring international
attention to global health issues. The theme is "protecting health from
climate change." The earth is warming, the warming is increasing, resulting
in the glaciers melting, natural disasters, heatwaves, increased foodborne
and waterborne illness.
It is important that everyone take an active role in protecting mother
earth. Some simple tasks are to recycle, use less paper, avoid plastic
supplies, sanitize with Green supplies, conserve on energy, gasoline, and
water.
The World Health Day will also focus on a safe enviornment. Maintaining
clean water and sanitation, safe and adequate food, immunizations and
disease surveillance.
The World Health Organization monitors the global health by strengthening
surveillance and control of infectious diseases, ensuring safer use of
diminishing water supplies, and coordinating health action in emergencies.
March: National Nutrition Month
Foods that build the immune system:
berries, nuts, beans, fish, green leafy vegtables and chickens strengthen
the immune system.
Super Foods: spinach, yogurt, tomatoes, black beans, walnuts, carrots,
blueberries and oats.
Think color/think healthy
GRAINS: Whole Grains, such as whole wheat pasta and bread, brown rice and
oats. These foods have nutrients, fiber which protect health and provide
eating satisfaction._
EAT at least 3 ounces of whole grains per day, 6 ounces of grains per day.
VEGTABLES and FRUITS: Eat at 5 servings of vegtables and fruits each day.
They provide fiber, minerals, and nutrients.
EAT at least 2.5 cups of veg. per day, 2 cups of fruits per day.
MILK: Low fat and fat free dairy products. Maintain 3 cups of skim milk or
yogurt per day. Calcium builds strong bones.
PROTEIN - MEAT and BEANS: fISH , LEGUMES, NUTS, white poultry, soy and
seeds. Protein rich foods excellent sources of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
EAT 5.5 ounces of protein rich food per day.
January:
Healthy weight week (1/20/08)
Healthy eating enhances:
Balanced nutrition
Good health
Improves energy
Clear thinking
Improves good stabilty
Lowers stress levels
Improves sleep
Improves bone strength
Increases resistance to illness
Over-all feeling of well being
November:
1.) Facts about Diabetes:
2.) Healthy food choices:
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use
insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and
other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes
continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors
such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of
the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been
diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-
third) are unaware that they have diabetes.
Major Types of Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes
Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone
that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel
them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with
diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes
Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to
properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most
Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135,000
cases in the United States each year.
Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels
are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2
diabetes. There are 54 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition
to the 20.8 million with diabetes.
Eating Healthy:
Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Eat non-starchy vegetables such as
spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans with meals.
Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products. Try brown rice with
your stir fry or whole wheat spaghetti with your favorite pasta sauce.
Include dried beans (like kidney or pinto beans) and lentils into your
meals.
Include fish in your meals 2-3 times a week.
Choose lean meats like cuts of beef and pork that end in "loin" such as pork
loin and sirloin. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey.
Choose non-fat dairy such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese.
Choose water and calorie-free "diet" drinks instead of regular soda, fruit
punch, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened drinks.
Choose liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that can be high in
saturated and trans fats.
Cut back on high calorie snack foods and desserts like chips, cookies,
cakes, and full-fat ice cream.
Eating too much of even healthful foods can lead to weight gain. Watch your
portion sizes.
Weight Loss:
Losing weight and keeping it off is a real challenge for most people. That's
why it's important to begin a weight loss program with the help of your
health care team, including, if possible, a dietitian. They can help you
find ways to decrease calories but still consume the foods you enjoy. And
they can suggest strategies to help you change old habits for new ones. It's
important to remember that losing even a relatively small amount of weight
can make a real improvement in reducing your risk for diabetes and other
serious conditions.
Exercise:
Exercise is also known as physical activity and includes anything that gets
you moving, such as walking, dancing, or working in the yard. You can earn
the benefits of being physically active without going to a gym, playing
sports, or using fancy equipment. When you're physically fit, you have the
strength, flexibility, and endurance needed for your daily activities. Being
physically active helps you feel better physically and mentally.
OCTOBER:
RED RIBBON CAMPAIGN- "SAY NO TO DRUGS"
The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention
program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon
Week, October 23-October 31 each year. Wear your Red Badge proudly and have
the courage to say no to drugs!!!
WHAT IS RED RIBBON WEEK?
It is an ideal way for everyone to unite and take a visible stand against
drugs. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the
symbol of the Red Ribbon, October 23 - 31st.
HISTORY:
The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City
murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing
tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the
use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified
and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA.
Friday October 26 is National Red Ribbon Wear Red Day. This represents
making a commitment and wanting a DRUG-FREE environment.
SEPTEMBER:
"POPCORN LUNG CANCER"
Yes, what you have just read is correct. The medical community has
stated, microwave butter popcorn causes lung cancer. The chemical(diacetly)
in the butter causes lung cancer. It is transmitted by smelling the buttered
popcorn. Inhaling the chemical diacetly causes airway obstruction and
scarring of the lung resulting in diminished lung capacity.
It is time to find a NEW snack.
May:
Allergy season:
Little Tip:
Wash hair and take a warm shower prior to going to bed. Change the pillow
case each night. You will have a good nights sleep and decrease the amount
of pollen in your environment.
