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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEAD LICE: Lice are tiny insects, about the size of a sesame seed.  They live in your hair and bite your scalp when they are looking for food.  They lay eggs on the hair shaft near the scalp, so that their hatchlings can go directly to the scalp for their first meal.  They do not carry disease, but can cause itching and skin irritation that will be uncomfortable. Children get head lice when they come in close contact with another child who has them.  They are spread by sharing combs, brushes, pillows, or articles of clothing.  Taking baths and shampooing hair will not kill head lice. So it doesn't matter if you're clean or dirty.  Head lice don't care.  They are just looking for a place to live and plenty of food to eat.  Their food is human blood. Lice cannot jump or fly.  Lice crawl from person to person on furniture, carpets, bedding or stuffed toys. Lice can live as long as 30 days while feeding on blood every 3-6 hours, and laying 50-150 eggs. The eggs hatch in 4-7 days and become adults in 2 weeks. Treatment for head lice can be found in any grocery or pharmacy.  Several products are available, but the most important part of treatment is combing all of the eggs (nits) out of the hair.  Because the eggs are cemented to the hair shaft by a chemical released from the louse, they will not fall out of the hair.  They must be combed out using a fine toothed comb. If any nits remain in the hair, they will continue to hatch and begin the cycle all over again. Most products specifically created to treat head lice will recommend a second treatment in order to kill the nits. Follow the directions on the package, step-by-step.  Not doing so, can be the reason why treatment doesn't work. Check your child's hair from time to time making sure the problem has not returned.  Early detection can reduce the number of treatments, saving time and money. Launder clothing and bedding in hot water (at least 130 degrees). Dry cleaning also kills lice and their nits. Seal stuffed toys, pillows, blankets or other soft items for 2 weeks in tightly closed plastic bags.  Vacuum carpets, curtains and furniture. Soak combs and brushes for 1 hour in lice shampoo or soak them 5-10 minutes in a pan of 130 degree water.  Do not use old-fashion remedies!  They do not work.  If you have any concerns or questions, please consult your doctor or call me for more information.

The School Health Advisory Council is a group of teachers, administrators, parents, community members, clergy, and coaches interested in assisting with development of our wellness curriculum.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Adm. Bldg. from 6:00-7:30PM. Food is provided.
We would like to see at least one parent participating from each campus. Please consider.

The Flu: What Parents Need To Know To Keep Kids Healthy

With flu season upon us, it is important that we work together to keep our children and school healthy. By keeping our children flu-free, we benefit the community as a whole. Additionally, healthy students miss fewer days of school, which results in less stress on the family.
What is the flu?
*The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the lungs, nose and throat
*Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes, can lead to death
*Each year in the United States:
***5-20 percent of Americans fall ill to the flu
***Children are 2-3 times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu, and they frequently spread the virus to others
*Young children are at the greatest risk for developing serious flu complicatioins, as well as the elderly and those with certain health conditions
How Does Flu Spread?
*There are two ways to get the flu. Usually flu is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The droplets that are released in the sneezing or coughing will travel up to 6 feet, which is why it is important to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, then wash your hands afterwards.
Did you know that hand washing is the single most important thing to do to prevent the spread of germs?
What Are The Common Symptoms of Flu?
Common symptoms of flu include: high fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches, exhaustion and dry cough
*Children often have additional flu symptoms that are rare in adults, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
*Symptoms of a common cold include: Stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and hacking cough
Simple Steps For Keeping Your Child Healthy
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent your child from getting the flu is to take him/her to get a flu vaccine.
You should talk to your child about practicing good health habits, such as:
*Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
(That is long enough to sing Happy Birthday or recite the ABC's)
*Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and disposing of the tissue in a proper trash receptacle
*Avoid sharing drinks, water bottles or silverware with others

You can help prevent the flu from spreading at home by disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, toys and other commonly shared items. Don't forget the phone, and door knobs!
Also, if someone in your household gets the flu, a doctor can prescribe a medication, called an antiviral, that can actually prevent other members of the household from catching the flu.
Studies show that some antiviral medications are up to 89% effective in preventing the flu when taken once daily for 7 days.

Don't Take The Flu Lying Down
If you are concerned about your child's flu symptoms, call your doctor early. Call your doctor immediately if your child has a chronic disease. Some children may benefit from antiviral medications, prescribed by your family doctor and can help lessen the duration of the virus and reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia.
To be effective, antiviral medications should be taken within 12-48 hours after flu symptoms begin
If your child has the flu, it is important for them to stay home from school, get the proper rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Please do not send them back to school until their fever is down below 100 for at least 24 hours and symptoms have subsided.
Thanks so much for helping us to stay healthy!

Healthy breakfast: The best way to begin your day

Please encourage your children to eat breakfast every day. So many are in a hurry to get to school but have forgotten the most important thing to do is to refuel the body. Select healthy options that fit your taste and lifestyle, and put breakfast back into your morning.

Breakfast not only starts your day off right, but also lays the foundation for lifelong health benefits. Those who eat breakfast are more likely to:

*Have better concentration and productivity throughout the morning.

*Control their weight

*Have lower cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease

Children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills, and eye-hand coordination, are more alert, creative and less likely to miss days of school, according to the American Dietetic Association.

A healthy breakfast should consisit of a variety of foods, for example, whole grains, low-fat protein or dairy sources, and fruit. This provides complex carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of fat---a combination that delays hunger symptoms for hours.

Whether you opt for traditional foods, such as yogurt, whole-grain muffins or ready-to-eat cereal, or less typical foods, such as leftover vegetable pizza or a fruit smoothie, you can get the nutrients and energy to start your day.

If your excuse for missing breakfast is lack of time, figure out what you'll eat the night before and get up 10 minutes earlier to enjoy it, or pack something to take with you.

Think you're saving calories by skipping breakfast? Chances are you'll be ravenous by lunchtime, which may lead you to eat more. Your morning meal doesn't have to mean loading up on sugar, fat, and cholesterol. Making nutritious breakfast choices can set you up for healthier eating all day long.

Think about it! Aren't you worth it?