Salem Public Schools Nursing News
March 2024
March 2024
Health Office Updates
- As part of the annual health screenings on going across the district, School Nurse's will be sending out notifications about Postural Screenings for students in grades 5-9. Postural screening is a visual screening done by nurses to look for signs of scoliosis, which is a sideways curve of the spine. If there is any concern that your child may have signs of a spinal curve, your nurse will notify you with a recommendation to follow up with your primary health care provider. While the cause of scoliosis is unknown, early intervention is key for a successful prognosis. Parents/guardians may contact the school nurse if they would like to opt out of the screening.
- Each spring, elementary school nurses present our puberty and hygiene programs to students in grades 4 and 5. If you have a student in these grades, we kindly request that you save the date of Wednesday, April 3, 2024. There will be a virtual parent night regarding the topic. More information will be forthcoming.
Health Tips
Hypertension: High blood pressure is known as "The Silent Killer" and affects approximately 45% of the adult population in the US. It is directly related to health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. If caught in the early stages, it can be treated with diet and lifestyle modification. Women > 40 should be screened by their health care provider at least once a year. Click HERE for more information.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. The disease affects 1 in 5 women > 50 and is one of the leading causes of broken bones in this population. Routine screening for the disease doesn't begin until the age of 65. Consuming enough dietary calcium and vitamin D is an effective way to prevent the disease. Women should aim for 100mg of calcium and 600IU of vitamin day each day. Click HERE for more information about osteoporosis prevention.
Cervical Cancer: Cervical Cancer is common in women ages 35-44. The most powerful screening tool is the HPV test. HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus which can lead to the development of cancerous cells on the cervix. Detection of these cells results in a series of interventions that can prevent the development of the disease. In recent years, a vaccine has also been developed that is given to children in their teen years. You can read more about this vaccine HERE.
Recipes
Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 1/2 lbs Yokon Gold Potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 3/4 cup Chicken Broth
- 2 TBSP Reduced Fat Sour Cream
- Salt, Pepper and Paprika to taste
Filling
- 1 lb 95% Lean Ground Beef
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Onion (diced)
- 1 Celery Stalk (chopped)
- 2 Cloves Garlic (diced)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (diced)
- 10 ounces Frozen Mixed Vegetables (carrots, corn, peas, green beans, baby lima beans)
- 2 TBSP flour
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 TBSP Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary Leaves (chopped)
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves (chopped)
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper to taste
For cooking instructions, demonstration video and nutrition information, please click this LINK
May you have love that never ends,
Lots of money and lots of friends,
Health be yours whatever you do,
And may many blessings be sent to you!
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Physical Activities
Hippity Hoppity Spring is on it's way! Here are a list of fun egg hunts for the family!
- Spring Egg Hunt Trail: Long Hill, Beverly. Saturday, March 23rd -10a-12pm. This family event involves a scavenger hunt along one of Long Hill's hiking trails. Advanced purchase for tickets is suggested. For more information, please click this LINK.
- Easter Family Fun Day: Village Tavern, Salem. Saturday, April 15th - 12-5pm. Fun festival for families with vendors to shop and free pictures with the Bunny. This event will have egg hunts every hour. Advances purchase for tickets is suggested. For more information, please click this LINK.
If Egg Hunts aren't you're thing, All Trails lists these 4 hiking trails as the best in the area to get the family out and moving in the milder temperatures. (Please click on the trail for more details).