Health & Wellness

December 5-11 is National Handwashing Awareness Week!

Good Handwashing impacts everyone!

By recognizing the importance of good handwashing, together we can keep our communities healthy by avoiding getting sick and spreading germs to others!  This reduces absenteeism for everyone.

References: CDC When and How to Wash Your Hands

Yearly, the third Thursday of November is the American Cancer Society Great American Smoke Out! Encourage your loved one to take the first step!

• Benefits of Quitting Smoking Over Time
• How to Quit Smoking or Smokeless Tobacco
• Smoking Habits Quiz
• Helping a Smoker Quit – Do’s and Don’ts

Reference: Great American Smokeout

 

Truancy vs. Chronic Absence; what is the difference?

DID YOU KNOW?

• Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
• Missing 10 percent (or about 18 days) can make it harder to learn to read.
• Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two days every few weeks.
• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
• Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college, and at work.

 

What families can do!

• Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required shots. Build regular routines for bed time and the morning.
• Talk about the importance of regular attendance and about how your child feels about school. Don’t permit missing school unless your child is truly sick.
• Use a thermometer to check for a fever.
• Remember that stomach aches and headaches may be signs of anxiety.
• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
• Keep a chart recording your child’s attendance at home.
• At the end of the week, talk with your child about what you see.
• Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Ask a family member, neighbor or another parent for help.
• Seek support from school staff or community groups to help with transportation, health problems, or no safe path to school.

• Parkland School District and COVID-19
• COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
• CDC Symptoms of COVID-19

DON’T WAIT -----------VACCINATE NOW
FOR ATTENDANCE IN ALL GRADES

4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis*  (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday) 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)** 2 doses of measles, mumps, rubella *** 3 doses of hepatitis B 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine or history of diseas * Usually given as DTP or DTaP or if medically advisable DT or Td  ** A fourth dose is not necessary if the third dose was administered at age 4 years or older and at least 6 months after the previous dose. *** Usually given as MMR

FOR ATTENDANCE IN 7^th GRADE:

• 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)
• 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)

 FOR ATTENDANCE IN 12^th GRADE:

• 2^nd dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) at age 16 or older.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, a child must have had a least one dose of the above vaccinations or risk exclusion. If additional doses are still needed, the dose(s) must be received within the FIRST FIVE (5) DAYS OF SCHOOL, if medically appropriate, NEW or risk exclusion.

These requirements allow for medical reasons and religious/philosophical beliefs.  If your child is exempt from immunizations, he/she may be removed from school during an outbreak.

Pennsylvania’s school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA. CODE CH.23 (School Immunization)

Contact your health care provider or 1-877 PA HEALTH for more information

Reference; http://www.health.pa.gov/My%20Health/Immunizations/Documents/Don't%20Wait.%20Vaccinate%20Flyer.pdf

 

Summer (June 21) is almost here, and now is the perfect chance to prepare for spending additional time in the sun. The longer days and warmer weather open up the availability of many outdoor activities. Whether you are biking in the mountains, taking a trip to the beach, or staying cool with a healthy picnic in the shade, here are some resources to keep you safe and comfortable in the sun: 

• Common sense rules for summer fun
• Expert safety vacation tips
• Healthy dishes for your summer picnic
• Protect your peepers from the sun
• How to select safer sunglasses
• 6 ways to head off summer migraines
• Beat the heat this summer

Learn more: https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/tips-to-beat-the-heat-this-summer/

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

 

 

There has been periodic times of isolation and uncertainty, and it is normal to feel anxious and stressed. Know that you are not alone! While helping others is important, it is also crucial to take care of yourself. For Mental Health Awareness Month, take some time to discover strategies that can help you improve and support your mental well-being yearlong.

