Pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.
If your child shows symptoms of pinkeye, it's important to see a doctor for proper treatment. Pinkeye IS highly contagious and can spread quickly through a family. Proper hand washing is your best defense while treated another within your household.
Please do NOT presume these symptoms are simply allergy-related. Seek medical evaluation to confirm for the sake of all other students.
Remember, pinkeye is highly contagious so it will spread through the family if proper handwashing and wiping down of counters, door knobs, etc. is overlooked.
Nurse Donna
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Head Lice (How to treat them)
One of the most common misconceptions is that head lice only happen to the poor, the unclean, or the uneducated. For a long time, it was thought that people got head lice only from being in filthy environments or because of poor hygiene. We know that isn’t true. Head lice are found on children who attend any school, who shampoo daily and have short or long hair. In fact head lice prefer a clean head. It can happen to anyone.
Head lice are small insects about the size of a sesame seed. They are tan or grayish and are often difficult to see. They like to be in dark places and will quickly hide under hair when you part it to look for them. It is usually easier to find the nits or eggs. Nits are whitish and teardrop shaped and very tiny. You will find them attached to the hair. They are “glued” on and are difficult to remove. Head lice can’t fly or jump, so don’t be concerned when you are looking for them.
If you are certain your child has head lice, check other family members. Everyone infested should be treated at the same time. Don’t worry about the family pet, head lice only live on people. Please inform the school ASAP so that the spread in your child’s classroom can be limited.
Children cannot ride the school bus until the school nurse has checked the child.
To successfully treat head lice several steps need to be followed:
1. Use of a lice (pediculicide) shampoo. There are several brands available, without prescription, at local pharmacies. Consult with your doctor before using any lice product on pregnant/nursing women, infants, or those with allergies. Read the label carefully and follow directions. Apply the shampoo to dry hair. Wetting the hair first makes it less effective. It is best to do this over a sink as this keeps the shampoo on the scalp only. Make sure behind the ears and the nape of the neck is treated thoroughly. If you notice swollen glands in the neck or under the arm, or scratch marks can be seen, infection may be present. Consult with your doctor before giving any treatment.
2. Comb out the nits while the hair is still wet. Use the comb that came with the shampoo or a separate one can be purchased. Many people find a metal comb more effective and it can be sterilized and re-used. It is time consuming but very important to remove all of the nits. If you are having a lot of difficulty, some people find that a vinegar rinse helps to loosen the nits. After you are done with this, shampoo with a regular shampoo. Check daily and keep removing any nits that might have been missed. A second treatment, 7-10 days after the first treatment, may be necessary to eliminate any new nits or lice. If after these two treatments the problem still exists consult with your doctor. Remember your child has to be “nit free” to return to school.
3. Since lice can survive off the body for several hours and nits for longer, it is important that your immediate environment be cleaned. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and mattresses. Wash recently worn clothing, towels, sheet and linens in hot, soapy water and dry in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Items that can’t be washed can be vacuumed or placed in a plastic bag and sealed for 2 weeks. Soak all combs and hairbrushes in hot water (130 degrees) or in rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes. Vacuum your car seats and headrests.
Do not use sprays-they are not effective and are potentially harmful to humans and pets. All of these measures take time and patience, but should limit the spread of head lice in your family and in school. If you have any questions about head lice and treatment, I am more than happy to help you with the answers.
If you have a computer handy go to the National Pediculosis Association web site at www.headlice.org. They have a wealth of information.
Nurse Donna
Head lice are small insects about the size of a sesame seed. They are tan or grayish and are often difficult to see. They like to be in dark places and will quickly hide under hair when you part it to look for them. It is usually easier to find the nits or eggs. Nits are whitish and teardrop shaped and very tiny. You will find them attached to the hair. They are “glued” on and are difficult to remove. Head lice can’t fly or jump, so don’t be concerned when you are looking for them.
