Reminder to our Pre K parents/guardians: If you have not submitted the influenza (flu) vaccination documentation, it must be received by January 2nd for your student to remain in school.

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Health lessons
Kindergarten and 1st grade had their lessons regarding proper handwashing and how germs are spread.
2nd grade will have a Wellness Review, to remind them of healthy habits.

Vison and Health Screening
Kindergarten and 1st graders have all been screened.
I am currently working on 2nd grade and will continue into January.
(see October's post for screening details)

Health Office Notes
*Many students are complaining of chapped lips, please remember that they are welcome to bring in their own lip balm.
*The Health Office is in need of boys pants, sizes 6-10.  If you have any you can donate, it is appreciated!
*Please remember to launder any borrowed clothing to return to the Health Office.-thank you.

May 15, 2017 Shop Rite visits 2C and 2T to talk about healthy eating

The Registered Dietitians from Shop Rite of Succasunna and Flanders made classrooms visits to teach 2nd graders about healthy eating.

Shop Rite visits 4th grade lunch to teach about reading nutrition labels

On April 27th, our 4th grade had a visit from our Succasunna and Flanders Shop Rite Registered Dietitians, Kate-Lyn Snare and Lydia Lelah.
They taught the students about reading nutrition labels to make healthy choices about serving size and sugar content.  Daily sugar intake should only be 24 grams or 6 teaspoons (not including fruits).

Dental program for grades 1-4

April 3, 2017

Students in grades 1-4 enjoyed a Dental Health Program presented by Morris County Dental Associates, LLC (Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI) .  Ask your student what they learned today!

Resources

Child and Family Resources, Inc.

111 Howard Boulevard, Suite 104

Mount Arlington, NJ 07856

Phone: 973-601-6146

Email: info@childandfamily-nj.org

www.CFRMorris.org   event calendar

Thursday, April 6, 2017 Nutrition for School Age Children

Join Kate-Lyn Snare, Shoprite of Succasunna Registered Dietitian, to learn some creative and interesting meal and snack solutions for school age children.  Kate-Lyn does multiple nutrition classes every month with children and will share her experience.

Nutrition

NUTRITION AND OBESITY

One nutritional theme  is “5-2-1-almost none”*

5-Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day
2-Watch fewer than two hours of TV, video or computers games per day

1- Participate in one hour of physical activity each day
Almost none-Limit soda and sugary drinks to no more than two servings per week (Every 4 grams of sugar listed on a nutrition label equals 1 teaspoon of sugar)

Another theme is “My Plate”, which is sponsored by the US Government

              

            The topic of childhood obesity is in the media due to statistics indicating that the number of overweight children has doubled since 1980.  We live in a high technology environment which leads to a sedentary lifestyle.

            It is important for families to eat nutritious meals that offer a variety of foods on a regular basis. Some nutritional recommendations include cutting back on white flours by incorporating whole grains into your diet and cutting back on sugars.  Sugars are disguised in many foods under labels such as high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, glucose, and fruit juice among others. Another recommendation is to limit salt intake by purchasing low salt products, not adding salt to food and cutting back on prepackaged food and snacks. Substitute fresh fruits and vegetables for chips and cookies.

            Increasing physical activity is also important.  Limit your child’s sedentary activities like TV viewing, computer and video games.  Begin taking family walks, bike rides or doing some physical activity whenever possible. Play Wii as a family! Challenge each other in the physical activities.

            Remember that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Many morning complaints of stomach aches and head aches are related to skipping breakfast or eating something that doesn’t provide enough nutrition. Studies show that students who eat breakfast learn better, are more alert and attentive, and are more likely to participate in activities.

*Studies show that when the family eats together and exercises together, everyone benefits.

Try to get your children to try new foods by having “Two bite Tuesday” where they eat two bites of a new food, eventually they may like it!  Also try “Fun Food Fridays” where they sample different foods from what they normally eat.  If you make it a fun family activity, they may begin to open to new healthy food experiences.

RESOURCES

www.GrowUpHealthy.org  *(The 5-2-1-almost none source)

www.choosemyplate.gov  

February is dental health month

 FEBRUARY IS DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

It is recommended that everyone see a dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups.  There are many local dentists available in the phone book, or the Zufall Health Center (formally Dover Clinic) offers dental appointments at a reduced price for those who qualify financially.  The phone number is 973-328-3344.  Please call the Health Office if you are unable to afford dental care.

