H1N1 Clinic

Stoddard County Public Health Center will be on campus hosting an H1N1 Clinic for our students on Monday, December 14th (time is pending).
If you would like your child to participate in this clinic,please send back the permission slip/questionnaire that was sent home last week.
We are happy to have Stoddard County Public Health Center join us in keeping our students healthy!

H1N1 Flu Mist Clinic

The Stoddard County Public Health Center will be hosting an H1N1 influenza vaccine clinic on Tuesday, October 27th & Wednesday October 28th from 8 am -12 pm & 1 pm - 4pm. This clinic will be available for all healthy children ages 2-18 that can receive the Flu Mist (live) nasal spray vaccine. There will be no charge for these vaccinations. Further vaccination clinics will be planned as more vaccine becomes available. At this time, the Flu Mist (nasal spray) is the only type of vaccine that is available for this clinic.
Those that should NOT get the Flu Mist being offered at this time are as follows:
*anyone with a severe (life threatening)allergy to eggs or any other substance in the vaccine
*anyone with a weakened immune system
*Anyone with a long-term health problem
*Children younger than 5 with asthma
*anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems
*anyone with long-term aspirin treatment
*anyone who is pregnant
If you are moderately or severely ill, or are experiencing nasal congestion, you might be advised to wait until you recover before getting the vaccine.
If you have any questions feel free to contact the Stoddard County Health Center at 573-568-4593

Seasonal Flu Shots at the Stoddard County Health Department

The Stoddard County Health Department will be giving Seasonal Flu shots!

Adults on:

Tuesday 8:30 - 4:00
Wednesday 8:30 - 4:00
The cost is $20.00 per injection.

Children on:

Thursday 8:30 - 4:00
Friday 8:30 - 4:00

They have the injection and mist available.
Free to children

HPV/Tdap Shot Clinics

Parents,
The Stoddard County Health Center will be here on campus to administer the HPV and Tdap booster.
* If you child participated in the HPV clinics last year, this will be the 3rd and last in the series. Your student will need to pick up the permission slip and questionnaire and return it to my office before Sept 11th.
* If your student did not participate in the HPV Clinic held last year and you would like for her to begin the injection series, you may do that as well. Your student will also need to pick up the same sheets and have them signed and to my office before Sept. 11th.
* I mailed out letters yesterday to the parents/guardians of student who are due for their 10 year tetanus booster. If you receive this letter your student may participate in the clinic here on campus (the required paperwork is in the letter also). If you want your child to have this booster here on campus, please have those permission slips to me before Sept. 11th as well.

There is no cost for either of these injections. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. As always, we appreciate the Health Department and their partnership with Bloomfield Schools.

Big Smiles

This year we are partnering with a program called Big Smiles. It is an in-school oral health program that has been featured on Fox News and CNN.
This program focuses on reducing absenteeism related to dental heath issues and improving instructional time.

A note from Big Smiles:

Did you know students can receive dental care right here at school? The program is FREE if your child is covered by Medicaid or similar programs and there are some no-cost resources available for the uninsured as well. Your child will receive a consent form that explains the program. The dentist will visit the school from time to time and provide exams, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride, sealants and even fillings!! Also, our student will be taught how to care for their teeth and the dangers of tobacco products. If you did not receive a consent form, please call the dental program at (800)409-2563.

Flu Prevention

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As the flu season is quickly approaching we at Bloomfield School want you to know that we are working diligently to ensure the health of our staff and students. We are monitoring the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Flu.Gov websites daily. We are also staying in contact in contact with the Stoddard County Public Health Center among other resources in our community. Knowledge is power.

Here are a few things we are doing in our school system:

*Pandemic Flu Policy created
*Stoddard County Health Center Asst. Director educated our staff on the flu and flu prevention
*Collaborating with the local Health Department and established points of contact
*Communication with parents through school blogs pages, letters home etc.
*In the process of installing hand sanitizer pumps throughout the hallways in each building along with the cafeteria and gym
*We are teaching our student flu prevention habits such as:
-washing our hands
-avoid touching your nose/mouth (if using a kleenex, dispose of it immediately)
-coughing or sneezing into the crook of your arm
*Keeping our bathrooms stocked with soap and paper towels
*Keeping alcohol based sanitizers in each room when soap is not available
*Regularly cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms, cafeterias, doorknobs, keyboards etc.