If you are certain your child has head lice, check other family members. Everyone infested should be treated at the same time. Don’t worry about the family pet, head lice only live on people. Please inform the school ASAP so that the spread in your child’s classroom can be limited.
Children cannot ride the school bus until the school nurse has checked the child.
To successfully treat head lice several steps need to be followed:
1. Use of a lice (pediculicide) shampoo. There are several brands available, without prescription, at local pharmacies. Consult with your doctor before using any lice product on pregnant/nursing women, infants, or those with allergies. Read the label carefully and follow directions. Apply the shampoo to dry hair. Wetting the hair first makes it less effective. It is best to do this over a sink as this keeps the shampoo on the scalp only. Make sure behind the ears and the nape of the neck is treated thoroughly. If you notice swollen glands in the neck or under the arm, or scratch marks can be seen, infection may be present. Consult with your doctor before giving any treatment.
2. Comb out the nits while the hair is still wet. Use the comb that came with the shampoo or a separate one can be purchased. Many people find a metal comb more effective and it can be sterilized and re-used. It is time consuming but very important to remove all of the nits. If you are having a lot of difficulty, some people find that a vinegar rinse helps to loosen the nits. After you are done with this, shampoo with a regular shampoo. Check daily and keep removing any nits that might have been missed. A second treatment, 7-10 days after the first treatment, may be necessary to eliminate any new nits or lice. If after these two treatments the problem still exists consult with your doctor. Remember your child has to be “nit free” to return to school.
3. Since lice can survive off the body for several hours and nits for longer, it is important that your immediate environment be cleaned. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and mattresses. Wash recently worn clothing, towels, sheet and linens in hot, soapy water and dry in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Items that can’t be washed can be vacuumed or placed in a plastic bag and sealed for 2 weeks. Soak all combs and hairbrushes in hot water (130 degrees) or in rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes. Vacuum your car seats and headrests.
Do not use sprays-they are not effective and are potentially harmful to humans and pets. All of these measures take time and patience, but should limit the spread of head lice in your family and in school. If you have any questions about head lice and treatment, I am more than happy to help you with the answers.
If you have a computer handy go to the National Pediculosis Association web site at www.headlice.org. They have a wealth of information.
Nurse Donna
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Influenza A Has Arrived~What Can You Do To Help?
We have had several positive cases of Influenza A confirmed within the past week. With this shared;
"What can you as parents do to help prevent the spread of this virus?
1. If your child has the slightest fever 99 or above, do NOT send to school that day. Rather, keep them home and monitor for increase in temperature and if it spikes take them to doctor for Tamiflu. Tamiflu only helps if it is started within the first 72 hours of influenza symptoms.
2. Preach and live by example, proper hand washing. Warm water, soap, scrub hands for 20 seconds, then rinse. (I always tell the children to sing Happy Birthday or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in their heads while they wash)
3. Remind them; All viruses enter 3 areas of the face. Eyes, nose and mouth. It is important to keep your hands away from your face.
4. Saline nasal mist~Can be used nightly after they return home from school. It is known to kill viruses that may have entered the nasal passages while at school/public settings.
5. As nice as it is to shake hands with fellow church members, during this time of year I suggest you refrain. A simple; Hello, how are you today?" will suffice during this time of year.
6. Eat healthy, increase vitamins intake. Add vitamin C to your daily diet either via a oral supplement or orange juice.
7. Get plenty of rest, preferably 7-8 hours a night is recommended for children.
8. Lastly, remind your children not to share clothing items/food.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. If we all do our part we CAN keep this influenza under control. But do note, should your children present with a temperature of 99 or higher during this flu season, I WILL be calling for parents to pick them up. This is my attempt to keep things under control for the sake of ALL our students here at Black River Local School District.
Have a safe day and a healthy week,
Nurse Donna
"What can you as parents do to help prevent the spread of this virus?
