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February is 
National Heart Health Month

School Nurses Promote Heart Health in Schools

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February is National Heart Health month. Across the country, nurses are promoting ways to prevent cardiovascular disease which happens to be the leading cause of death in the United States. What do school nurses do to prevent cardiovascular disease? The answers are vital to school health!  

School nurses provide education to students regarding nutrition, which is a key factor in preventing cardiovascular disease. Personally, I have shown my students how much fat is in the typical foods they eat, and they are always surprised to learn of how much fat is in a regular hamburger prepared at home compared to a fast-food hamburger. Another important education piece is explaining the dangers of energy drinks. There are labels right on the can explaining that these products are not to be used in children under the age of 18. Why? The level of caffeine is dangerous for a young person’s heart.  

Another aspect of promoting heart health is by equipping schools with automatic external defibrillators in case of an emergency cardiac event. School nurses take the lead on this by educating staff, monitoring the AEDs, and creating cardiac readiness plans for the school district. Along with this, students and staff are taught lifesaving hands only CPR. School nurses also develop care plans for students with cardiovascular histories to ensure they are safe in school.  

Monitoring blood pressure is another way to prevent cardiovascular disease. School nurses are not just for students, but staff also. Staff have access to blood pressure checks at their place of work, making it easier to monitor their condition.

 

Thank you to school nurses for promoting National Heart Month in February! 

Stay Healthy: Simple Strategies to Avoid Norovirus 

Avoiding Norovirus, which is highly contagious and can spread rapidly, requires a combination of preventive measures. Here are effective ways to reduce your risk of infection:

Wash Your Hands Properly & Often

  • Frequent handwashing is one of the most important ways to protect yourself. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:

    • After using the bathroom

    • Before eating or preparing food

    • After caring for someone who is sick

    • After handling trash or cleaning up vomit/diarrhea

  • Hand sanitizers are not effective against Norovirus compared to soap and water, but they can still be helpful when handwashing is not possible.

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Clean and Disinfect Surfaces Regularly

  • Disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, countertops, light switches, phones, and bathroom surfaces frequently, especially if someone in your household is sick.

  • Use a disinfectant with Bleach/Hydrogen Peroxide/Hypochlorous Acid : Norovirus is resistant to many disinfectants (Lysol & Clorox Wipes), but a bleach-based/Hydrogen Peroxide/Hypochlorous Acid cleaner are effective at killing the virus.

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Avoid Close Contact with Sick People

  • Try to distance from sick individuals: Norovirus spreads easily through close contact with infected people. If someone is showing symptoms of Norovirus (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps), try to avoid close contact with them. If this is not possible, wearing a mask can also be helpful.

  • Don’t share personal items like towels, dishes, and utensils. Wash them thoroughly if they are shared.

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Practice Good Food Hygiene

  • Wash produce: Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking to remove any potential contaminants.

  • Cook seafood thoroughly: Norovirus is commonly spread through contaminated shellfish, so make sure to cook seafood properly (e.g., oysters, clams, mussels).

  • Avoid eating food prepared by someone who is sick: If someone handling food is sick, there’s a higher chance of contamination. Similarly, if you are feeling unwell, avoid preparing food for others.

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Stay Home When You’re Sick

  • Isolate yourself: If you or someone in your household has symptoms of Norovirus, stay home to avoid infecting others.

  • Stay home for at least 48 hours after the symptoms have gone away. People can still spread Norovirus even after they feel better through stool, potentially up to 2 weeks after symptoms present.

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Be Cautious in Shared Spaces

  • Public transportation, gyms, and schools can be hotspots for the virus. If an outbreak occurs, take extra precautions like frequent hand washing with soap an d water and wearing a mask.

  • Ventilate spaces: If someone is sick in your home or workplace, ensure proper ventilation to reduce the concentration of airborne particles.

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Proper Waste Disposal

  • Clean up vomit or diarrhea immediately: If someone vomits or has diarrhea, clean the area immediately with a proper disinfectant. Wear gloves and use paper towels or disposable wipes to clean up the area.

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Boost Your Immune System

  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and immune-boosting nutrients (like Vitamin C and Zinc).

  • Stay hydrated and get enough sleep to support your body’s ability to fight off infections.

By consistently following these strategies, as well as staying informed about outbreaks, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting Norovirus. The key is maintaining good hygiene, avoiding contamination, and isolating yourself when sick to prevent spreading the virus.

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