Concussions in High School Sports - Fact Sheet for Parents
Concussions can happen to any athlete — male or female — in any sport. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury, caused by a blow or jolt to the head that can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. We invite parents to learn more by clicking on the fact sheet link below.
Learn more about concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
Head Lice Information
Head lice are often a fact of life for school-aged children. While inconvenient, head lice cause no medical harm and can be effectively treated. A revised clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “Head Lice,” published in the August print issue of Pediatrics (published online July 26), clarifies and updates protocols for diagnosis and treatment, and provides guidance for the management of children with head lice in the school setting. Head lice are not a health hazard or a sign of poor hygiene and, in contrast to body lice, are not responsible for the spread of any disease. No healthy child should be excluded from or miss school because of head lice, and no-nit policies for return to school should be abandoned. Informed school nurses can help with diagnosis and suggestions about treatment. Because head lice are usually transmitted by head-to-head contact, parents should carefully check a child’s head before and after attending a sleepover or camp where children share sleeping quarters. There are many ways to treat active infestations, but not all products and techniques have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. One percent permethrin lotion is recommended as initial treatment for most head lice infestations with a second application 7¬10 days after the first. Parents and caregivers should make sure that any treatment chosen is safe; preferred treatments would be those which are easy to use, reasonably priced, and proven to be non¬toxic. All products must be used exactly according to manufacturer’s instructions. Your pediatrician can help with diagnosis, treatment choices and management of difficult cases.
Bed Bugs Information
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that bite but do not transmit disease. It is unlikely for bed bugs to become established in a school—they are more typically found in homes or places where people sleep, as they are most active at night when they feed. However, they can be brought into a school on clothing or in personal belongings.
Bed Bug Response Flowchart
District Procedure On Bed Bugs
Response To Bed Bugs In Schools (National Pest Management Association)
The Cold You Prevent May Be Your Own.
During the winter months we have a higher number of students staying home ill with the common cold, flu, strep throat or other respiratory illness. Too often, however, very ill students come to school and unwittingly expose their classmates and teachers to their illnesses. Exposure can occur by inhaling germs released during a sneeze or cough or by touching doorknobs, pencils, other items or other surfaces contaminated by the infected person and then by touching the eyes or nostrils, allowing the germs to enter the respiratory system. Sometimes exposure is inevitable. But we do have several ways to protect ourselves.
- Frequent handwashing, with soap and warm water, scrubbing for about 15 seconds is most important.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes and nose.
- Avoid people who are ill.
- Don't share food, beverages or eating utensils with someone who is ill.
- Keep your body in top form by eating right, getting enough rest and exercise, and by avoiding stress.
If you are ill you can avoid infecting to others.
- Stay home during the most severe phase of your illness and especially if you have a fever. Don't be a hero! You'll recover faster and your friends won't resent exposure to your germs.
- If your doctor prescribes medication, take it as directed. Take antibiotics until the prescription is gone.
- Sneeze or cough into your sleeve instead of your hand to prevent the spread of germs.
- Wash your hands every time you sneeze, cough or blow your nose in addition to those other times (see number 1, first section).
- Use paper tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs and dispose of them in a lined container.
More Student Health Information
