Nurse's Health Tips

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Hand Hygiene

Begin training your children early, and reinforce the good habit of hand hygiene by example. See Current Medical Issues for guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You need to wash your hands after you cough or sneeze into your hands, after you use the restroom, and before and after meals. Keep a small bottle of alcohol-based hand rub with you to use when running water and/or soap is not available.

Protect yourself and your children from infection. Use the CDC's hand hygiene guidelines to prevent or reduce the rate of infection.

Hot Days, Ozone Alerts

During the hot days of summer, early fall, and late spring, there are frequently ozone alerts. There will be no outside activity if the temperature is 95 degrees or greater, or when under Heat Alert, Red Ozone Alert, or Orange Ozone Alert. Please provide the school with written notice if you would like your child to not go outside on days other than listed above.

If your child has asthma or a respiratory problem, please have your child use caution when going outside for recess or PE. If your child uses an inhaler, please remind them of the importance of using it before exercise. The same is true for very cold weather.

If permitted by your child's school, encourage him or her to bring a water bottle to take outside for recess and PE during the hottest days, to stay well hydrated. A dehydrated child will complain of a headache or stomach cramping.

Keeping it Cool

1. Drink fluids before, during, and after outdoor activities.
2. If you feel thirsty, drink fluids!
3. If you bring lunch, pack a "Gatorade-type" drink. Sugars decrease the absorption of water by the body.
4. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Block the Sun

1. Wear wide-brimmed hats while in the sun.
2. Use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater.
3. Stay inside when possible.
4. If shortness of breath occurs during vigorous activity, stop the activity and rest in a cooler place.
5. Use a buddy system in high-heat activities.

Nutrition

Eating breakfast, getting those five servings of vegatables and fruits, and drinking 64 ounces of water a day should be routine. Good nutrition gives you the brainpower and energy that you definitely need.