1. If your child has the slightest fever 99 or above, do NOT send to school that day. Rather, keep them home and monitor for increase in temperature and if it spikes take them to doctor for Tamiflu. Tamiflu only helps if it is started within the first 72 hours of influenza symptoms.
2. Preach and live by example, proper hand washing. Warm water, soap, scrub hands for 20 seconds, then rinse. (I always tell the children to sing Happy Birthday or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in their heads while they wash)
3. Remind them; All viruses enter 3 areas of the face. Eyes, nose and mouth. It is important to keep your hands away from your face.
4. Saline nasal mist~Can be used nightly after they return home from school. It is known to kill viruses that may have entered the nasal passages while at school/public settings.
5. As nice as it is to shake hands with fellow church members, during this time of year I suggest you refrain. A simple; Hello, how are you today?" will suffice during this time of year.
6. Eat healthy, increase vitamins intake. Add vitamin C to your daily diet either via a oral supplement or orange juice.
7. Get plenty of rest, preferably 7-8 hours a night is recommended for children.
8. Lastly, remind your children not to share clothing items/food.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. If we all do our part we CAN keep this influenza under control. But do note, should your children present with a temperature of 99 or higher during this flu season, I WILL be calling for parents to pick them up. This is my attempt to keep things under control for the sake of ALL our students here at Black River Local School District.
Have a safe day and a healthy week,
Nurse Donna
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Winter Tips to Follow
It is that time of the year that I like to remind parents of the importance of dressing for the weather. Many of your children are presenting without hats, gloves and warm enough coats. If you cannot afford a coat, please know that we have a "coat closet" here at school where parents and local families have donated gently worn coats that their children have out grown. You are welcome to visit it during our school hours or immediately after school if needed.
Another tip I like to share is dressing in layers. More is better at the start of the day and should it warm up a bit, your children can always remove a layer if they desire. T-shirts, skirts, dresses and shorts are NOT preferred this time of year as unless the windchill designates differently, all students take recess time outside to afford them a chance to take a break from studies and burn off a little bit of that glorious energy they all were blessed with.
Winter illnesses is a topic none of us enjoy discussing, but it much needed regardless. Streph throat as always is prevalent this time of year and easily transmitted within a classroom. Monitor book bags for notes from Nurse Donna as if it is diagnosed within a classroom I send home warning notes with your children. Stomach bugs, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea are also popping their ugly heads this time of year. I cannot stress enough the importance of hand washing with all our children and adults. The number one preventative is and remains good hand washing techniques, so please practice this at home with your children. Washing hands to the ABC's or Happy Birthday song is approximately the amount of time necessary to complete proper hand washing and all our children tend to know one of the two songs.
Lastly, I need to remind everyone of the importance of NOT sending sick children to school. If your child has a fever of 100 degree's or higher they will be sent home and must remain home till they are fever free 24 hours without medication assistance. Should we develop influenza outbreaks within the school I will drop this temperature standard to 99 degrees or higher till the outbreak reduces or is no longer a concern within the district. We do and will continue to do what is necessary to keep our children healthy so that they can enjoy school.
Should anyone have questions or concerns please feel free to call me. I will always do my best to address your concerns, answer all your questions and if I cannot, I promise you I will obtain the answer within a timely fashion.
Happy Holidays to all and here is to a healthy school year!
Nurse Donna
Another tip I like to share is dressing in layers. More is better at the start of the day and should it warm up a bit, your children can always remove a layer if they desire. T-shirts, skirts, dresses and shorts are NOT preferred this time of year as unless the windchill designates differently, all students take recess time outside to afford them a chance to take a break from studies and burn off a little bit of that glorious energy they all were blessed with.
