Dear Parent/Guardian,
The health and wellness of our children are a national priority. In Chichester School District, we address our children’s health and wellness needs with a comprehensive approach that includes health screenings, physical activity programs, nutrition and education. This year, as the result of a state mandate, the Growth Screening Program becomes part of our efforts. All children enrolled in Pennsylvania schools will have their height and weight measured, and then used to calculate their body mass index (BMI). BMI is a screening tool used to determine whether a child is overweight or underweight. Your child’s BMI is based on the ratio of height to weight. BMI is reported as a percentile ranking based on their age and gender. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) created the percentile ranges to identify children who may be at risk for specific health problems. Children with high BMI are at increased risk for serious health conditions such as insulin resistance (which could lead to type two diabetes) and heart disease. Like all screening tools, BMI can produce some false positives or negatives. For example, a student may have an artificially high BMI due to a high level of lean body tissue or muscle, as may be found in a well conditioned athlete. That is why it is so important to follow up with your doctor if your child’s BMI is high or low. Tour child’s BMI is strictly confidential and will not be discussed with any one other than you and your child. Please share your child’s BMI information with your child’s health care provider. Your child ’ s doctor or nurse is in the best position to evaluate your Child ’ s overall health Feel free to call your child ’ s school nurse with any questions you have about the screening process As a partner in supporting the health and well-being of your child, Boothwyn School working to improve nutrition and physical activity. Your help and any suggestions you may have to improve our program is greatly appreciated
Sincerely,
Mrs. D. Markette R. N.
School Nurse
From the CDC
Vaccination is NOT the Only Way to Help Prevent the Flu!
You can still protect yourself from the flu even if you are not included in a priority group for the flu season this year, or if no vaccines are available . These simple actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect you from getting sick.
- Avoid close contact - Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.
- Keep your children home when they are sick - You will prevent others from catching your illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose - Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Clean your hands - Washing your hands often will protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth - Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
Other good habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, drinking water and eating good food, will help you stay healthy in the winter and all year.
12 Tips to Prevent Colds and Flu the "Natural" Way
Since there are no known cures for colds and flu, prevention must be your goal. A proactive approach to warding off colds and flu is apt to make your whole life healthier. The most effective way to prevent flu, frankly, is to get the flu shot. That may not be natural, but it works better than anything else. But there are strategies you can employ as well. WebMD went to Charles B. Inlander, president of The People's Medical Society, for suggestions you may want to try:
- Wash your hands.
- Don't cover your sneezes and coughs with your hands use a tissue.
- Don't touch your face (germs enter through the eyes, nose and mouth).
- Drink Plenty of fluids.
- Take a Sauna ( the temperature is too high for the germs to survive)..
- Get fresh air.
- Do aerobic exercise regularly.
- Eat foods containing Phytochemicals (dark green, red or yellow vegetables and fruit).
- Eat yogurt ( bacteria in yogurt can stimulate the immune system and fight disease).
- Don't smoke.
- Cut alcohol consumption.
- Relax, when you do your interleukins-leaders in the immune system response against colds and flu viruses-increase in your blood stream.
For further information check the WebMD web site.