|
NUTRITION
Heart disease is rarely a top concern for parents of school aged children. After all, heart attacks are something that only happen to middle-aged and older folks, right? Unfortunately, today's kids are developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels -- serious risk factors for heart disease in later years. For example, the American Heart Association points out that approximately 10 percent of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 have high total cholesterol levels -- over 200 mg/dl. Make sure your kids lead a heart-healthy life.
The diet, exercise and lifestyle habits that your kids develop as youngsters can directly affect their hearts in later years. Get active. The more time a kid spends in front of the television or computer, the more likely he is to be overweight. Regular physical activity not only helps prevent childhood obesity; it also helps create healthy habits that your kids will stick to in later years. Thirty minutes a day is best. If your child isn't on a team, encourage family walks after dinner, jumping rope, roller-skating or bicycling.
Go green. Vegetables can help keep the heart healthy. That's because dark green vegetables -- such as spinach, broccoli and lettuce -- contain a substance called lutein. High lutein levels in the blood may help reduce cholesterol buildup.
Pass up the fats. Serve lower-fat versions of family favorites, and encourage your kids to substitute baked and whole-wheat snacks for high-fat chips. Switch to fat-free or 1 percent milk and low-fat cheeses and ice cream. If you haven’t already, Kick the habit. Smoking contributes to heart disease. Test high-risk kids for cholesterol. Kids with high cholesterol levels are more likely to become adults with high cholesterol levels. If your family has members with heart disease or high cholesterol, your child may be at higher risk for heart disease and should be tested.
OBESITY IN CHILDREN
Obesity is a significant public health problem in the United States, particularly for children. Statistics from the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children ages 2 – 5 to be 10.2 percent – a 3 percent increase from data collected from 1988 to 1994. Some contend this figure may be low and put the actual number closer to one third of young children. In fact, in the past 20 years, the number of obese children in the United States has doubled, constituting a health epidemic. For many years, measuring height and weight and plotting the measurements on a growth chart assessed obesity in children. In 2000, the CDC released charts that provided percentiles for assessing a child’s body mass index (BMI). BMI expresses the relationship or ratio of
weight-to-height. It is more highly correlated with body fat than any other indicator of height and weight. Therefore, it is recommended that the CDC BMI-for-age charts be used to assess weight issues in children ages 2 –20. We do use this screening tool during the school year to assess our school population. Children with a BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile are considered at-risk for being overweight; children at the 95th percentile and above are overweight. The formula for body mass index (BMI) is weight in pounds divided by height in inches, again divided by height in inches multiplied by 703. Alternatively, the CDC provides a booklet of “look-up” tables in which the calculations have been done for you. Go to http://www.cdc.gov/
 APPROVED CLASSROOM TREATS FOR PARTIES
FRUITS: APPLE SLICES, APPLESAUCE, BANANAS, CANNED FRUIT, CANTALOPE, GRAPES, HONEYDEW, KIWI, ORANGES, PEACHES, PEARS, PINEAPPLE CHUNKS, PLUMS, RAISINS, STRAWBERRIES, WATERMELON, DRIED APRICOTS
VEGGIES: CARROTS, CELERY, CHERRY TOMATOES, CUCUMBERS, SNOW PEAS, SALSA DIP
DAIRY: CHEESE STICKS & CUBES, COTTAGE CHEESE, LOW FAT CREAM CHEESE, YOGURT, PUDDING CUPS, JELLO CUPS
GRAINS: GOLDFISH CRACKERS, GRAHAM CRACKERS, WHOLE GRAIN BAGELS, CHEERIOS, POPCORN, PRETZELS (WHOLE GRAIN PREFERRED), TRISCUITS, WHEAT THINS
LOW FAT OR FAT FREE: FUDGE BARS, ORANGE CREAM BARS, POPSICLES, ICE CREAM CUPS, SHERBET, FRUIT BARS, MINI SANDWICH BARS, FROZEN YOGURT, SUGAR FREE JELLO, 100 CALORIE PACKS
Drinks for parties will be limited to water, milk, or 100% juice.
Items shared with the class must be store bought and individually wrapped (unless it is fresh fruit selected from above list).
Non-food items are always acceptable. Such items include stickers, pencils, erasers, coloring books, crayons, notepads, and small novelty items. Check with your teacher if there is a question regarding whether or not your item is age appropriate for the classroom.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
NEW REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE FOR THE SEPTEMBER 2008/2009 SCHOOL YEAR REQUIRE 6TH GRADERS TO RECEIVE A MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE AND A DIPTHERIA/TETANUS/PERTUSSIS VACCINE BEFORE ENTRANCE TO GRADE 6.
N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.18 & 4.19 REQUIRE PRE-K STUDENTS TO RECEIVE ONE PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE AND INFLUENZA VACCINES BY DECEMBER 31 OF EACH YEAR.
The Boonton Township Board of Education, in accordance with State law, requires all children to submit a certificate of immunization prior to entering Rockaway Valley School. Required immunizations are as follows:
DTaP (age 1-6 years) 4 doses, with one dose given on or after the 4th birthday, or any 5 doses; (age 7-9) 3 doses of Td or any previously combination of DTP, DTaP, and DT to equal 3 doses.
