You're In Good Hands

The beginning of Term 4 has been  buzzing with excitement. Sick Bay has certainly been hectic, with scratchy heads, red irritated eyes, runny noses, headaches, sunburn, and vomiting.

With so many activities, excursions, camps, and celebrations being organised for this term, it would be a shame for a student to miss out because of something that is preventable.  So how can you set your child up for a successful term?

The answer: Adopting a few preventative measures into your weekly/daily routine. For example

1.      Check for head lice. (It takes less time than buying a coffee) – yes they are back, warm weather, sweaty heads, shared hats, long untamed hair and unchecked heads all contribute to this hideous issue. Just a quick check could mean the difference between having a good day or a bad day.

Gross Fact: Students that do not have a hat, have been known to seek out hats from lost property.

Check out this YouTube link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hybe7quFRVU

2.      Hay Fever.  The best preventative approach is to start the Hay Fever suppression routine every morning during breakfast. A quick tablet/liquid/squirt up the nose of an antihistamine will ensure that your child is bright eyed and ready to learn before coming to school. The chemist will have the best antihistamine medication for your child’s signs and symptoms and if your child has Hay Fever, please fill in the Hay Fever Action Plan.

https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pc/ASCIA_Treatment_Plan_Allergic_Rhinitis_2023.pdf

3.      Sun Protection: As we all know extended periods of exposure to the sun can lead to

·        Sunburn which is extremely painful and can last for days,

·        dehydration that can be dangerous if not managed and

·        life altering consequences.

The current Cancer Council campaign highly recommends the following

Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30+ sunscreen.

Slap on a hat which is broad-brimmed or legionnaire-style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.

Seek some shade.

Slide on some sunglasses, making sure they meet Australian Standards.

Whilst the school strongly endorses the “no hat, no play ‘ rule, there are additional basic, no fuss measures that can be taken to protect your child’s skin. As part of the morning routine.

b.      Apply sunscreen

c.      Check that the hat is on the head (this way it cannot be forgotten)

d.      Throw in some sun glasses for the end of day walk home and

e.      Encourage your child/ren to walk/play in the shade

f.       Check that the water bottle is in the bag and full.

4.      Water bottles: I cannot emphasis enough the importance of water. Especially as the days get hotter. Being well hydrated reduces the incidents of headaches, stomach cramps, nausea/vomiting and being sent home… Need I say more?

Jenny Klein

School Nurse