Hey Mama's,
Summer Break is officially over, and a new school year is underway. It seems like the Summer flew by, but I decided to do my best to better prepare for whats to come.
Focusing on a healthier school year, I reflected on all that transpired health-wise in the previous year. As a nurse at a community health clinic, I help take care of a number of children sent home from school due to acute illness. These illnesses not only affect them, but the family, classroom, and the community. Taking care of one child, then translates to taking care of communities.
My own pre-schooler had a few absences last school year due to sickness.
Ear Infection
Bronchitis
Ear Infection
Ear Infection
Asthma Exacerbation
Yup - none of those listed above are mistypes. My kid had 3 REPEAT EAR INFECTION. Sounds familiar to anyone ?
Not to mention one third of the class contracted pink eye (thank God we dodged that bullet).
Prevention is key ! So with this all in mind, I put together a few tips for a healthy school year. I hope this is useful.
1. Elderberry + Probiotics
Elderberry is a natural supplement plant derivative that has a number of health benefits. We started using it late in the season last year, and I can attest that it shortened the duration of illness and even help prevent the onset.
Here is my Mom Perspective for reasons my kids use elderberry:
- Promotes Immune health
- Liquid Formulation
- High in Vitamin C
- Tasty
With my kid diagnosed with 3 repeat ear infection among other sickness, he was prescribed antibiotics which without a doubt helped in his treatment. However, some antibiotics which are broad spectrum (act on a wide range of disease causing bacteria), not only kill off bad bacteria but also the good. This good bacteria helps our bodies in a number of bodily functions, especially with digestion.
2. Immunizations
I know I know - this is a touchy one. However as a nurse - as a public health professional - as community advocate, I would be remiss if I did not give it to you straight.
Point blank - Vaccinate your children so they can grow up period ! So they can grow up healthy. Do this, so other little children who come in contact with them - can grow up too. There are a number of preventable illnesses, and diseases that can be avoided - vaccinate. Do not unnecessarily put children at risk for being careless and irresponsible. Most children are covered for free vaccinations - take advantage of these programs.
Also Parents please get your flu shots as well- vaccinate the entire family. Avoid giving your little ones your adult germs.
3. Classroom Supplies
Your child's teacher has sent home the long awaited, ever ending, school supply list. So exciting ! Consider not only purchasing the supplies requested fo your individual child, but also the "wish list" of the entire class.
Why is this important ?
When your child comes home sick - where do you think he/she got it from? Their best buddy at school - yep. Or someone that they may not be "friends" with but they occupy the same classroom (read: Petri dish). Especially our early childhood students. They hold hands to walk in the hallway, hug, cough and sneeze. All of these are perfect examples of how germs spread.
So as you are re-enforcing good hand hygiene habits at home - and covering coughs/sneezes - wiping down work stations. Taking these considerations up a notch, helps ultimately to protect your child too.
So if your teacher also ask for wholesale size of tissues or sanitizer, if you can, donate to the classroom. You will thank me later- Trust.
4. Meet the School Nurse
When turning in your child's school health forms, be sure to check out the nurse suite. Even if your child does not have any underlying health issues or concerns, it doesn't hurt to just pop in to introduce yourself to the school nurse. It is always good to lay eyes on the facility and the assigned health professionals, who will be taking care of your child in the event they are not well. It may help to ease your mind, that he is in good hands if you get that dreaded call that your little one is not well at school.
However, if your child does have an underlying health condition you will definitely want to complete all health forms and turn in any medications needed. Be sure that the medications are up to date with dosing, refills, and not nearing expiration. Ensure that the nurse has your direct contact number and the number of the provider, who is prescribing the medications.
Ask about the protocol/guidelines for a sick child - what constitutes a call to the parents - what constitutes an escalation of care (child needs to see their pediatrician or evaluation at the Emergency Room).
5. Create a contingency plan
Know that germs spread quickly and easily. If you have followed these tips and maybe even added in a few of your own - your child can still get sick. Seek the recommendations from your healthcare provider, but also keep a few items in your arsenal at home.
A few good items that I suggest:
- Tylenol
- Thermometer
- Ice pack - Nose frida (removes loose secretions) find it here
So here's to more days in the classroom learning, and less days at home sick. If you can think of any other important tips - comment below.
Do Take Care.
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