District Specialists Share Health Tips For Students

By Steve Bonanno

It is only a matter of weeks until students are back at school, and with their return to the classroom comes the need to remain healthy.

Reed Intermediate School nurse Pat Philipp warns parents that students should not wait until the last night of summer to start readjusting their sleep schedule.

“Start a couple of weeks ahead and begin to readjust bedtime to the time you use during the school year,” said Ms Philipp. “If your children have become used to sleeping in, start to wake them up in the morning.”

School age kids need ten to 12 hours of sleep a night and teens need eight-and-a-half to nine-and-a-half hours a night. What is also important in promoting students’ health is a good breakfast.

“It is hard for some students to think about eating a healthy breakfast before leaving for school, but a little preplanning may help,” said Newtown High School nurse Anne Dalton. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. A smoothie with yogurt and fruit or an egg sandwich can be taken ‘to go’ for students who have trouble making time to eat in the morning. Healthy snacks and lunches keep kids alert and energized through the school day.”

It is also important for backpacks to not be too heavy. Ms Philipp explained that a student’s backpack should have wide shoulder straps, a padded back and a waist strap to help distribute weight evenly. Multiple compartments will also help to balance the load and children should carry no more than ten to 15 percent of their body weight in their backpacks. Parents should check the weight of their child’s backpack periodically throughout the school year.

Communication between parents and the school is also important. Ms Philipp explained that the school nurse should be notified of any contagious illnesses, special health problems, or allergies.

“If your child has a temperature of 100 or higher or is vomiting, keep them home,” said Ms Philipp. “They should remain at home until their temperature has been normal for 24 hours without medication.”

In addition to staying home when they are sick, Ms Dalton urges students to make washing their hands a habit to prevent spreading germs.

Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert reminds students that health risks are not just limited to the classroom. The threat of disease from ticks and mosquitoes is still an issue even during the school year.

“The Newtown Health District continues to promote its BLAST message,” said Ms Culbert, “which is an acronym for the five simple actions an individual can take to reduce their risk of tick borne disease: Bathing after spending time outdoors, Looking your body over for ticks after being outside, Avoiding ticks when ever possible, Safeguarding your yard for ticks, and Treatment if bitten by a tick.”

Mosquitoes are also a threat with the risk of catching West Nile virus.

“Mosquitoes require water for reproduction,” said Ms Culbert. “The best way to reduce mosquitoes around the house is to eliminate standing water suitable for them. Ways to do this are to clean clogged roof gutters, change bird bath water weekly, clean and chlorinate swimming pools, drill holes in recycling containers, and turn over objects that may trap water when they are not being used.”

Ms Culbert also stressed the importance of students doing what they can to prevent the spread of germs. She said students should “cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing and sneezing and avoiding touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.”

Following all these tips will help students remain healthy and in class this up coming school year.