Notes from the Health Office
It's hard to believe winter is around the corner! The weather is getting colder and we have seen some flurries, so it’s time to start preparing. There are a lot of fun things to do outside in winter, however, it is important to consider safety.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has provided us with some helpful winter health and safety tips:
Outdoor Winter Activities
Ice Skating
Sledding
Skiing
Nature walk
Run Wild My Child has a list of 100+ activities to do during the winter months. Snow paint, frozen ice globes, and freezing bubbles are a few that my children enjoy most!
Safety Tips
It is safer to sled feet first or sitting up rather than laying down head first
Sled on slopes that are not too steep and that are free of obstructions such as fences and trees
Never skate along and skate only on approved surfaces
Skate in one direction with the crowd
Wear a helmet when skiing and avoid crowded areas
Other Winter Concerns
Nosebleeds
Often due to the warm air inside drying out nasal passages
Use a cool-mist humidifier at night, use saline spray or nose drops, cover nose and mouth with a scarf when outside
Hypothermia/Frostbite
Dress appropriately - usually dressing in layers is best
Limit time on outdoor activities - have children come inside periodically to warm up, then head back outside a little while later
Remove wet or damp clothing and replace with dry clothing as soon as possible
Warm drinks will help to increase body temperature
The CDC nicely explains what hypothermia and frostbite is and provides tips like above to prevent either from occurring
Devon Lacasse, RN
Milne Grove Health Office
(815) 838-0542 x2106
The Latest from the LRC
Happy Holidays from the LRC!
Mrs. Tumino
ltumino@d91.net ~ 815-838-0542, x2122 Follow me on Twitter!
Exploring SEL with Mrs. Reynolds
What a wonderful time of year! I hope that you have a relaxing and enjoyable time with your family this season.
While the season is joyful, it is at the same time difficult for many reasons. During SEL at school we are continuing to explore our feelings and recognize that we can have two different feelings at the same time! We are also ready to explore how to determine what other people think and feel. Others may experience situations differently than we do. (This is SEL standard 2A1a.) This social awareness and perspective taking is vital to having strong relationships. Just like many other skills, perspective taking requires practice.
As parents, we can support the growth of our children’s skills by identifying situations in life or in stories that demonstrate how people can feel differently about the same situation. Practice looking at the facial expressions and body language of other people so we can make a smart guess about how they feel. It’s helpful to talk about how our actions make people feel certain emotions. The holidays are a great time to talk about how it feels when someone is showing interest (making eye contact and nodding) and listening compared to how it feels when someone is interrupting. You can also talk with your children about the new toys and playing with their cousins or friends. Ask them, “How does sharing make other people feel? How can you tell?” It empowers children to explain to them that they can change their behaviors to impact how other people feel and respond to us!
Enjoy your holiday season. If you are need of something to make your celebration possible, please reach out.
Please contact me anytime through a phone call, email, or parent square!
~Mrs. Reynolds
Ext. 2103, mreynolds@d91.net
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