Health & Wellness
A Wrangler Gazette Special Column
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
Working Together to Keep Our School Healthy
As your school nurse, it is my responsibility and pleasure to keep our school community healthy. A healthy, happy child is available to learn and we must work together to maintain a healthy environment at home and school.
If your child has a medical condition or history that could affect their well being, it is important to inform the teacher and nurse. Having that knowledge will assist us in caring for your child’s needs. Teaching your child about their condition, signs and symptoms of that condition, and how to explain it to an adult will empower the child and give them some responsibility for their health. Often times, the teacher and nurse may know that Johnny has asthma, but the P.E. coach or recess monitor may not be aware or remember. Johnny may feel tightness in his chest, but not exhibit signs of respiratory distress. The P.E. coach or monitor who are unaware of Johnny’s history may just see Johnny tired and choosing to stop running. A child that is empowered with knowledge has the confidence and understanding to inform an adult of his health needs.
Having special instructions from the doctor for medication and activity is imperative for certain conditions. Advice parents give has been instrumental in caring for their child at school. I find that as parents, you know what has worked best for your child.
All students with asthma should have an inhaler at school. Often, parents tell me Johnny has not had an asthma attack all summer and as soon as school starts, they’re wheezing. School often exposes students to triggers such as different smells (markers & chalk dust) different plants, exposure to others who are ill, playing harder at recess or P.E, and seasonal changes. Any medication to be given at school must have a medication permit form signed by doctor and parent. The forms are available in the clinic or online. All medications, prescription as well as over-the-counter medication, must have a doctor and parent’s signature, be in the original container, have the pharmacy label and stored in the clinic. The medication permit form must be renewed each school year.
Please remember that a sick child should stay home. Keep your child home when they have the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Unknown rash
Student must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school.
If there is any question, please call or stop by the clinic. The clinic’s direct telephone number is (682) 867-5906
Have a healthy and happy school year.
Evelyn DuBois, RN, BSN
EAT RIGHT, STEP LIGHT
This section of Williams Wrangler Gazette focuses on healthy lifestyles.
Busy families are looking for new ways to stay healthy through physical exercise and adjusting their eating habits. So the nurse and PE coach thought this would be a resourceful and fun way to introduce these topics of interest to our families.
I had the opportunity to meet with some parents that came to the “Meet the Nurse” morning. One of the topics discussed was introducing new foods and creating healthy meals for your family. I have also been asked to include some healthy recipes and snack ideas (we all know how picky children can be times when it comes to eating).
HEALTHY EATING TIPS
- · Enjoy your food, but downsize your portions
- · Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
- · Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk (1% or less for age 2 and above)
- · 50% or more of your grains should be whole grains
- · Eat a variety of vegetables
- · Choose lean proteins
Your plate should look like a rainbow. The deeper the colors in fruits and vegetables, the more nutrients are being provided.
For more information on what your plate should look like visit http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
HEALTHY RECIPE
Latin Quinoa By Evelyn DuBois
1-1/2 half cups dry red quinoa.
Cook according to package in water or chicken stock. After liquid has been absorbed, I put it in a bowl and squeeze entire small lime juice and ½ of lemon in it and pour about ¼ cup of olive oil. Toss and set aside to cool in the refrigerator uncovered.
1 bunch of scallions, chopped
Cilantro (at least 1/3 cup), chopped
2 avocados
Jar or fresh jalapenos to your taste
Slice 1 can of large pitted black olives (reserve a couple to pop in your mouth)
1 large can of green chiles (mild or hot, you pick)
1 cup frozen corn, put in colander, run cool water over it, allow to thaw.
Salt & pepper to taste
¼ tsp. of cumin
When quinoa has thoroughly cooled add all above ingredients, toss to incorporate and cover. Return to fridge
Use as a dip or side dish.
Shacolby Jackson, Junior Journalist
Email: dalvarad@aisd.net
Website: www.aisd.net/williams
Location: 4915 Red Birch Drive, Arlington, TX
Phone: (682) 867-5900