Tdap Grade 6, 1 dose.
Polio (age 1-6 years) 3 doses, with one dose on or after the 4th birthday, or any 4 doses; (age 7 & older) any 3 doses.
Measles If born before 1/1/90, 1 dose of a live measles-containing vaccine; if born on or after 1/1/90, 2 doses of a live measles-containing vaccine.
Rubella and Mumps - 1 dose of rubella-containing vaccine; 1 dose of mumps-containing vaccine.
Varicella - 1 dose on or after first birthday.
Haemophilis B - (ages 12-59 months) 1 dose.
Hepatitis B - 3 doses or 2 dose adolescent formulation.
Pneumococcal - (ages 12-59 months) 1 dose.
Meningococcal - entering grade 6, 1 dose.
Influenza - (up to 59 months old), 1 dose annually.
SPORTS PHYSICALS:
A comprehensive physical examination is required every 365 days for all students in grades 6 to 8 that will be trying out for a sport at RVS. The required form can be downloaded from "Document Manager" - this is the state required form - NO OTHER FORM CAN BE ACCEPTED. It must be completed in full and stamped by your health care provider's office otherwise IT WILL BE RETURNED.
REMOVE TICKS THE SAFE WAY
Remember…. it’s not the tick you remove that is likely to give you Lyme disease, it’s the one you never find!
DO: |
DON’T: |
1. GRASP tick as close as possible to the skin using tweezers. |
1. BURN tick with a match. |
2. PULL straight out with a steady motion. |
2. SMOTHER with petroleum jelly or noxious chemical. |
3. WASH site thoroughly with soap and water. |
3. BRUSH with your fingers. |
4. APPLY a topical antiseptic. |
These methods increase your risk for Lyme disease! |
STATE OF NEW JERSEY H1N1 INFLUENZA UPDATE
State H1N1 Call Center - 1-866-321-9571 - NJ is operating a toll-free public information hotline on weekdays from 9AM to 5PM. The information line number is 1-866-321-9571. Call center operators will be able to provide general information about H1N1, vaccine safety and availability information, symptoms of H1N1 and flu preventive measures.
H1N1 Vaccine is Safe - All vaccines, including the H1N1 vaccine, are held to the highest standard of safety and are continually monitored. Each year, millions of Americans safely receive seasonal flu vaccines. The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way as seasonal flu vaccine by the same companies that make seasonal flu vaccine. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has conducted clinical trials for the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine has been tested and safely used in children, pregnant woman, and adults.
State H1N1 Resource Center / Flu Shot Locator - The most up-to-date H1N1 influenza information can be found at:http://www.nj.gov/health/flu/h1n1 This website includes links on where to find seasonal flu shots.
Morris County Resource Center/Flu Shot Locator - The most up-to-date H1N1 influenza information for Morris County can be found at http://www.morrishealth.org/. This website includes links on where to find both seasonal and H1N1 influenza shots.
Symptoms of H1N1 -The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills,and fatigue.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
Stay informed, and take everyday actions to stay healthy
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;germs spread that way. Stay home if you are sick!!!
H1N1
Key Facts about Swine Flu
What is Swine Influenza? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.
How many swine flu viruses are there? Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
Can humans catch swine flu? Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. For example, an outbreak of apparent swine flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient.
What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans? The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose,sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Can people catch swine flu from eating pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses. How does swine flu spread? Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission
through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What do we know about human-to-human spread of swine flu? In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized for pneumonia and died 8 days later. A swine H1N1 flu virus was detected. Four days before getting sick, the patient visited a county fair swine exhibition where there was widespread influenza-like illness among the swine. In follow-up studies, 76% of swine exhibitors tested had antibody evidence of swine flu infection but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggest that one to three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.
How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed? To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.
What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans? There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.
What other examples of swine flu outbreaks are there? Probably the most well known is an outbreak of swine flu among soldiers in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1976. The virus caused disease with x-ray evidence of pneumonia in at least 4 soldiers and 1 death; all of these patients had previously been healthy. The virus was transmitted to close contacts in a basic training environment, with limited transmission outside the basic training group. The virus is thought to have circulated for a month and disappeared. The source of the virus, the exact time of its introduction into Fort Dix, and factors limiting its spread and duration are unknown. The Fort Dix outbreak may have been caused by introduction of an animal virus into a stressed human population in close contact in crowded facilities during the winter. The swine influenza A
virus collected from a Fort Dix soldier was named A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1).
Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses? No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.
How does swine flu spread among pigs? Swine flu viruses are thought to be spread mostly through close contact among pigs and possibly from contaminated objects moving between infected and uninfected pigs. Herds with continuous swine flu infections and herds that are vaccinated against swine flu may have sporadic disease, or may show only mild or no symptoms of infection.