Winter illnesses is a topic none of us enjoy discussing, but it much needed regardless. Streph throat as always is prevalent this time of year and easily transmitted within a classroom. Monitor book bags for notes from Nurse Donna as if it is diagnosed within a classroom I send home warning notes with your children. Stomach bugs, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea are also popping their ugly heads this time of year. I cannot stress enough the importance of hand washing with all our children and adults. The number one preventative is and remains good hand washing techniques, so please practice this at home with your children. Washing hands to the ABC's or Happy Birthday song is approximately the amount of time necessary to complete proper hand washing and all our children tend to know one of the two songs.
Lastly, I need to remind everyone of the importance of NOT sending sick children to school. If your child has a fever of 100 degree's or higher they will be sent home and must remain home till they are fever free 24 hours without medication assistance. Should we develop influenza outbreaks within the school I will drop this temperature standard to 99 degrees or higher till the outbreak reduces or is no longer a concern within the district. We do and will continue to do what is necessary to keep our children healthy so that they can enjoy school.
Should anyone have questions or concerns please feel free to call me. I will always do my best to address your concerns, answer all your questions and if I cannot, I promise you I will obtain the answer within a timely fashion.
Happy Holidays to all and here is to a healthy school year!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Summer Eye Safety
PROTECT EYES FROM THE SUN
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays without proper eye protection may cause short and long-term damage to the eyes. Eye doctors encourage adults and children to protect their eyes by wearing a hat or sunglasses that properly absorb UV radiation. Children are especially at risk because the effects of sunlight exposure are cumulative with 80% of lifetime UV exposure received by age 18. No matter the location or activity, if you’re outside in the sun you should wear a hat or sunglasses, even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days. Children should wear UV blocking sunglasses to reduce the amount of light entering the eye, protect against harmful UV light, decrease glare, and increase contrast. A dark lens does not necessarily have UV protection—look for lenses that absorb 99 to 100 percent of UV light.
PROTECT EYES WHILE PLAYING SPORTS
Helmets prevent head injury, but often do not protect the eyes. Make sure children are wearing a polycarbonate face guard or other certified safe protection. Prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses typically do not provide adequate protection for sports use. Lenses in sports eyewear usually are made of polycarbonate, which has built-in ultraviolet protection—a valuable feature for outdoor sports. Visit www.playhardgear.com for information about obtaining protective sports eyewear at no charge.
PROTECT EYES WHILE DOING HOUSEHOLD PROJECTS
A common injury in the summertime is a scratch on the surface of the eye (corneal abrasion). Sanding, spray painting, working under cars, leaf blowing or lawn mowing are frequent activities that result in corneal abrasions. Safety goggles with polycarbonate lenses and side shields should be worn whenever there is a risk of particles flying. If a foreign body is in the eye, it may not cause immediate pain, and material embedded in the eye is usually too small to see by the naked eye. Call an eye doctor and irrigate the eye thoroughly with water or saline.
PROTECT EYES FROM CHEMICALS
While swimming is a favorite summertime activity, it can lose its appeal quickly if eye safety is forgotten. Wearing swimming goggles keeps irritating chemicals and germs out of children’s eyes while they swim. Adults and children should not wear contact lenses in the pool. The surface tension holding the contacts in will be washed away by water. Infection can also result from untreated lake or pond water getting under the lens. If eyes sting from swimming in a pool, it may mean the chemicals aren't balanced. If the pool water hurts the eyes, get out of the pool. If the eyes continue to burn, rinse immediately with clean water. If the stinging persists, see an eye doctor.
Bug repellant is another chemical to watch out for. To avoid getting repellant in the eyes, spray it on the hands first and then apply to the face. If bug repellant gets in the eyes, flush with lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
Have a safe Summer~
Nurse Donna
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays without proper eye protection may cause short and long-term damage to the eyes. Eye doctors encourage adults and children to protect their eyes by wearing a hat or sunglasses that properly absorb UV radiation. Children are especially at risk because the effects of sunlight exposure are cumulative with 80% of lifetime UV exposure received by age 18. No matter the location or activity, if you’re outside in the sun you should wear a hat or sunglasses, even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days. Children should wear UV blocking sunglasses to reduce the amount of light entering the eye, protect against harmful UV light, decrease glare, and increase contrast. A dark lens does not necessarily have UV protection—look for lenses that absorb 99 to 100 percent of UV light.
