Health and Wellness

FOLLETO INFORMATIVO DE SALUD PARA PADRES

When students miss too many days of school, they fall behind and struggle to keep up with their classmates. Whether the days missed is due to illness, truancy or for any other reason, the end result for the student is the same—learning time is lost. Children and adolescents will get sick at times and may need to stay at home, but we want to work with you to help minimize the number of days your student misses school.

Missed Days Add Up Quickly!

• Just a few missed days a month adds up to several school weeks in a year.
• Both excused and unexcused absences can make it more difficult for your child to keep up with other students, especially in math and reading.
• Kindergarten and first grade are critical for your child. Missing school during these early years makes it more difficult for children to learn in later years and they often have trouble reading by the end of third grade.

Work with Your Child and Your School

• As the parent, be strong with your child and don’t let your child stay home when it is not necessary. This will help your child succeed.
• If your child has a chronic disease, please provide the school health clinic with medical information. The School Nurse will develop an Individualized Health Plan, based upon medical information.
• Be sure to provide the clinic with all supplies your child needs for management of their health condition.
• Keep an open line of communication with school staff and teachers. The more the school knows about your child’s health, the better prepared everyone will be to work together for your child.

Helpful Ideas:

• Make appointments with the doctor or dentist in the late afternoon so your child misses as little school as possible.
• If you child must miss school, make sure you get his or her homework assignments and follow up to see if the work is completed and turned in.
• Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell school staff why your child will be out and for how long.
• Be prepared to get a doctor’s note when requested by school personnel.
• If you need medical advice after business hours, most doctors’ offices have answering services 24 hours a day to assist you.
• If your child has an emergency, call 911.

General Foot Hygiene

1. Bathe feet every night with warm water and soap. Rinse well and dry carefully, especially between the toes. Then powder with foot or body powder.
2. Wear clean socks every day. Alternate pairs of shoes each day, if possible, so that each pair has 24 hours to dry.
3. Canvas and rubber shoes tend to aggravate athletes foot.

Athletes Foot

If there is a break in the skin or peeling occurs, and you are told you have athletes foot, you should see your doctor, or there are several good medications available in drug stores (e.g., Desenex Foot Powder), that do not need a prescription. Follow instructions as directed.

Usual procedure for treating athletes foot is:

 A.M. Care

1. Wash feet with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.
2. Powder the feet, being sure all areas, especially between the toes, are dusted well.
3. Clean socks.

P.M. Care

1. Wash feet with soap and water.
2. Dry thoroughly.
3. Apply medication to all sore areas.
4. Powder inside of shoes, tipping from side to side to distribute powder

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are caused by a virus infection and thus can spread from person to person. This germ is no different than the common warts on fingers. Because of the greater thickness of skin on the sole of the feet, the warts are more painful and also more resistant to treatment. If over-the-counter measures are ineffective, you should consult your doctor regarding treatment. If your child has athletes foot or plantar warts, a gym excuse will be given to him/her excluding the student from swimming or showers until feet are clear. The excuses may be given for one week to 10 days, depending on the severity of the case. When the excuse expires, the student should report to the nurse for a re-check. If the condition is healed, a permit will be given to resume physical education activities. If the condition is still present, a note will be sent to the parent suggesting further treatment.

Bed bugs are becoming a common problem, however they are not known to spread disease. The home of any person can be infested by bed bugs, regardless gender, race, or economic status. If a suspected bed bug is found on a student, the following protocol will be followed:

• The student will not be sent home. The guardian will be notified.
• The student will be temporarily removed from the classroom. An inspection of clothing and belongings will be done in a confidential and private area.
• The bug will be sent to a pest management company. If positive identification is made, appropriate remediation action will be taken.

See Bed Bug Protocol

Lice can be found on anyone of any age, race, gender or socioeconomic class. Having head lice is not an indication of insufficient hygiene or poor living conditions. All schools are screened on an as-needed basis.

If lice is identified on a student, non-prescriptive head lice shampoo is available at a low cost through the Health and Wellness office, TPS Enrollment Center, Room 230.

See Head Lice Policy

The most prevalent health problems associated with low academic achievement in students is lack of sleep and exercise. Most children need at least nine hours of restful sleep each night. Physical activity has been proven to help children develop social skills, improve mental health, avoid obesity, and inhibit risk-taking behaviors. 

• Remind your children to wash their hands often.
• Reinforce the practice of coughing and sneezing into a sleeve or upper arm instead of hands.
• Throw away tissues immediately after each use and immediately wash hands.
• Remind your children not to drink or eat after others, including family members.
• Circulate fresh air through the house at least once a day.
• Provide your children with a balanced diet.
• Keep bed times regular. School aged children need 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
• Encourage at least 60 minutes of daily exercise and daily trips out of doors.
• Encourage your children to dress appropriately for the weather. Layering clothing so they may remove and add as their activity level warrants.
• Take your child to the doctor if the symptoms persist.
• If you use over the counter medications-use those that are specific for your child’s symptoms. NEVER give children aspirin, adult medications, someone else’s medication or medication left over or outdated.
• Increase fluid intake (juices and water).
• Allow your child to rest and fully recover before sending him/her back to school.