Health Office News

Season’s Greetings from the WRHS Health Center (December 2015)

Hopefully your family will have an illness - free Winter ahead. There are many things you can do to promote the health and wellness of your family members. Here are a few:

• ·        Get plenty of sleep: teenagers typically need about 9 hours a night. 
•       Turning off all electronics (with screens) at least an hour before bedtime helps the mind relax and promotes sleep. 
•       Listening to relaxing music or reading can be beneficial.
• ·        Break the night time fast with a nutritious snack or meal. 
•       Eating and drinking something healthful in the AM helps jump start the daytime workings of our body and brain. 
•       Skipping breakfast predisposes teens to developing headaches, stomach aches and poor concentration.
• ·        Eat meals high in fruits and vegetables:  these foods have lots of vitamins and minerals that help maintain a healthy body and fiber that promotes digestion.
• ·        Exercise regularly: For those students who are not on one of the sports teams or otherwise exercising regularly getting enough exercise can be a challenge. It isn’t necessary to join a gym but many folks find participating in yoga,dance  or martial arts class can a fun way to exercise. Walking or jogging are almost always available to us, especially with our lack of cold and snow so far this season and more fun with a dog and or a friend along.

      It isn’t too late to get a flu shot! The flu shot is supposed to be more effective this year. For being so close to the Holiday break, I have seen very little ‘flu’ at school. (highlights include sudden onset of fever, chills, body ache, headache, sore throat, cough). If your family member develops these symptoms, seek medical attention. Starting on prescription antiviral medication can reduce the duration and severity of the illness.  Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.

·        

      WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly and regularly with warm water and soap.

·        

      Change your toothbrush:  this should be done at least every 3 months and as a toothbrush can harbor germs, it is advisable to get a new a new one if you have been diagnosed with an illness such as Strep Throat.

Sincerely,

Phoebe Bushway RN MS NCSN 

WRHS School Nurse