PROTECT EYES WHILE PLAYING SPORTS
Helmets prevent head injury, but often do not protect the eyes. Make sure children are wearing a polycarbonate face guard or other certified safe protection. Prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses typically do not provide adequate protection for sports use. Lenses in sports eyewear usually are made of polycarbonate, which has built-in ultraviolet protection—a valuable feature for outdoor sports. Visit www.playhardgear.com for information about obtaining protective sports eyewear at no charge.
PROTECT EYES WHILE DOING HOUSEHOLD PROJECTS
A common injury in the summertime is a scratch on the surface of the eye (corneal abrasion). Sanding, spray painting, working under cars, leaf blowing or lawn mowing are frequent activities that result in corneal abrasions. Safety goggles with polycarbonate lenses and side shields should be worn whenever there is a risk of particles flying. If a foreign body is in the eye, it may not cause immediate pain, and material embedded in the eye is usually too small to see by the naked eye. Call an eye doctor and irrigate the eye thoroughly with water or saline.
PROTECT EYES FROM CHEMICALS
While swimming is a favorite summertime activity, it can lose its appeal quickly if eye safety is forgotten. Wearing swimming goggles keeps irritating chemicals and germs out of children’s eyes while they swim. Adults and children should not wear contact lenses in the pool. The surface tension holding the contacts in will be washed away by water. Infection can also result from untreated lake or pond water getting under the lens. If eyes sting from swimming in a pool, it may mean the chemicals aren't balanced. If the pool water hurts the eyes, get out of the pool. If the eyes continue to burn, rinse immediately with clean water. If the stinging persists, see an eye doctor.
Bug repellant is another chemical to watch out for. To avoid getting repellant in the eyes, spray it on the hands first and then apply to the face. If bug repellant gets in the eyes, flush with lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
Have a safe Summer~
Nurse Donna
Friday, November 18, 2011
Dressing For The Weather IS Necessary..
Dressing for school can be a guessing game. Some day’s we are warm, some days are a bit cool. A very cool morning can change to a warm afternoon for recess, or a cold front can move it with a surprising chill. Air-conditioning and heating a large building is a challenge as the weather fluctuates. It can take up to 24 hours to adjust the heating system.Students are encouraged to dress in layers so they can be comfortable to learn. Wearing light shirts and pants with a sweatshirt in the backpack can be a formula for comfort. Please check with your child to make sure they have a sweatshirt in their backpack if needed.
Nurse Donna
Friday, October 21, 2011
Strep Throat Is Still Among Us
Please be advised that we are continuing to see a great deal of Strep Throat in in our classrooms at this time.
If you child develops a fever or sore throat, DO NOT send your child to school and PLEASE follow up with your family physician immediately for treatment options.
Should a unknown rash develop please seek medical attention as strep w/rash is also known as “Scarlet Fever
***Symptoms of strep throat include fever, stomach pain, vomiting and red, swollen tonsils***
Now is the time to reinforce proper hand washing techniques at home with your children and remind them not put their fingers in their mouth, nose or eyes as they are the 3 ways by which viruses enter the body.
Wishing everyone a healthy day,
Nurse Donna
If you child develops a fever or sore throat, DO NOT send your child to school and PLEASE follow up with your family physician immediately for treatment options.
Should a unknown rash develop please seek medical attention as strep w/rash is also known as “Scarlet Fever
***Symptoms of strep throat include fever, stomach pain, vomiting and red, swollen tonsils***
Now is the time to reinforce proper hand washing techniques at home with your children and remind them not put their fingers in their mouth, nose or eyes as they are the 3 ways by which viruses enter the body.
Wishing everyone a healthy day,
Nurse Donna
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