As the warm weather is here there are a few things to keep in mind while enjoying the outdoors...

Prevention of Heat-Related Illness May 2012 Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to cool down properly, especially in high temperatures and high humidity. People at greatest risk for heat-related illness are the elderly, the very young, people with acute/chronic illness, those with cognitive impairments, and people taking certain medications. Agencies should activate heat-related plans of action when external temperatures reach 80°, and continue with implementation as temperatures rise. Taking Precautions: • Be aware of the heat, and modify or reschedule outdoor activities accordingly. • Stay in air conditioned areas whenever possible and stay in the shade when outdoors. • Drink plenty of fluids, limit caffeine, and eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. • Wear loose fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. • When indoors, use window coverings to help keep the inside areas cool. • Be aware that fans do not provide cooling—they only move hot air around. Types of Heat-Related Illnesses:
Heat Exhaustion– a milder form of heat-related illness. Signs and symptoms include: • Heavy sweating, paleness, skin may feel cool. • Muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness. • Dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea or vomiting. • Pulse rate may be fast and weak, and breathing may be fast and shallow. Heat Stroke– this is a medical emergency. When a person’s body temperature rises to a dangerous level, it can lead to vital organ damage and death. Signs and symptoms include: • An extremely high body temperature (above 103 °F). • Red, hot, dry skin, and absence of sweating. • Rapid, strong pulse rate, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. Immediate Steps to Take: • If heat stroke is suspected or a person is exhibiting extreme symptoms of heat exhaustion—contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS) immediately. • Get the person to a cool, shady area, and attempt to cool them down with cool water applied to the skin. Monitor body temperature, if possible. • Give fluids if person is alert and able to swallow. •
Training Seek medical follow-up for milder heat-related illness as soon as possible.

Health Guidance for Cold Weather

Purpose: Serious health problems can result from prolonged exposure to the cold. Children/Consumers and elderly are at the greatest risk for developing cold related injuries. The following guidelines are designed to insure the safety of the children/consumers in the event of extreme cold weather.

Background: Children have a relatively greater body surface area that contributes to greater heat loss. 50%-60% of the body's heat loss can take place through the head and hands. Hypothermia is present when the core body temperature rails below 93F. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering or cessation of shivering, euphoria and acting intoxicated. Some diseases or conditions including seizure disorders and sickle cell anemia are associated with impaired thermoregulation. Some medications may also affect the body's ability to tolerate cold temperatures. Wind-chill factor is a calculation of temperature and wind velocity. This is the temperature your skin feels and is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold.

Safety: Protection from cold is consistent with the amount and type of clothing a child wears. Students frequently do not take care to dress warmly enough to provide adequate protection. It is not unusual to see students/consumers without hats and gloves and the coat unbuttoned/zipped. Because of this all staff must exercise extra caution and lean toward the side of safety for all children/consumers.   In cold weather boots, hat, gloves and winter weight jacket is appropriate for all children/consumers.

As the new school year approaches and the students get ready to return, so does the risk of illness.  Here are a few facts that you should know to help reduce absenteeism and to keep our children safe.

• Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes to 2 hours on surfaces like doorknobs, desks and tables.
• The main way to spread cold and flu-like illness is through airborne transmission - Sneeze/cough into the crook of your arm or a kleenex (dispose of properly and wash hands).
• Hands should be washed for 15-20 seconds. About as long as it would take to sing Happy Birthday twice.

 

      WHEN TO KEEP A CHILD HOME             

Sometimes it can be difficult for a parent to decide whether to send children to school. Here are some situations in which it is best to plan on keeping your child home for a day to rest or to arrange for an appointment with your health care provider. 

• Persistent fever greater than 100 orally, including a fever that requires control with medication, like Tylenol until fever free without medication for 24 hours
• Persistent cough that makes a child feel uncomfortable or disrupts the class
• Sore throat that is accompanied by fever and/or feeling ill or after known exposure to a confirmed case of Strep throat infection
• A rash/lesion accompanied by fever.
• Severe ear pain or drainage from the ear
• Any condition that you think may be serious or contagious to others.
• Head lice - until they are treated.
• Pink eye - until on the antibiotic eye medication for 24 hours.
• Strep throat – until treated with antibiotic for 48 hours.
• Influenza – (Cough, fever, body aches) until symptoms go away.
• “Stomach flu” – (Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) until no symptoms for 24 hours.
• If the student has been diagnosed with an infection (remain home for 48 hours after first dose of antibiotic).
• Vomiting (more than 1 episode).
• Diarrhea (more than 1 episode).
• Chest pains.
• Severe pain which prevents the student from performing routine activities.
• Change in mental state (such as but not limited to: drowsiness, difficulty talking, confusion, disorientation).
• Recent head injury (including falling with seizure and hitting head).

If you keep your child home from school, please call the school nurse in advance of the start of the school day and leave a message that your child will be absent.