Susan Gardner-Garri, School Nurse  (E-Mail here)

Phone: 892-7735 Ext. 514

Parents: Having a hard time getting your preschooler or other children active and focused?

Here is a quick tool that provides 40 tips for activities you can engage your children in that will get the active, moving, thinking, and engaging with their world.  Try a new one each day or each week!  Also, here are some tricks to help your child learn how to pay attention.

 

Summer Snacking ideas from Nurse Susan!

• Keep cut up vegetables in a container in the refrigerator so that it is easy to reach for a healthy snack.
• Make a fresh fruit bowl the centerpiece of your kitchen table and fill it with colorful fruits like bananas, apples and pears.
• Choose the smaller size fruits whenever possible.
• When you have time, try these snacks or mini meals on wooden skewers.
• Let your child help you prepare one of these simple recipes:
  • Fruit and cheese: Alternate any available fruit, canned or fresh, with chunks of low fat cheese on a skewer or a pretzel stick.
  • Tortellini treat: Cook low-fat cheese tortellini according to package directions. Put them on wooden skewers with grape tomatoes, cubes of skim mozzarella cheese, olives, and any other veggies.
  • Chicken-Veggie: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Thread onto metal skewers along with whole mushrooms and cut-up red and green peppers. Brush with Italian dressing and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Other nutrition information on our site...

 

PLAY SAFE OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER!

What is heat related illness and why does it occur?

Playing and exercising outdoors puts extra stress on your heart and lungs.  The exercise and the air temperature increase body temperature.  Under normal conditions, your skin, blood vessels and perspiration level adjust to the heat.  But these natural cooling systems may fail if you are exposed to high temperatures for too long unless you take measures to prevent heat-related illness. Signs and symptoms of heat related illness may include weakness, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, rapid heart rate and nausea and/or vomiting.

Who is at greatest risk for heat related illness?

Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, those who are ill, on certain medications and those with sunburn. Check with your pharmacist if you are on medication to make certain it is not one that increases heat related illness.  Lithium, used in bipolar disorder, increases the risk.

How can I prevent from getting overheated and still be active?

To keep cool during hot – weather exercise, keep these basic precautions in mind:

Take it slow and avoid the time of day when it is the hottest.  Dress in lightweight, loose fitting clothing to promote evaporation of perspiration and cooling by letting more air pass over your body.  Wear light colors that don’t absorb the sun.  A light-colored hat can limit sun exposure.  Wear a sunscreen so that you don’t get sunburned.  A sunburn decreases your body’s ability to cool itself.  And last but not least, drink plenty of fluids to stay adequately hydrated.  Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.  Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol.  They actually promote fluid loss.

What is heat stroke and what do I do if I think someone is having this heat-related problem?

Heat stroke is potentially life-threatening.  If you see someone with any of the warning signs of heat stroke, the most form of serious heat –related illness,  get the person to a shady area, cool the person rapidly by using a hose or sponging their body with cool water and get medical assistance as soon as possible. Heat stroke presents as a high body temperature, nausea, dizziness, confusion and unconsciousness.  The skin looks bright red and is hot to the touch. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

IMMUNIZATION NEWS

Things to Remember
All medication will be administered according to the RRPS medication policies and procedures. A complete copy of these policies and procedures can be obtained by clicking here, or by visiting the school health office. Medicines must be in their original containers. A medication form must be completed by the parent for all medicines to be administered.

Immunization Updates
Your child will need to have immunization updates after their 4th birthday. Please bring a copy of the updated shot record to the clinic so that we may update your child’s shot records. If your child is sick at the time of the scheduled appointment, the physician may elect to give the immunization depending on their symptoms and whether or not they are running a fever. Your physician will have a complete list of needed immunizations. Sandoval County Public Health Offices provides free immunizations for children ages 0-18 to those families with no insurance. You may contact them for appointment times at 867-2291.

When can your child return to school?
1) When your child has been fever free for 24 hours without the aide of fever reducing medication (i.e. Tylenol or Motrin).

2) When your child can hold down solid foods without nausea or vomiting.

3) When your child has had no diarrhea for 24 hours.