 “Give Kids a Smile Day” is a free service offered by some dentists in our county.  An email was sent from school with local dentists who will provide free dental cleanings for students under age 12.  Call the Health Office at 973-585-8957 for more information.

Children younger than age six should only use a pea sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride to prevent swallowing too much fluoride.

Remember to change your toothbrush every six months and after illnesses, especially Strep Throat. It is important that every family member uses their own toothbrush.

Keep dental floss available and remind children to use it regularly.  Regular flossing reduces illness related to oral infections, and helps prevent cavities.

Products to alleviate mouth discomfort from teething may be dangerous for children under two years of age.  Benzocaine, a common ingredient, has been placed on the FDA warning list for this age group.  Consult with your dentist and pediatrician about what products are safe to use.   Try using a chilled teething ring or try a gentle massage of the child’s gum with your clean finger.

If your child takes antihistamines or decongestants regularly, encourage sipping water to prevent dry mouth caused by the medications.  Chronic dry mouth can lead to tooth decay.

If a tooth breaks, keep the area clean by rinsing the mouth with warm water and call your dentist. If you have the broken fragment, bring it along.

If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, call your dentist.  If the root is dirty, rinse it with warm water, but don’t scrub it.  If you can, gently insert it and hold it in the socket. If you can’t reinsert it, put it in a container with milk, water, the child’s saliva or a prepared saline solution and bring it to the dentist.

(Miles of Smiles, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services Children’s Oral Health Program 2009-2010)

During February, the students learn a new dental fact or oral health tip daily during the morning messages. Ask them what they’ve learned. The health showcase will give them examples of popular drinks and how much sugar is in each serving. Remember to send water instead of juice for sipping throughout the day!

(Illness) When to keep your child home and when they will be sent home

When Your Child Must Stay Home: Communicable Illnesses:

The following is a list of common childhood illnesses that exclude a student from attending school;

Fever

            Students are sent home with a temperature of 100 degrees F or greater.   Prior to returning to school, the student must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol/Advil.

Vomiting

            Students who vomit in school are sent home.  Students may return to school when symptom free for 24 hours. Students who vomit at home, must stay home for 24 hours until they stop vomiting.

Diarrhea

            Students with diarrhea are sent home.  Students may return to school when they are symptom free for 24 hours. Please keep your student home if they experience diarrhea at home.

Common Cold

            Students are sent home when symptoms are severe (i.e. coughing excessively, tight congestion, etc.) Students may return to school when symptoms are minor.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

            Students are sent home with suspected "pink eye" or eye discharge. They need to see a doctor to determine if it is a bacterial infection.  They may return to school 24 hours after eye drops have been started.

Skin infections-Staph, Impetigo, Ringworm, and Scabies

            Students with suspicious skin rashes are sent home for doctor evaluation.  Students may return to school with a doctor's note once evaluated and treated.

Poison Ivy

            Students with poison ivy are not excluded from school.  If PI covers a large area of body, the nurse will encourage a doctor evaluation/treatment for the student's healing and comfort.

                          

Streptococcal Infections (Strep Throat)

            Students who test positive  with the rapid strep test for Strep Throat are sent home.  They must be seen by their doctor. Students may return to school after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and relief of symptoms. Please return the strep form to the Health Office.

5th disease

            Students who exhibit a rash indicative of 5th disease are not contagious.  As a precaution, the school nurse will instruct any pregnant staff to consults with their doctor related to possible exposure.

Pediculosis (Head Lice)

            Students with active head lice will be sent home.  Students may return to school once the lice have been treated. If only nits (eggs) are seen,  then the student may stay at school with shoulder length hair pulled up. The parent will be instructed to treat the head for lice. The  student will be rechecked by the school nurse prior to being readmitted to school and then again in 2 weeks. The school nurse will inspect the entire classroom for potential infestation.  Emphasis will be placed on confidentiality.  A letter will go home to the class if more than one student is positive for lice.

Chicken Pox

            Students may return to school when crusts are dry and child is fever free, usually 7-9  days.