World "No Tobacco Day" - May 31st, 2007
The World Health Organization sponsors World No Tobacco Day and brings
attention to the seriousness of the impact of tobacco on health. Global
event where smokers around the world unite to break free their dependance on
tobacco.
Pediatric Cardiac Screening for Athletes
DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2007
TIME: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Saint Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center
200 South Orange Aveenue, Livingston, NJ 07039
REGISTRATION: call 1-888-SBHS-123
(SCREENING IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 125 ATHLETES)
TOPIC: THE HEART TRUTH / RED DRESS
Heart disease is the # 1 killer of American women, one in three.
The centerpiece of The Heart truth is the Red Dress, it is the national
symbol for women and heart disease awareness.
The dress reminds women to protect their heart health and inspire them to
take action in living a healthy lifestyle.
Topics: RED RIBBON CAMPAIGN
HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
ICE YOUR CELL PHONE
THE RED RIBBON CAMPAIGN
The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention
program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon
Week, October 23-October 31 each year. Wear your Red Badge proudly and have
the courage to say no to drugs!!!
WHAT IS RED RIBBON WEEK?
It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible
stand against drugs. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle
through the symbol of the Red Ribbon, October 23 - 31st..
WHY?
The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City
murdered Kiki Camarena, a DEA agent, in 1985. This began the continuing
tradition and displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the
use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified
and visible commitment toward the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA.
WHO?
The National Family Partnership was created in 1980 by parents across
America in response to the rising level of youth drug use. The mission of
the National Family Partnership is to lead and support our nations
families and communities to nurture the full potential of a healthy, drug-
free youth. The National Family Partnership works to accomplish its mission
through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon
Campaign.
Topic: HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
I recently have been asked to inform the members of the Mount St. Dominic
community / family of the disease, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The purpose
of this article is not to alarm; but to inform.
In the last two years, teenagers, E.J. Smeltz and John Babbit of Chatham had
lost their lives to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a congenital of acquired disorder associated
with a thick cardio ventricle wall. Many individuals are unaware they have
this heart disease.
The Left Ventricle wall and Septal region of the heart are enlarged. The
normal size left ventricle wall and septal are 1.2cm or less. A teenager
with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the left ventricle and septal are 1.3 cm
or greater.
The following are symptoms of the disease. If a teenager is experiencing
these symptoms, one may want to contact and follow-up with a medical visit.
1.) Fainting during exercise.
2.) Fainting after exercise.
3.) Extreme fatigue associated with exercise.
4.) Extreme shortness of breath with exercise.
5.) Extreme pressure in chest with exercise, heart "racing."
6.) High blood pressure or high cholesterol.
The fact that one is experiencing the above symptoms does not mean the
individual has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. It is always wise to follow-up
with all discomfort and to have the physiological problems ruled out.
4/11/06 BAUSCH & LOMB EYE SOLUTION - PLEASE NOTE:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating 109 reports
of Fusarium keratitis infection in patients in 17 states. This is due to a
fungal eye infection. The infection has been known to cause temporary
blindness. Bausch & Lomb has suspended shipments of ReNu Moisture Loc
Contact Lens Solution from their Greenville, S.C. plant.
Humor Rx for Alleviating Stress in the 21st Century
by Larry Wilde
Stress seems to be part of everybody's life. The United Nations
International Labor Organization recently issued a report that
states, "Stress has become one of the most serious health issues of our
times."
There are many ways to contend with stress -- everything from jogging and
paddle ball to biofeedback, aerobics and herbal tea. All these methods work
to some extent but they take up precious time. The quickest, most effective
way to beat stress is literally to laugh.
Why use humor in daily life? The answer is simple.
You get immediate results. It takes no special talent or ability, no
physical prowess or skill, it makes you feel good, it's fun, fat-free and
you don't need batteries.
A good laugh may be good for the heart.
A team of Maryland medical researchers found that people with heart disease
were 40 percent less likely to laugh in humorous situations than those with
healthy hearts.
"The old saying that laughter is the best medicine definitely appears to be
true when it comes to protecting your heart," says Michael Miller, director
of the Center of Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical
Center.
The healthful benefits of laughter are cause for great celebration among
psychologists. They now recognize the therapeutic value of humor in the
workplace and have begun to prescribe it for their patients.
Daniel Goleman, writing in The New York Times, states that "humor can aid
problem-solving as well as contribute to creativity in the business
environment."
The Times article quotes David Abramis, a psychologist in the School of
Business Administration at California State University (Long Beach) on his
survey of 382 people from a wide variety of workplaces. Abramis found
that "those who felt their work was fun performed better and got along
better with co-workers than did those who were satisfied with their jobs but
did not see them as fun."
The knowledge that it is possible to cope more easily with stress by
emphasizing humor has already had a profound effect on the international
business community.
Now companies are profiting from lessons in laughter. Corporations are
hiring humor consultants for training sessions to help execs loosen up, so
they can take their work seriously without taking themselves too seriously.
Mark H. McCormick, the premier sports business manager and author of What
They Don't Teach You At Harvard Business School, writes "Laughter is the
most potent, constructive force for diffusing business tension. If you can
point out what is humorous or absurd about a situation or confrontation, you
will be guaranteed the upper hand."