Here are a few things you can do at home:

*Don't Panic
*Be sure your phone/work numbers are current
*Reinforce flu prevention habits at home such as those listed above
*If your child is displaying flu like symptoms, keep them home for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever without the use of fever reducing medicines. This assists in keeping their viruses to themselves rather than sharing with others.
*Consider vaccinations for your family

Thank you for helping us keep your children healthy. We will continue to monitor and keep you informed as the year goes on. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at: vwilliams@bps14.org or call 568-4562.

Sincerely,

Vicki Williams, RN
Bloomfield R-14 School Nurse

First Week Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the new school year gets underway it is time to send you some tips and updates of the school year and what's going on in the nurse's office.

First I want to thank all the parents/guardians for getting their students physicals, vision exams, and immunizations in to our office.

We still have a few students who are in need of their 10 year booster. I will be re-submitting letters soon.

Also as the first full week comes to an end I have already begun to see ill students. I spoke with a pediatric nurse (Nurse Brandi Rocks!!) along with the Stoddard County Public Health Center (you too Amy!!) and have been informed that there are two issues they have seen.

1. Strep Throat

2. A virus that begins with a severe headache that leads to high fevers that are lasting 6-7 days.

As we are preparing to keep our students healthy in the upcoming year I am going to post some tips on how to stop germs.


How Germs Spread

The main way that illnesses like colds and flu are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This is called "droplet spread."
This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Sometimes germs also can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

How to Stop the Spread of Germs

In a nutshell: take care to
• Cover your mouth and nose
• Clean your hands often
• Remind your children to practice healthy habits, too

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

The "Happy Birthday" song helps keep your hands clean?
Not exactly. Yet we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. That's about the same time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice!

Alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers work too

When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

If your child is sick please keep them home.

Your child must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of medications in order to return to school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at: vwilliams@bps14.org

Thank you for helping me keep our children healthy!

Registration - August 7th

Welcome Back Wildcats!

We will be hosting campus wide registration on August 7th. If you have received notice in the mail from me regarding updating your child's immunizations; please bring proof that it has been completed or your child will not be allowed to begin the school year.

You will have the opportunity on this date to bring in medications and address any medical issues and/or concerns.

We are looking forward to another great school year!

Swine Flu

The Stoddard County Public Heath Center is fully aware of the developing swine flu situation. We have increased our disease surveillance and are in constant contact with state health officials. As of April 27th, no cases of swine flu have been identified in Missouri. If cases do appear in Missouri, your local public health agency will advise citizens if further protective measure are to be taken.

What is swine flu?
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. In late March and early April, cases of human infection with H1N1 swine flu were reported in several countries and in locations within in United States.

How is swine flu spread?
Swine flu is spread like seasonal flu, when a person coughs or sneezes, sending contaminated droplets into the air where another person may inhale them. Sometimes people may become infected by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching their own eyes, nose or mouth.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, runny or stuffy nose and fatigue. Some people have reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause underlying chronic medical conditions to worsen.

Who is at risk for getting swine flu?
Cases of swine flu have most commonly occurred in people who have direct contact with infected swine. People can also get sick from other infected people. A person who has swine flu may be able to infect other people one day before his/her symptoms develop to seven days after showing symptoms.

What is the best way to protect myself against swine flu?
At this time the public is encouraged to protect themselves by following common sense, proven disease prevention methods, including--
*Frequent hand washing with soap and water
*Keeping a distance of at least six feet from people who are sick
*Avoid touching your own eyes, mouth or nose
Individuals who are sick are encouraged to protect the community by--
*Staying home while ill
*Covering their cough or sneeze with a tissue or their sleeve
*Avoid sharing personal items such as utensils, drinks or a toothbrush with family members

What should I do if I develop symptoms of swine flu?
People who develop flu-like symptoms AND have a history of recent travel to a location where cases of swine flu have been confirmed OR have had close personal contact with someone who has a confirmed case of swine flu, should contact their health care provider.

How is swine flu treated?
Two anitviral medications are currently proving to be effective against the strain of swine flu currently circulating in the United States. However, antiviral medication may not be necessary for most people to recover from flu viruses. A decision can best be made by each individual's health care provider.

Free Glasses!!!

In case you have a child or know of someone who does (ages 12 and under),
they can get a FREE pair of eyeglasses from Target:

Target is doing a special promotion for their optical service.  It could end
any time but will definitely end no later than April 29th..
Children 12 and under can get a free pair of glasses.
They need to bring in a valid prescription for glasses from their doctor and
Target will let the child pick from about 40 different frames.  They will
place their best lenses in the frames which are non-glare and scratch
resistant and normally sell for $200.00.   There are no income guidelines.
Any child 12 or under is eligible.

You can find stores with optical departments at www.target.com  to confirm
they are participating before making a trip to their store.