 

• Mental health awareness: Let's talk
• The magic of meditation
• Be here now, present and aware
• Exercise can help with anxiety / depression
• Stay focused by taking a mindfulness break

 

Learn more: https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/mental-health-awareness-lets-talk/

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Like many people you may be experiencing extra stress during this time. In recognition of April as Stress Awareness Month, consider adopting these healthful habits to reduce your stress! If you do try some of these stress reducing tips, don’t forget to reach out to your family and friends, one of the best forms of stress reduction is a listening ear!

 

• Mental and physical health are equally important
• 9 tips for relieving work stress
• Pet your stress away
• Provide validation to support stressed family and friends

Learn more: https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/using-mindfulness-to-relieve-work-stress/

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Too much time plugged in can be detrimental to one's health. Once a week, take a day to unplug with your family and recharge with Screen-Free Saturdays! Going outside can positively impact mental health and helps to strengthen immune systems. Take a day of virtual learning outdoors! Here are some resources for staying safe outdoors and activities suitable for any space.

• Screen-Free Saturdays
• The pitfalls of too much screen time
• What is the right age to give your child a smartphone?
• More play, less sitting helps children grown healthy
• Grandparents are softies on screen time
• Safe indoor and outdoor activities for families
• A guide to safe outdoor activities during the coronavirus pandemic
• Kids with social, emotional and physical disabilities go outside!
• 10 outdoor spring activities to do with kids with developmental disabilities
• Social media, screen time linked to depression in teens, study says

Learn more: https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/safe-indoor-and-outdoor-activities-for-families-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

It is time to break out the board games and get creative! This extra time at home may be challenging as we adjust to the new norm, but it presents a unique opportunity for exploration. Make the most of your time at home and check out these services that are being offered for free!

• Take a virtual field trip
• Family story time, Audible is now free
• Staying active, while staying home
• Make virtual at-home learning active
• Take care of yourself with these workplace wellness resources
• 250+ ways to keep your family sane

Learn more: https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/staying-healthy-and-active-with-virtual-and-at-home-learning/

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

 

America is celebrating national Farmers Market Week, and so can you! Buy local, stock up on fresh fruits, veggies and more this weekend. Find a local farmer's market, roadside stand, or farm stand near you! 

 

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Is technology taking over your life? Research shows that children, ages 8 to 18, spend more time with technology than any activity other than sleeping. Help your family achieve more balance by rediscovering the joys of life beyond smartphones and television screens. Skip the screen and unplug outdoors to celebrate Move It Outside Day (May 1) and Screen-Free Week (April 29-May 5). Consider taking small steps to increase physical activity levels to improve health and well-being all year round.

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Stress affects most Americans at one point or another. Much like having a house cluttered with items you don’t really need, it’s easy for emotions, like stress, to pile up. The mounds of stress can stand in your way of feeling calm, clear-headed and in control of your life. Address any stress or exhaustion you may be feeling. Find ways to streamline your thoughts and tame your emotions to help put your best self forward. Consider these strategies to help manage stress and learn how to incorporate practicing self-care. 

 

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) Resources

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Stop the Spread of GermsPDF Download FlyerPDF Download
• Coronavirus Fact SheetPDF Download
• What to Do if You Are Sick With CoronavirusPDF Download
• Preventing Coronavirus (COVID-19) from Spreading
• COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

General Preventative Measures

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick.
• Cough or sneeze into an elbow or use a tissue and place immediately in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

What we are doing at Parkland School District

• Disinfecting desks, door knobs, school bus seats, phones and all public areas each evening
• Increasing the availability of hand sanitizer (all high use areas already have wall-mounted stations)
• Posting flyers throughout public areas and restrooms about how to (Stop the Prevention of Germs)
• Rotating whole room disinfection machines through school nurse suites and athletic areas

Parkland Resources

• An Ounce of Prevention (English Version)
• An Ounce of Prevention (Chinese Version)
• An Ounce of Prevention (Spanish Version)
• An Ounce of Prevention (Urdu Version)

High blood pressure (also referred to as HBP, or hypertension) is when your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high.

Facts about high blood pressure

 

Reference: American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure