Back Strain

Backpacks - A help or a hindrance? As a school nurse I am concerned about increasing student complaints of pain in the back, shoulders and neck. It would appear according to the Journal for School Health, that sixth graders carry the heaviest pack of all and the average student in middle school carries three books, two binders, sports equipment and personal items. Students often has poorly constructed backpack, wear the backpack improperly, and carry weights that exceed 20% of their weight. Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics for choosing the correct backpack:

Improper use of backpack is serious, especially for children who are more susceptible to injury because their bodies are developing.Maybe as a parent take few minutes to weight your childÕs pack once this year you might be surprised, instruct them in the need for back stability and good posture, it will prevent injury.

Conjunctivitis Information

Conjunctivitis. Sounds bad, doesn't it? Also known as pink eye, we have had several cases in the school in the last few weeks and it usually looks worse than it is. The conjunctiva is the moist lining of the eye and the inner surfaces of the eyelids. The part around the front of the eye is thin and transparent and becomes characteristically 'pink' when it's inflamed. How to tell if you have it? Your eye looks pink, of course, and there might be yellow drainage or pus (exudate) in the corner of the eye, or on the eyelid margins, and crusts in the eyelashes. That makes the eye itchy. If there is pus, the conjunctivitis has probably been caused by bacteria and you should see your doctor for some drops or ointment. Bacteria is the cause in about half the cases of pink eye and it resolves quickly with eye medication. If your eye is pink and watery but there is no pus, it may be the result of a virus or allergy and it will clear up on its' own in 3 - 5 days without treatment. Management however, in both cases use cool compresses to make your eye more comfortable, wear your glasses instead of contacts if you need them, and wash your hands frequently. Pink eye is quite contagious and we often spread it ourselves from one eye to other so be careful when scratching or wiping. After washing your hands use your own towel and don't share it with the rest of the family. That way you are more likely to keep the pink eye to yourself! Although it is contagious, it is not medically necessary to keep your student home for more than a day. Thankfully, pink eye doesn't last long and doesn't leave any permanent damage.

Head Lice Information

There are a few cases of head lice in our school at this time.This letter includes some information about pediculosis or head lice that may be helpful to you if you find lice in your family. Please remember that head lice is not a reflection of ones hygiene. It is a very common childhood problem that can be dealt with effectively and quickly. How did my child get head lice? - Primary route of transmission is via head-to-head contact. (school, playground,home). Consequently,focusing attention on the risks within a particular classroom sometimes misses the source of the infestation. - By using infested clothing, combs, brushes or towels - By lying on a bed, couch, carpet. What do head lice look like? Adult head lice are as long as a sesame seed, their appearance range from nearly colorless to almost black. A nit is an egg that can contain hundreds of lice. At skin temperature, most eggs take 7 days for the embryos to complete development.Majority of eggs are laid around back of the head. They resemble dandruff at first . The distinguishing difference is that these pearly white "specs" are attached to the hair shaft. Live lice are fast and are tiny, amazingly they can take on the childs hair color so may be difficult to see at first. Lice do not jump but can be spread by direct contact. Itching is a symptom that does occur with pediculosis but not always. Treatment Genaral Measures The following measures apply to all members of the household - Check carefully for living lice, preferably using a plastic, fine-toothed comb. This should be part of routine care anyway during school year. - Use the medicated shampoo, follow instruction. - Machine-wash all the clothing and linen in hot water. Dry in the dryerÕs hot air cycle. - Dry-clean non washable items or seal in a plastic bag ( pillow, stuffed animals) for 10 days. - Soak combs, brushes, barrettes for 20 minutes in the same medication solution that is used for the head. - Spray ( with Para, Lysol or similar product) all furniture that come in contact with infected body. - Vacuum the floor and furniture. Which Head Lice Medication (Pediculicides) is best for me? Most treatment used involve in over-the-counter products contain permethrin or pyrethrum extract. It is important to read the product instructions completely and to follow them. For example, if should be applied to damp hair after towel drying, it should not be applied in the shower. Do not use products with Lindane. Brands available in U.A.E.: Para shampoo and spray, Cusitrin.Jacutin - Before applying treatment, remove all clothing from the waist. - Do not use hair conditioners, may reduce the quantity of permethrin that remains bound to the hair and limits the residual effect. - Hair and scalp should be saturated with the preparation. - Put on clean clothing after treatment - Check hair every 2-3 days and remove any nits or lice you see. - Treatment should be repeated in 7 to 10 days. - Check all treated persons for 2-3 weeks after you think nits are gone. After washing, you may wish to perform nit removal: - Comb the hair with fine tooth comb until he hair is completely free of nits you can use thumbnail, tweezers, it is easier to manage one nit at a time. - Remove lice outside where light is better and the chance of them falling on the household floor is less. Dispose of the removed nits in a plastic bag. - Lice can be killed with heat. Use a blow dryer on the hair after the medicated shampoo. After treatment regime has been completed, regular follow-up checks still need to be performed. If families perform the same routine, transmission can be brought to a halt. Please remember to reassure your little student. Head lice are common and no reflection on the childs hygiene. Thank you and good luck. If you have any doubt about your child I will perform the check!

COLD OR A FLU?

I have seen many students with a fever, sorethroat.....IS IT A COLD OR A FLU?

NOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN DIAGNOSIS! IF STUDENT EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE COUGH, FEVER, SEND THEM TO HO OTHERWISE STUDENTS ARE NOT HARMED BY ATTENDING SCHOOL.

Chicken Pox

Chicken pox (Varicella Zoster) is returning! Cases have been diagnosed, one in KG-2 and one in grade 4 (same family). Briefly, chicken pox is a highly contagious viral disease spread by direct contact or breathing in germs from someone's cough or sneeze. The symptoms will occur 10 to 21 days after exposure: low grade fever, runny nose, slight cough, headache, tiredness.....these symptoms occur 24-48 hours before the spots appear on the body.Chicken pox is contagious 1-2 days before the rash appears until all blisters have formed scabs. You can help decrease the itching with Calamine lotion, baking soda bath, wear cotton, avoid heat, acetaminophen for fever, DO NOT use aspirin product. Do not send your child to school until all the pox are crusted.A vaccine (Varivax) exists to prevent chicken pox, for more information consult your pediatrician.