Please pass this information on to anyone who can benefit from this
promotional offer.  If you know someone with lost or broken glasses please
share this information with them ASAP, as the promotion could end at any
time.  They would like families to come in as soon as they can.

Thanks to Mrs.Kellie Reese for sending this to me!

Flu Basics

Influenza - Topic Overview

What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza (flu) is a viral infection. People often use the term "flu" to describe any kind of mild illness, such as a cold or a stomach virus, that has symptoms like the flu. But the real flu is different. Flu symptoms are usually worse than a cold and last longer. The flu usually does not cause vomiting or diarrhea.

Most flu outbreaks happen in late fall and winter.

What causes the flu?

The flu is caused by influenza viruses A and B. There are different strains, or types, of the flu virus every year.

What are the symptoms?

The flu causes a fever, body aches, a headache, a dry cough, and a sore or dry throat. You will probably feel tired and less hungry than usual. The symptoms usually are the worst for the first 3 or 4 days. But it can take 1 to 2 weeks to get completely better.

It usually takes 1 to 4 days to get symptoms of the flu after you have been around someone who has the virus.

Most people get better without problems. But sometimes the flu can lead to a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection, a sinus infection, or bronchitis. In rare cases, the flu may cause a more serious problem, such as pneumonia.

Certain people are at higher risk of problems from the flu. They include young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with long-term illnesses or with impaired immune systems that make it hard to fight infection.

How is the flu diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. This usually gives the doctor enough information to find out if you have the flu, especially if many cases of a similar illness have occurred in the area and the local health department reports a flu outbreak.

In some cases, the doctor may do a blood test or take a sample of fluid from your nose or throat to find out what type of flu virus you have.

How is it treated?

Most people can treat flu symptoms at home. Home treatment includes resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicine to lower your fever.

If you think you have the flu, your doctor may be able to give you medicine that can make the symptoms milder. But you need to start taking it within 2 days of your first symptoms.

Can the flu be prevented?

You can help prevent the flu by getting the flu vaccine every year. The best time to get the vaccine is in October or November, just before the start of flu season. You can get the vaccine as a shot or in a spray that you breathe in through your nose.

Influenza - Home Treatment

If you have influenza, you can expect the illness to go away on its own in about 7 to 10 days. In the meantime, you can take steps to feel better:

• Get extra rest. Bed rest can help you feel better. It will also help you avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost from fever. Fluids also ease a scratchy throat and keep nasal mucus thin. Hot tea with lemon, water, fruit juice, and soup are all good choices.
• If fever is uncomfortable, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower it. You may also sponge your body with lukewarm water to reduce fever. Do not use cold water or ice. Lowering the fever will not make your symptoms go away faster, but it may make you more comfortable.
• To relieve body aches and headache, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Try a decongestant or nasal spray if your main symptom is a stuffy nose. Look for a single-ingredient decongestant that contains phenylephrine. If nasal drainage is thick, a decongestant that contains guaifenesin may help keep it thin and draining. Do not use medicated nasal sprays or drops more often than directed, and don't use them for longer than 3 days.
• To help clear a stuffy nose, breathe moist air from a hot shower or from a sink filled with hot water.
• Avoid antihistamines. They do not treat flu symptoms and may make nasal drainage thicker.
• If the skin around your nose and lips becomes sore from repeated rubbing with tissues, apply a bit of petroleum jelly to the area. Using disposable tissues that contain lotion also may help.
• Use cough drops or plain, hard candy to help ease coughing.
• Take a nonprescription cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan if you develop a dry, hacking cough. Some products contain a high percentage of alcohol. Use them with caution. Do not give cough and cold medicines to a child younger than 2 unless your child’s doctor has told you to. If your child’s doctor tells you to give a medicine, be sure to follow what he or she tells you to do.
• Elevate your head at night with an extra pillow if coughing keeps you awake.
• Avoid smoking and breathing secondhand smoke. This is good advice any time, but it is especially important when you have a respiratory infection like a cold or the flu.

Call your doctor if:

• Your symptoms improve but then seem to get worse again.
• You develop symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as a new or worse cough that produces yellow, green, rust-colored, or bloody mucus; persistent fever, ear pain, sore throat, sinus pain, or productive cough; or nasal drainage that changes from clear to colored after 7 to 10 days.

CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

February is Children's Dental Health Month, a good time to think about how your children's eating habits affect their teeth.

The right nutrition for healthy teeth starts with the Food Guide Pyramid. Although calcium helps build strong teeth and bones, many foods in the Food Guide Pyramid contain nutrients that help maintain a healthy smile. Choose snacks like fresh vegetables, fruits, yogurt or cheese.

Keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Go easy on between-meal snacks. When you do snack, try to eat the snack at one time rather than nibbling on it over a long period. If possible, brush right after eating. If brushing is not possible, at least rinse your mouth well.

Here's a link to an online game for children all about dental health!

http://www.mouthpower.org/

AMERICAN HEART MONTH

Heart disease is the number-one killer of women in America. As estrogen levels drop with menopause, women no longer have the same protection estrogen gives them from heart disease and high blood pressure. As a result, women's heart disease risks parallel those of men.

If you haven't done so already, start protecting yourself today by making heart-healthy choices:

• Eat a variety of colorful fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fatty fish, legumes and other lean protein sources.
• Choose foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
• Be moderately physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, if not every day.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Your heart disease risk is higher if most of your body fat is around your abdomen, rather than your hips and thighs.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Choose and prepare foods with little salt and consume potassium-rich foods to hinder sodium's effect on your blood pressure.

FOR NATIONAL HEART MONTH, MAKE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES

February is National Heart Month, when good nutrition is truly at the "heart"of the matter.

A healthy heart is the result of good genes, the right food choices, plenty of physical activity and knowing how to deal with stress.

While you can't do much about your genes, regular physical activity, making the right food choices and dealing with stress are lifestyle behaviors you can control. When it comes to heart-healthy eating, one key is monitoring the type and amount of fat you consume.

Limit foods high in saturated fat, which can increase LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels. Instead, eat more plant proteins, fish, poultry and low-fat dairy foods. Cook with moderate amounts of olive or canola oil instead of butter, margarine or shortening.

Some examples of foods for heart health include:

• Beans, peas and barley
• Soybeans, other soy-based foods (not soybean oil)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel
• Red grapes and purple grape juice
• Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts
• Green or black tea
• Onions, scallions, shallots, garlic and leeks.

Maintain or improve your weight. The more excess body fat you have, the greater your risk for heart disease. If you're overweight, losing weight can help you lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, which is especially important if you have high triglycerides and/or low HDL cholesterol and carry excess abdominal fat. Those who carry a "spare tire" around their abdomen have a higher cardiac risk than those with extra padding around their hips and thighs.

Get active! Physical activity offers many rewards, from heart health to strong bones and stress relief. Regular, moderate activity helps keep your blood cholesterol levels normal. It helps lower blood pressure, helps your body control stress and helps control body weight as you burn calories. More vigorous exercise actually gives your heart muscle a workout, too, which ultimately helps your whole cardiovascular system work more efficiently.

Unless you have a health problem, you probably can start moving more now. Talk to your health-care provider if you have ongoing health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis or obesity.

For more information on heart-healthy eating, visit www.eatright.org/healthyheart.

From the American Dietetic Association

FDA Salmonella Widget

Peanut Butter Recall Update

We are continuing to monitor the Peanut Butter containing food products to ensure they are not part of the recalled peanut butter sources identified by the CDC. We are able to monitor this information on a dailybasis through the Missouri Department of Elementary and SecondaryEducation, the United States Centers for Disease Control and the StateHealth Department.
Here are a few links for your information as well:

Food and Drug Administration
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm

A CDC Podcast
http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=10684

HPV Clinic on Campus!

UPDATE: We had 41 girls participate in our clinic. Thank you to all parents and a special thanks to Amy and Ramona at the Stoddard County Heath Center!!!


January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. This month Bloomfield Schools, along with the Stoddard County Health Center will be hosting an HPV clinic for all girls 18 and under attending both the middle school and the high school on Friday, January 23rd. There is no cost for the vaccine. Information will be sent home containing details about the vaccine for girls in middle school. Girls in high school are free to pick up the paperwork in the office. Permission slips will be included in this paperwork.

Please have your daughter's permission slip turned in to me no later than Friday, January 16th. In addition I have added links to my page, where you can go to read more on HPV and the HPV vaccine. If you have questions, please feel free to call or email me at vwilliams@mail.bloomfield.k12.mo.us, or the Stoddard County Health Dept., at 568-4593.

Center for Disease Control Cervical Cancer/HPV Information

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CervicalCancer/

Merck Vaccines

https://www.merckvaccines.com/gardasilProductPage_frmst.html?WT_mc.id=GL0AR

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_FAQ_HPV_Vaccines.asp?sitearea=

Kaiser EDU
http://www.kaiseredu.org/topics_im.asp?parentID=72&imID=1&id=609

National Cervical Cancer
http://www.nccc-online.org/