How common is swine flu among pigs? H1N1 and H3N2 swine flu viruses are endemic among pig populations in the United States and something that the industry deals with routinely. Outbreaks among pigs normally occur in colder weather months (late fall and winter) and sometimes with the introduction of new pigs into susceptible herds. Studies have shown that the swine flu H1N1 is common throughout pig populations worldwide, with 25 percent of animals showing antibody evidence of infection. In the U.S. studies have shown that 30 percent of the pig population has antibody evidence of having had H1N1 infection. More specifically, 51 percent of pigs in the north-central U.S. have been shown to have antibody evidence of infection with swine H1N1. Human infections with swine flu H1N1 viruses are rare. There is currently no way to
differentiate antibody produced in response to flu vaccination in pigs from antibody made in response to pig infections with swine H1N1 influenza. While H1N1 swine viruses have been known to circulate among pig populations since at least 1930, H3N2 influenza viruses did not begin circulating among US pigs until 1998. The H3N2 viruses initially were introduced into the pig population from humans. The current swine flu H3N2 viruses are closely related to human H3N2 viruses.
Source: Center for Disease Control Prepared by: Morris County Office of Health Management, 973-631-5484
FACTS ABOUT MRSA
MRSA is not new.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, or MRSA is not a new type of infection. MRSA cases have been identified in both hospitals and communities for decades. Although MRSA infections are more common in individuals who have a recent link to the healthcare system, MRSA infections have been increasing in the community in recent years.
MRSA is treatable.
Up to 30% of the general population is colonized with Staphylococcus aureus, meaning they can carry the bacteria on their skin or in the nose without being ill. Approximately 1% of the general population is colonized with the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium that is resistant to penicillin-related antibiotics (MRSA). Although MRSA infections do not respond to penicillin-related antibiotics, these infections can be treated with many other types of antibiotics. Often times, in the case of skin infections, antibiotics are not even needed if appropriate wound care is performed by a health care provider.
MRSA is rarely fatal.
MRSA infections acquired in the community (meaning not associated with a recent hospitalization or surgery) usually appear as a skin or soft tissue infection, such as a pimple, boil or abscess. MRSA cases are rarely fatal; death occurs when an untreated wound becomes a more serious infection, such as a blood infection. Referral to a healthcare provider for prompt evaluation of suspicious skin lesions can prevent more severe infections.
MRSA is spread through direct contact.
MRSA is primarily spread through dirct person-to-person contact with draining lesions from an infected person. As such, keeping any wounds bandaged and covered and practicing prudent hygiene are important ways to prevent transmitting MRSA. MRSA can also be spread by touching objects that have been soiled with drainage from an infected wound, such as soiled bandages or contaminated athletic equipment, although this is less common than direct person-to-person spread. The risk of transmitting MRSA in a school is even smaller, where there is less physical contact with draining wounds and less frequent sharing of contaminated personal items.
STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS
Washing your hands regularly throughout the day can greatly help to keep cold and flu germs at bay. Protect your family by washing for at least 30 second with soap and warm water. Hint - it takes about 30 seconds to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
Have you ever wondered what would happen if your child got sick or hurt and you were not within reach? Are you going away and leaving your children under the care of a sitter? An authorization form is available under "Document Manager"; now you can download it and complete the form for those special times. It must be notarized to be considered valid.
The Family Support Network was established through the Home & School Association over ten years ago. It was put into action to help RVS families in need. If you would like more information please contact me at extension 361 or if you know of someone who is in need please let me know. |
TEN ACTIONS TO CONTROL ASTHMA TRIGGERS IN YOUR HOME
1. No smoking indoors or in the car.
2. Cover mattresses,box springs, and pillows withspecial allergy-proof encasings.
3. Remove carpet in the bedroom or vacuum often.
4. Regularly clean your home to remove dust.
5. Wash bedding in hot water weekly.
6. Fix leaks and moisture problems.
7. Store all food in air-tight containers or in the refrigerator.
8. Clean up crumbs and dirty dishes and remove garbage daily.
9. Keep cats, dogs, and caged pets out of your home.
10. Avoid using products with strong odors around family members with asthma.
These action steps can reduce asthma triggers. This can reduce asthma attacks.
Remember, Asthma Needs Action.
CONCUSSION INFORMATION
(ADAPTED FROM THE CDC AND THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CONCUSSIONS IN SPORTS)
A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a "ding" or a bump on the head can be serious. You can't see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek
medical attention right away.
Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
Headaches
"Pressure in head"
Nausea or vomiting
Neck pain
Balance problems or dizziness
Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling sluggish or slowed down
Feeling foggy or groggy
Drowsiness
Change in sleep patterns
Amnesia
"Don't feel right"
Fatigue or low energy
Sadness
Nervousness or anxiety
Irritability
More emotional
Confusion
Concentration or memory problems
Repeating the same question/comment
Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches include:
Appears dazed
Vacant facial expression
Confused about assignment
Forgets plays
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily or displays lack of coordination
Answers questions slowly
Slurs speech
Shows behavior or personality changes
Can't recall events prior to hit
Can't recall events after hit
Seizures or convulsions
Any change in typical behavior or personality
Loses consciousness
What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns to soon?
Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athlete will often under report symptoms of injuries, and concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for student-athlete's safety.
If you think your child has suffered a concussion…
Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. Remember it is better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
| 
