Health Centre Update
We hope everyone has had a great start to Term 4!
It's Time for Sun Protection!
Headaches are a common complaint of many students that attend the Health Centre. Frequently, dehydration is the cause. We remind all students to bring their own water bottle to school, to ensure they remain hydrated. This is particularly important on warmer days!
It is also necessary to apply sunscreen prior to heading outside on high UV days. It can be a useful reminder to leave a bottle of sunscreen in your bag or locker, to ensure you can re apply during the school day. The Royal Children’s Hospital advises if the UV index is 3 (moderate) or higher, make sure your skin is protected.
Additionally, school hats are available for purchase from the Uniform Shop for extra sun protection.
Thunderstorm Asthma
Thunderstorm Asthma is a form of asthma that coincides with the peak grass pollen season and a certain type of thunderstorm. These events are more likely to occur from 1 Oct to 31 Dec.
We all recall the devastating Thunderstorm Asthma phenomenon that occurred in Victoria on the evening of Monday 21 November 2016, and led to thousands of people developing breathing difficulties in a very short period.
In the 30 hours from 6pm on 21 November, there was a 672 per cent increase in respiratory-related presentations to Melbourne and Geelong public hospitals (3,365 more presentations than expected based on the three-year average). Tragically, the event also led to 10 deaths, which have been investigated by the State Coroner.
Those at increased risk of Thunderstorm Asthma are:
- People with asthma
- People with a history of asthma
- Those with undiagnosed asthma (i.e., people who have occasional asthma symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed with asthma)
- People with seasonal hay fever (who may or may not have asthma)
It is difficult to predict a Thunderstorm Asthma event. However, there are a few things you can do to be prepared:
- Have an up-to-date asthma action plan, and ready access to prescribed reliever medication. All asthma action plans should be updated annually. Please see us in the Health Centre if you require a new asthma action plan to be completed by your doctor.
- Be aware of thunderstorm forecasts, particularly on high or extreme pollen count days.
Farewell Year 12 Students - Please collect Medical Supplies
If any year 12 students have allergy packs or medications kept in the Health Centre, please remember to collect before Friday 16 December. We wish all the current year 12 students all the best for their upcoming exams and future!!
RAT Supplies
Finally, if any families need further RAT tests, please collect from the General Office and, as always, thank you for staying home when you are unwell!
Melissa and Eva
Wantirna College Health Team
Ph: 9881 7125 health@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au