Spring Into Health:
Tips from Your School Nurse
Spring is here, and with it comes a fresh start – flowers blooming, the sun shining, and the promise of warmer days ahead. However, this season also brings some unique health challenges. As a school nurse, you're able to share some helpful tips to keep everyone feeling their best as everyone enjoys the beauty of spring.
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1. Allergy Awareness:
Spring is notorious for seasonal allergies, with pollen counts on the rise. Sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose are all common symptoms. Here are some ways to manage those springtime allergies:
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Avoid peak pollen times: Pollen levels are highest in the morning, so try to limit outdoor activities during those hours.
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Wash up after outdoor play: When you come inside, wash your hands and face, and change your clothes to avoid spreading pollen indoors.
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Talk to your doctor: If your allergies are bothering you, it may be time to discuss medication or other treatments with your healthcare provider.
2. Stay Hydrated:
As the weather warms up, it's important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and dizziness – none of which are fun during the school day! Carrying a water bottle is a great way to remind yourself to drink throughout the day.
3. Sun Safety:
With more time spent outside in the sun, protecting your skin is essential. Here are a few tips to stay safe in the sun:
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Wear sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outside, and reapply every couple of hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
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Wear a hat and sunglasses: Protect your face and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
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Seek shade: Take breaks under trees or in shaded areas to avoid prolonged sun exposure.
4. Spring Sports and Physical Activity:
Spring means it’s time for outdoor sports and physical activities, which are great for your health. But with that, comes the potential for injuries. Here’s how you can stay safe:
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Warm-up and stretch: Always warm up before engaging in any physical activity to prevent injuries.
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Use proper gear: Whether it's soccer shoes, shin guards, or a helmet, the right equipment can make a big difference in preventing injuries.
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Listen to your body: If you feel pain or discomfort, don’t push through it. Rest and, if necessary, see a healthcare professional.
5. Keep Those Hands Clean:
Spring is also the season for colds and flu, and with more time spent in the classroom, it’s important to remember basic hygiene:
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Wash your hands regularly with soap and water: Especially before meals, after using the restroom, and after playing outside.
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Use hand sanitizer: If soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer is a great backup.
6. Healthy Eating for a Happy Spring:
Spring is a wonderful time to take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating a healthy diet helps to boost your immune system and keep your energy up. Try adding seasonal foods like strawberries, asparagus, and leafy greens to your meals for a nutritious boost.
7. Mental Health Check-In:
Spring can also be a time of new beginnings, which can sometimes bring feelings of stress or anxiety. It's important to take care of your mental health as well. Here are a few tips:
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Take time to relax: Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or simply enjoying the sunshine, make time for activities that help you unwind.
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Talk about your feelings: If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to talk to someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, coworker or therapist/provider.
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As we spring forward into the season, let’s take steps to stay healthy and happy. Remember to stay hydrated, protect your skin, wash your hands, and take care of both your body and mind.
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Wishing you all a happy and healthy spring!

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
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Frequent handwashing is one of the most important ways to protect yourself. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
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After using the bathroom
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Before eating or preparing food
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After caring for someone who is sick
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After handling trash or cleaning up vomit/diarrhea
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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
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Disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, countertops, light switches, phones, and bathroom surfaces frequently, especially if someone in your household is sick.
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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
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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.
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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
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Wash produce: Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking to remove any potential contaminants.
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Cook seafood thoroughly: Norovirus is commonly spread through contaminated shellfish, so make sure to cook seafood properly (e.g., oysters, clams, mussels).
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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.

Stay Home When You’re Sick
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Isolate yourself: If you or someone in your household has symptoms of Norovirus, stay home to avoid infecting others.
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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.

Be Cautious in Shared Spaces
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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.
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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
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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
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Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and immune-boosting nutrients (like Vitamin C and Zinc).
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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.